Sale 1315 — The Eugene L. Grace Collection of United States and Confederate States Stamps and Covers
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 12-14 March, 2024
Category — Confederate States
Baton Rouge La., 5c Green & Carmine, Maltese Cross Border (11X2). Position 5 (Calhoun Type C), large to huge margins including top right corner sheet margins and part of adjoining stamp at left, bright colors, light but readable strike of Baton Rouge circular datestamp, small paper rift ending in a tiny tear at upper left of little consequence, Extremely Fine appearance, this corner-margin copy is significant, as it shows the wide dimensions of the printed background border in the sheet margin, ex Caspary, Paris dealer's purple handstamp at upper right, with 2012 P.F. certificate
Baton Rouge La., 5c Green & Carmine (11X2). Position 3 (Calhoun Type A), ample to large margins, tied by "Baton Rouge La. Nov. 7, 1861" circular datestamp on small piece, Very Fine and choice, with 1998 P.F. certificate
Memphis Tenn., 2c Blue (56X1). Three items, first is top right corner margin strip of four, Positions 5/10/15/20 and each showing cracked plate variety, unused (no gum), few light creases and minor edge nicks (easily trimmed), otherwise Very Fine and striking example of this plate damage, with 1989 P.S.E. certificate, also includes vertical strip of three in a light Blue shade, center stamp plate crack, that stamp light crease, appears Very Fine, with 2012 P.F. certificate, finally single, Position 20 showing cracked plate, original gum, dark shade, light diagonal crease and some pencil on back shows thru, appears Very Fine, with 2012 P.F. certificate
Petersburg Va., 5c Red (65X1). Position 7, large margins to touched at left, tied by blue "Petersburg Va. 5cts. Oct. 6" (1861) integral-rate circular datestamp on large piece of cover to Va. town, fresh and Very Fine
Petersburg Va., 5c Red (65X1). Position 6 with missing comma after "Petersburg", large margins including part of adjoining stamp at top, rich color, neat blue "Petersburg Va. Jan. 14" circular datestamp, small corner crease at bottom right, Extremely Fine appearance, ex Powell, with 2019 P.S.E. certificate (F-VF 75; unpriced in SMQ)
Confederate Postmasters' Provisionals Balance. Five used stamps, including Nos. 56X2 (A.P.S. certificate), 58X2 on piece, 62X3, 62X4 (two, both on piece), fresh and Very Fine group, the last four with P.F. certificates
5c Green, Stone 1-2 (1). Original gum, lightly hinged, full to huge margins including right sheet margin, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2004 P.F. certificate
10c Blue, Paterson (2). Original gum, lightly hinged, huge even margins all around, bright shade, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp, with 2007 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
10c Dark Blue, Hoyer & Ludwig (2b). Bright shade, large even margins, circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1991 P.F. certificate
2c Green (3). Original gum, barely hinged if at all, vivid color, large margins including portion of adjoining stamp at left, Extremely Fine, with 1989 P.F. certificate for a block of four
2c Green (3). Horizontal pair, large to ample margins all around, neat pen cancels, tiny thin entirely in right margin, Very Fine appearance, 1999 P.S.E. certificate no longer accompanies, with 2005 (clear) and 2013 C.S.A. certificates, the latter stating light stain on reverse of left stamp but not mentioning any margin thin, certificate also states the pen cancel is consistent with that used at Oxford N.C., Scott value as singles
5c Blue, Stone 2 (4). Mint N.H., large margins and bright shade, Extremely Fine, outstanding quality, with 2009 P.F. certificate (VF-XF 85), Scott value as hinged
5c Blue, Stone 2 (4). Block of four, original gum, full to large margins all around, top left stamp tiny thin spot, some light creasing affecting all but the bottom right stamp, appears Extremely Fine
5c Blue, Stone 2 (4). Large to huge margins, fresh color on bright paper, neat circular datestamp, Extremely Fine, with 2006 P.F. certificate (XF 90)
10c Rose (5). Huge margins to ample at bottom left, bright color, tied to buff piece by "Jackson Miss. Sep. 27, 1862" circular datestamp, Very Fine and choice, with 1991 P.F. certificate
5c Light Blue, De La Rue (6). Block of 50 with top sheet margins, original gum with nearly all Mint N.H., some typical creasing and small selvage flaws, overall Very Fine, Scott value as blocks and pairs
5c Blue, Local Print on De La Rue Paper (7 var). Four Mint N.H. corner margin blocks of four, each with large margins on other sides with portions of adjoining stamps, Extremely Fine, Scott value as normal hinged blocks
5c Blue, Local Print on De La Rue Paper (7 var). Two cross-gutter multiples on London paper, original gum, first strip of four showing filled-in framelines and ink spot, second a block of four with filled-in framelines, Very Fine, nice items showing multiple varieties in one, block with 2005 C.S.A. certificate
5c Blue, Local Print on De La Rue Paper (7 var). Mint N.H. right sheet margin vertical pair, bottom stamp White Tie variety, some slight typical gum creases not mentioned on certificate, full even margins, Very Fine and choice, with 1993 P.F. certificate
5c Blue, Local, Printed on Both Sides (7b). Horizontal pair, reverse with clear impression showing all of one stamp, most of a second and part of a third, tied by blue "Lynchburg Va. Apr. 23" circular datestamp on cover to Petersburg Va., pair lifted to show the variety and hinged to cover
VERY FINE. THIS IS THE FINER OF ONLY TWO RECORDED ON-COVER pairs OF THE 5-CENT LOCAL PRINTED ON BOTH SIDES AND ONE OF ONLY APPROXIMATELY SIX PAIRS KNOWN IN TOTAL.
There are approximately a half-dozen used pairs known of the 5c Local Printed on Both Sides. This is the finer of only two recorded covers. The other cover is ex Brooks and Nunnelly and one of the stamps has faults (Sale 1043, lot 2208). This sound on-cover pair is a great rarity of Confederate States philately.
Ex Peters, Muzzy, Gallagher and Everett. With 2014 P.F. certificate
2c Brown Red (8). Mint N.H. bottom sheet margin block of eight, rich color, full margins to ample, few small toned specks in sheet margin and pencil notation on gum of pos. 7-8, Very Fine block, Scott value as two hinged blocks
2c Brown Red (8). Block of 20, original gum, some adherences on back from another sheet, bright color close to if not the Pale Red (8a), large margins to barely touched on one stamp at bottom, few small faults, Fine-Very Fine appearance, a scarce large multiple, Scott value as blocks of four and pairs
10c Blue, "TEN" (9). Unused (no gum), large even margins, beautiful fresh color, Extremely Fine, ex Laehder, with 2011 P.F. certificate (XF 90)
10c Blue, "TEN" (9). Large margins, brilliant color, blue town cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2005 P.F. certificate
10c Blue, Frameline (10). Complete frameline at right, mostly complete at top and bottom, rich color, tied by "Mobile Ala. Jul. 30 '63" double-circle datestamp on small piece, Very Fine, with 1982 P.F. certificate
10c Blue, Die A (11). Mint N.H., massive margins with portions of all adjoining stamps, fresh color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2013 and 2020 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100 Jumbo)
10c Greenish Blue, Die A (11c). Huge margins all around, blue Petersburg Va. circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2018 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
10c Blue, Die B (12). Mint N.H. bottom "Bank Note Engravers, Richmond Va." imprint and "No. 4" block of twelve, full to large margins other sides, deep rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, a very choice quality plate block
10c Deep Blue, Die B, Keatinge & Ball (12). Bottom imprint and plate no. 3 block of 12, original gum, not hinged but two small areas of slight disturbance may knock it out of the Mint N.H. category on a certificate, wonderful intense color, Very Fine and choice
10c Blue, Die A, B (11-12). Group of seven cross-gutter multiples, including five blocks of eight, one strip of eight and one pair, all but one of the blocks original gum and most stamps Mint N.H., dramatic range of shades, nice margins throughout, few typical creases but mostly fresh and Very Fine, Scott value as hinged exceeds $2,000
10c Deep Blue, Die B, Keatinge & Ball (12). Three multiples, first bottom right corner imprint and plate no. 3 block of 18, original gum, most stamps Mint N.H., just a couple hinged, rich color, crease between fourth and fifth vertical rows, bit of toning in bottom margin, still Very Fine, second Mint N.H. bottom imprint and plate no. 3 block of 14, creases including one ending in a tear to left of the imprint, otherwise Very Fine, third bottom imprint and plate no. 2 block of 15, Mint N.H. with typical brown gum, some slight toning, appears Very Fine
10c Blue, Die A, B (11-12). Balance of four bottom margin blocks in dramatically different shades, including one with "No. 2" only (no gum), one with "Archer" ("Daly" removed), two with "Keatinge & Ball" and plate nos. 2 and 3, the latter three original gum, couple small faults including "Archer" plate block with a toned spot, overall appear Very Fine
10c Greenish Blue, Die B (12c). Irregular block of five, large margins to just in at top of top stamp, Dalton Ga. circular datestamp cancels, Fine-Extremely Fine, with 2005 C.S.A. and 2018 P.F. certificates
20c Green (13). Mint N.H. horizontal pair, huge margins all around with large portions of adjoining stamps, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2018 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; unpriced in SMQ)
20c Green (13). Cross-gutter bottom margin block of eight, original gum, hinged at top, ample margins other sides, narrow thin at top, appears Very Fine, Scott value as two cross-gutter pairs and four singles
20c Green (13). Bottom imprint block of 18, usual dry original gum, large margins other sides, sealed tear in margin at bottom well below the imprint, some slight overall soiling, Very Fine appearing and attractive multiple, with 1989 P.F. certificate, Scott value as imprint block of eight and pairs
1c Orange (14). Top right corner margin block of four, stamps Mint N.H., hinged in sheet margins only, vivid color, Very Fine and choice, with 1996 P.F. certificate, Scott value as hinged block
1c Deep Orange (14a). Mint N.H. top left corner margin block of four, full margins other sides, Very Fine and choice, Scott value as hinged singles
Confederate States Off-Cover Balance (1/14). Substantial balance of used and unused stamps, most issues represented except not including Nos. 5 and 9-10, lithographs include Nos. 1, 2, 2b, 4, extensive multiples in the Nos. 6-7 and 11-12 range, No. 6 pair on piece with Texas town cancel, No. 8 used, No. 8a Mint N.H. pair graded XF 90, No. 11e perforated, No. 13 unused block of six and pair with double transfer, No. 14a Mint N.H., a few minor flaws to be found but overall this is a high-quality and very attractive balance which we recommend viewing in its entirety in the linked PDF, eleven P.F. certificates accompany
10c Dark Blue, Hoyer & Ludwig (2b). Huge margins all around, tied by partly clear strike of Va. circular datestamp cancel on pink lined cover to Mobile Ala., flap folded up for display, Extremely Fine Gem stamp on an attractive cover
5c Light Milky Blue (4). Large margins all around, tied by "Mobile Ala. Jun. 16, 1862" double-circle datestamp on blue cover to Demopolis, forwarded to Columbus Miss. with manuscript "Paid 5" at top left, bold "Demopolis Ala. Jun. 22" forwarding datestamp, Very Fine and attractive cover
10c Rose (5). Large margins all around, gorgeous deep color, tied by bold "Mobile Ala. Jul. ?0" double-circle datestamp on buff cover to Livingston Ala., small edge mend in cover at top right not mentioned on certificate
EXTREMELY FINE gem EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT ROSE LITHOGRAPH ON COVER.
Ex Hill. With clear 2008 C.S.A. certificate.
5c Blue, Local (7). Horizontal pair, tied by "Greenville C.H. S.C. Dec. 24" circular datestamp on small blue cover to Charleston, turned use with inside franked with 10c Greenish Blue, Die A (11c), this is the initial use and is tied by "Charleston S.C. Dec. 7" circular datestamp and addressed to Greenville, right 5c stamp light crease, 10c stamp small corner crease, still fresh and Very Fine turned use
10c Milky Blue, "TEN" (9a). Massive margins, very bright pastel shade, slight gum toning, tied by clear "Richmond Va. Apr. 28, 1863" circular datestamp on cover addressed and signed by James A. Seddon, Secretary of War under President Jefferson Davis, to Charleston S.C., slightly reduced at right
EXTREMELY FINE AND VERY RARE USE OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES "TEN" ISSUE ON A COVER SIGNED BY SECRETARY OF WAR JAMES SEDDON.
The Confederacy did not have a free franking privilege for government officials such as Seddon. Ex Knapp, Hall and from our 2005 Rarities sale. With 2000 and 2021 P.F. certificates.
10c Blue, "TEN" (9). Minor toning and light vertical crease, tied by "Richmond Va. Apr. 24" circular datestamp on buff cover to Providence P.O. Va., Very Fine appearance, with 1992 P.F. certificate mentioning only "light staining"
10c Blue, Frameline (10). Complete framelines at top and left, largely complete at bottom, affixed upside-down and tied by bold "Mobile Ala. Jul. 3, 1863" double-circle datestamp on cover to Mobile, crossed out and re-addressed to Uniontown Ala., some slight cover soiling not affecting the stamp
VERY FINE. A CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT FRAMELINE ISSUE ON COVER.
This cover was mailed on July 3, 1863, the final day of the Battle of Gettysburg, which was fought 1,000 miles to the north. With 1991 P.F. certificate.
10c Blue, Die A (11). Large margins, tied by "Oxford N.C. Jul. 30" circular datestamp on cover to Weldon N.C. and forwarded to Wilmington N.C., forwarding postage paid by 10c Blue, Die A (11) tied by "Weldon N.C. Aug. 1, 1863" circular datestamp, Very Fine and attractive use, ex Weill and Freeland
10c Blue, Die B (12). "Fairfield, Va., Sept 7" circular datestamp on buff soldier's cover addressed to Fancy Hill Va. and forwarded to Lexington Va., 10c stamp affixed over manuscript "Due 10cts" and tied by blue ""Fancy Hill Va. Sep. 8" circular datestamp, officer's endorsement at top, Very Fine and unusual use, there was no fee for forwarding soldier's mail
10c Blue, Die B (12). Large margins to full at bottom, tied by blue "Hillsboro N.C. Oct. 4" double-circle datestamp on brown and blue floral wallpaper cover to Greenville S.C., Very Fine, with 1996 P.F. certificate
10c Greenish Blue, Die B (12c). Huge margins including left sheet margin, tied by "Anderson Tex. Nov. 21" circular datestamp on cover to member of Col. Elmore's Regiment at Galveston, cover with slight wrinkling not affecting stamp and not mentioned on certificate, Extremely Fine Texas use, ex Keeling, with 1997 P.F. certificate
10c Blue, Die A, B (11-12). Group of seven adversity covers, each franked with a single stamp, nice range including port customs form, shipping receipt, freight form with train illustration, 3c U.S. entire and few other forms, each is refolded for display and a few small flaws to be expected, Very Fine or appear so, an attractive group of adversity uses
10c Greenish Blue, Die B (12c). Horizontal pair with huge margins including right sheet margin, faint gum toning, tied by "Richmond Va. Jan. 10" circular datestamp on "Confederate States of America, Post Office Department. Auditor's Office" imprint cover (unlisted in C.S.A. Catalog but similar to AUD-03, different spacing), addressed to Capt. Fayette Hewitt, in care of Brig. Gen. Lewis of Maj. Gen. Breckenridge's Division at Dalton Ga., envelope with De La Rue imprint on flap, Very Fine, ex Finney, Hart, Everett and Kilbourne
10c Blue, Die B (12). Huge margins all around, faint corner crease, tied by "Richmond Va. Dec. 7" circular datestamp on cover to Petersburg Va. with "Confederate States of America, Executive Department, (Official Business)." imprint (ED-03), fresh and Very Fine, ex Walcott and Kilbourne
20c Green (13). Ample to large margins, tied by "Richmond Va. Aug. 10" circular datestamp on cover to Columbia S.C. with signed endorsement of W. Poscher Miles (Member of Congress), stamp has faint corner crease, cover with small tear at top center, still Very Fine, with 1983 P.F. certificate
Post Office Department, Official Business, Chief of the Appointment Bureau. Three covers (APP-03) on U.S. 3c Red Star Die entires (U26, U27), cancelled by Richmond Va. circular datestamps, two unclear dates and the other Jun. 30, 1863, two addressed to S.C., the third addressed to Fredericksburg Va., each with "FREE" handstamp, one with some soiling, overall Very Fine or appear so, provenance includes Wiseman, Weill Brothers stock and Hill
Post Office Department, Official Business, Chief of the Contract Bureau. CON-06a var. with "CO" missing, H. St. George Offutt signature on 3c Red Star Die entire, cancelled by "Richmond Va. Jul. 16, 1863" circular datestamp and addressed to Fredericksburg Va., Very Fine and scarce, this "CO" missing variety is listed in the C.S.A. Catalog only under the 3c Nesbitt entires, this 3c Star Die entire is unlisted with the variety, ex White, Hill and Weill Brothers stock
Handstamped Paids Cover Balance. Six covers, originations include Norfolk Va. Oct. 1861 (Norfolk covers are scarcer at it was occupied by Union troops early in the war), Tudor Hall Va., Richmond Va. and Charleston S.C. (three), nice condition, just one Charleston cover with a tear thru the postmark, overall Very Fine group
5c-10c Lithograph Issues, Cover Balance (1-2, 4). Nine covers, including No. 1 (five), No. 2 (three) and No. 4. range of originations, several with large-margined stamps , few typical flaws and some soiling or toning on a few, overall Very Fine appearance, three P.F. certificates accompany
5c Typograph Issues, Cover Balance (6-7). Twelve 5c covers bearing a pair, interesting range of uses including semi-official imprint, turned use (inside stamp mostly peeled off), target cancel, also a single 5c on a front only, finally a 2c No. 8 cover with a strip of four but missing a stamp and defective, some faults to be found on the 5c covers but overall Fine-Very Fine appearance, several certificates accompany including for the No. 8 cover, see our website PDF for a complete scan
10c Blue, Die A, B, Cover Balance (11-12). 16 covers plus a few contemporary letters that are not linked with any specific cover and may not belong, range of items highlighted by a superb No. 11 tied by Savannah Ga. circular datestamp to Marietta Ga., one with part imprint, range of shades, a turned use with additional 10c inside, others best viewed in our linked PDF, few small flaws but overall a Very Fine balance, two P.F. certificates accompany