The Scarsdale Collection, Part Four - Washington-Franklin Issues continued...

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT ON BLUISH PAPER. THIS CONDITION RARITY HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE.

As the description for lot 42 states, the Bluish paper stamps were made as part of an experiment to correct problems with paper shrinkage and spoilage. The existence of this stamp with such superb centering and huge margins is truly remarkable.

With 2001 and 2002 P.F. certificates (the former as block of four). With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo, unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $5,500.00 as 98). This is the only example to achieve this exalted grade. (Image)

VERY FINE AND CHOICE. A SCARCE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT ON BLUISH.

It is worth noting that this is only the third Mint N.H. example of this issue we have offered since keeping computerized records. It is also the only example to be graded as Mint N.H. by P.S.E.

With 1970 and 1998 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (VF 80, SMQ $4,350.00). In our opinion SMQ is far too low considering its rarity. (Image)

VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT ON BLUISH PAPER. THIS IS THE FIRST MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THIS RARITY WE HAVE OFFERED SINCE KEEPING COMPUTERIZED RECORDS.

During the early stages of production of the 1908-09 Washington-Franklin stamps, the Bureau tried to solve the problem of paper shrinkage that caused off-center perforations and resulted in a large number of unusable sheets. Armstrong notes that up to twenty percent of sheets had to be discarded. The first such experiments resulted in the Bluish Paper stamps (Scott 357-366). Rag cloth was added to the wood pulp mixture, but this did not have the desired effect and the experiment was discontinued.

According to Johl (Vol. 1, page 175), the only source of the 4c and 8c Bluish stamps was the archives of the Post Office Department. Approximately 80 of each were traded for rare stamps missing from the archives. Given the failed experimental nature of the paper mixture, it is no surprise that virtually all copies are off-center to some extent.

With 1998 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (F-VF 75, SMQ $23,000.00 as 70, $43,000.00 as 75). This is the highest grade awarded by P.S.E. to any 4c Bluish Paper and the only Mint N.H. copy certified so far. Given this stamp's rarity in Mint N.H. condition we feel that both Scott Catalogue and SMQ pricing are too low. (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT BLUISH PAPER. A STAMP OF REMARKABLE BEAUTY.

The 5c is the rarest of the regularly-issued Bluish Paper set, and it is usually found off center.

With 1999 P.F. certificate (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT ON BLUISH PAPER. SCARCE IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION.

As an indication of rarity, we have only offered seven Mint N.H. examples since keeping computerized records, which extend over approximately 13 years of our auctions -- one of which had a small fault.

With 1985 and 1996 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90, SMQ $8,750.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date, and is one of only two graded in Mint N.H. condition. (Image)

VERY FINE AND CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 8-CENT WASHINGTON ON BLUISH PAPER. RARE IN SUCH WONDERFUL CONDITION.

According to Johl (Vol. 1, page 175), the only source of the 4c and 8c Bluish stamps was the archives of the Post Office Department. Approximately 80 of each were traded for rare stamps missing from the archives. Our Levi records show perhaps three Mint N.H. examples, all of which are off center.

With 1969 and 1999 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85, SMQ $34,300.00). Only one has graded higher to date. (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT ON BLUISH PAPER.

With 1984 and 1999 P.F. and 1999 and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85, SMQ $2,250.00). None have been graded to date in Mint N.H. condition and we have only offered two such stamps in the past 13 years. Collectors are strongly advised to consider acquiring this stamp in hinged condition, or risk never owning one. (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL LIGHTLY- HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 13-CENT ON BLUISH.

With 1995 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90, SMQ $4,400.00). Only two have graded higher to date. Only one has been graded in Mint N.H. condition (Fine 70), and we have only offered four as such in the past 13 years. (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT ON BLUISH PAPER. SCARCE IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION.

With 1996 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90, SMQ $8,750.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date and only one other shares this grade. (Image)