Sale 1351 — The Vaquero Collection of Gem-Quality 19th and 20th Century United States Stamps
Sale Date — Thursday, 15 May, 2025
Category — 1894 Unwatermarked Bureau Issue (Scott 246-263, Imperforate Pairs)
1c Ultramarine (246). Mint N.H., Jumbo margins and perfectly centered, pretty pastel color
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN OUTSTANDING MINT NEVER-HINGED ONE-CENT 1894 BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. — THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE ON RECORD.
Ex "Hanover". With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo). This is the highest grade awarded and only four others share it. This is the first in this grade we have offered since 2019.
1c Blue (247). Mint N.H., intense color in the deeper end of the color spectrum, on bright paper, choice centering with wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, ex "Hanover", with 2005 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
2c Pink, Ty. I (248). Mint N.H., vibrant color, essentially perfect centering with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 2-CENT TYPE I BUREAU ISSUE IN THE PINK SHADE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
Ex "Beverly Hills". With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98). Only two grade higher (at 98J and 100) and two others share this desirable grade.
2c Carmine Lake, Ty. I (249). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE UNWATERMARKED 2-CENT TYPE I 1894 ISSUE IN THE CARMINE LAKE SHADE. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
As collectors of the First Bureau Issue know, great difficulty was experienced in perforating the stamps, either due to poor equipment or improper operation. Choppy, ragged perfs and poor centering are so common on this issue that it is often possible to separate the 1894 unwatermarked stamps from the 1895 watermarked stamps by the appearance of the perforations alone. Examples with desirable centering tend to have Jumbo margins at either sides or top and bottom, but rarely on all four sides. This example, with precise centering, Jumbo margins and perfectly formed perforations is an extreme condition rarity.
Ex Gorham and "Hanover". With 2000 and 2006 P.F. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo). By way of comparison, P.S.E. has graded one at 98 Jumbo and one at 100 Jumbo. We have never offered the P.S.E. 98 Jumbo in one of our auctions, but the stamp offered here compares very favorably to the 100 Jumbo we offered in our Whitman and Merlin sales.
2c Carmine, Ty. I (250). Mint N.H., brilliant color on post-office fresh paper, wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 2-CENT TYPE UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, SCOTT 250, GRADED SUPERB 98. ONLY ONE GRADES HIGHER.
With 2019 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98). Only one grades higher (at 98J, we have never offered it). Only three others share this desirable grade and we have never offered any of them.
2c Carmine, Ty. II (251). Mint N.H., vibrant color, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 2011 P.S.A.G. certificate
2c Scarlet, Ty. II (251a). Mint N.H., brilliant color, Very Fine and choice, with 2019 P.S.A.G. certificate (VF 80)
2c Carmine, Ty. III (252). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, beautifully balanced margins, post-office fresh in every respect
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 2-CENT CARMINE TYPE III BUREAU ISSUE.
With 2006 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95). By way of comparison, the P.S.E. Population Report records only two Mint N.H. Scott 252 at a grade higher than XF-Superb 95 (both Superb 98) and only two at 95.
3c Purple (253). Mint N.H., brilliant color and proof-like impression showing every detail of the engraving, essentially perfectly centered with wide margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS THE FINEST EXAMPLE OF THE UNWATERMARKED 1894 3-CENT BUREAU ISSUE RECORDED. A SPECTACULAR STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
As collectors of the First Bureau Issue know, great difficulty was experienced in perforating the stamps, either due to poor equipment or improper operation. Choppy, ragged perfs and poor centering are so common on this issue that it is often possible to separate the 1894 unwatermarked stamps from the 1895 watermarked stamps by the appearance of the perforations alone. This example, with precise centering, wide margins and perfectly formed perforations, is a true condition rarity.
Ex "Scarsdale". 1997 P.F. certificate no longer accompanies. With 2012 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98). This is the highest grade awarded to a Scott 253 in any condition (Mint N.H., hinged or used) and has no equals.
4c Dark Brown (254). Mint N.H., deep rich color on bright paper, proof-like impression, absolutely enormous margins all around
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A HUGE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 4-CENT UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE. A STUNNING STAMP, NOTEWORTHY FOR THE IMPOSING SIZE OF ITS MARGINS, PRISTINE GUM, LONG PERFORATIONS AND INTENSE COLOR. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
Ex "Scarsdale". With 1984 and 1999 P.F. certificates. With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). Only two grade higher (at 98J) and three others share this grade.
5c Chocolate (255). Mint N.H., lovely warm shade on bright paper, gorgeous centering with Jumbo margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF SCOTT 255.
With 2011 P.S.A.G. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). With 2025 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). Only two grade higher (at 98) and two share this desirable grade.
6c Dull Brown (256). Mint N.H., pretty shade on bright paper, well-balanced margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2001 P.S.E. and 2012 P.F. certificates
8c Violet Brown (257). Mint N.H., deep rich color, well-proportioned margins, Extremely Fine, ex Grace, with 2009 P.F. and 2011 P.S.E. certificates
10c Dark Green (258). Mint N.H., pretty color and detailed impression on bright paper, beautiful centering with wide margins all around
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 10-CENT UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE. THE 10-CENT IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT DENOMINATIONS OF THE SET TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION. THIS PHENOMENAL STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. — IT IS THE HIGHEST GRADE WE HAVE OFFERED IN ONE OF OUR AUCTIONS.
A review of our past computerized records confirms that this is the finest example we have offered.
Ex "Scarsdale" and "Golden Oak". With 1989 and 2000 P.F. certificates. With 2004 and 2025 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only three grade higher (two 95J and one 98, we have never offered them). None share this desirable grade.
10c Green (258 var). Mint N.H., in a distinctly different shade than the previous lot, with left part imprint selvage, choice centering with Jumbo margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 10-CENT UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, SCOTT 258, IN A SIGNIFICANTLY LIGHTER SHADE THAN NORMALLY SEEN AND WITH JUMBO MARGINS.
Scott lists the primary shade as Dark Green, and also lists Green and Dull Green as two sub-shades. The sub-shades are often overlooked despite the distinct difference between them and the main shade.
With 2012 P.F. certificate as Dark Green. With 2013 P.S.A.G. certificate as Green (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). With 2025 P.S.E. certificate as Dark Green (XF 90 Jumbo). Only four grade higher and two others share this grade.
50c Orange (260). Mint N.H., perfectly framed with Jumbo margins, brilliant color and sharp impression
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STAMP, WHICH IS GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E., IS WITHOUT QUESTION THE FINEST EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT 1894 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE IN EXISTENCE.
The unwatermarked 1894 Issue was the Bureau of Engraving & Printing's first effort producing postage stamps. As collectors know only too well, the stamps are typically poorly centered with irregular perforations. Issued quantities of the higher values on unwatermarked paper were small -- only 175,330 of the 50c, compared to 244,110 of the 30c 1869 -- and collectors have hinged most of the supply in philatelic hands. This 50c stamp has margins and centering rarely seen on any copy, used or unused, and its Mint Never-Hinged condition elevates it to the top of its class.
In his three-volume work on 19th Century United States stamps, Lester G. Brookman wrote the following about the 50c 1894 Issue: "There are few, if any, of the 19th century U.S. stamps that are so difficult to find in superb used condition as is this stamp. The price for commercial copies of this stamp can well be multiplied by 10 and the buyer of a superb copy of this stamp at such a price can rejoice in the fact he has a bargain!" Brookman's comments apply equally to 50c stamps with original gum and actually understate the value of a Mint Never-Hinged example.
Ex Hewitt, Zoellner, Fox and "Beverly Hills". 1998 P.F. certificate no longer accompanies. With 2006 and 2025 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo). This is the only stamp to have achieved this exalted grade in the P.S.E. Population Report. The next closest Mint N.H. examples are graded 95 (2).
$1.00 Black, Ty. I (261). Mint N.H., intense shade and proof-like impression on bright paper, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins all around
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $1.00 TYPE I UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
As discussed in the previous lot, high-value unwatermarked 1894 Bureau Issues in Mint N.H. condition with exceptional centering are true rarities. This stamp is among the finest known.
Ex "Beverly Hills". With 2004 and 2025 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo). Only one stamp grades higher in the P.S.E. Population Report (Gem 100, we have never offered it). The next highest grade in Mint N.H. condition after this stamp is 90J (from our "Scarsdale" and Hoffman sales).
$1.00 Black, Ty. II (261A). Mint N.H., deep shade on crisp paper, choice centering with wide margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 1894 UNWATERMARKED TYPE II BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. — ONLY ONE GRADES HIGHER AND NO OTHERS SHARE THIS GRADE. EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST COPIES IN EXISTENCE.
Collectors of this issue know it is extremely difficult to find the 1894 Bureau Issue in centered, Mint Never-Hinged condition, particularly the higher denominations. This is mostly due to production problems as the Bureau of Engraving & Printing assumed responsibility for stamp production after the American Bank Note contract expired.
Ex "Beverly Hills". With 2005 and 2025 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only one has graded higher (at 95J, we have never offered it) in the P.S.E. Population Report and no other examples share this desirable grade.
$1.00 Black, Ty. I, II (261-261A). Bottom imprint and plate no. 76 block of eight, left four stamps Type I, right four stamps Type II, original gum, bottom left and bottom right stamps Mint N.H., hinge remnant in selvage at bottom, beautiful shade and detailed impression
VERY FINE. ONE OF FIVE RECORDED ORIGINAL-GUM COMBINATION IMPRINT AND PLATE NUMBER BLOCKS OF THE $1.00 1894 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
The $1.00 1894-95 Issue was printed in a sheet of 200 comprised of two panes of 100. The left pane and left half of the right pane were Type I, while the right half of the right pane was Type II. Imprint and plate number multiples from the right pane consist of one Type I and two Type II stamps. Combination pairs and strips, which exist only between the fifth and sixth columns, are extremely rare and desirable. Plate number strips and blocks are of even greater rarity, and only a small number of the 1894 unwatermarked issue exist. According to Bartels and Brookman, only 8,762 of the Type II were issued in total, and of these only a small fraction (about 20%) come from the positions that could yield combination pairs.
Lewis Kaufman records five imprint and plate number blocks, all with a combination of types. They are:
1) the block offered in our "MLG" sale, four stamps Mint N.H. (Siegel Sale 971, lot 1165)
2) imprint and plate no. block of six, five stamps Mint N.H., bottom stamps centered to top and left, ex Bauer and Wampler
3) originally a bottom imprint and plate no. block of 20 (since broken out as a plate block — the right six stamps of this multiple were offered in Part Two of the Alan B. Whitman Collection), small separation, currently in a private collection
4) PF certificate 581588, perfs touch at left, bottom center stamp Mint N.H., top right stamp small thin, vertical perf separations
5) The block offered here, ex Frelinghysen
Ex Frelinghuysen. With 2011 P.F. certificate. Scott value as plate block of six and two singles (one Mint N.H.).
$2.00 Bright Blue (262). Block of four with selvage at bottom, bottom stamps barely hinged, top stamps small hinge remnant, deep rich color on bright paper, top stamps one tiny thin spot each
FINE-VERY FINE. A RARE BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE 1894 $2.00 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
Ex Frelinghuysen. With 2012 P.F. certificate.
$5.00 Dark Green (263). Mint N.H., with wide selvage at left, choice centering and balanced margins, beautiful deep rich color and incredibly detailed impression showing all of the finely-engraved lines in the background, bright and fresh paper, slight wrinkle in selvage only not noted on certificates
VERY FINE AND CHOICE. AN EXTREMELY RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 1894 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
Without question, the $5.00 is the rarest of the 1894 Unwatermarked Bureau Issue in sound, well-centered Mint Never-Hinged condition. It is unlikely that more than three or four Extremely Fine Mint N.H. examples exist. We have offered only seven unduplicated Mint N.H. singles since 1994. Of these, one is reperfed and three are Fine. That leaves a population of only three stamps offered in our sales over a 31 year period to choose from. P.S.E. has graded one each at 80, 75J and 60. The P.F. has graded only one, at 70.
Ex Whitman. Ward handstamp in selvage. With copy of 1993 P.F. certificate for block and 1999 and 2012 P.F. certificates for single.
1c-$5.00 1894-1895 Bureau Issues, Imperforate (253a-258a, 264a-278a). Complete sets of 3c-5c and 10c pairs of the unwatermarked issue (only these four exist imperforate) and 13 pairs of the watermarked issue, original gum, some with hinge remnant or slight disturbance, large margins including three with sheet margin, rich colors, a couple small flaws including 4c unwatermarked with slight wrinkling, 10c watermarked small edge thin, $2.00 small thin
VERY FINE-EXTREMELY FINE AND RARE COMPLETE SETS OF IMPERFORATE PAIRS OF BOTH THE 1894 UNWATERMARKED AND 1895 WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUES.
Full ungummed sheets of 400 of the 3c, 4c, 5c and 10c 1894 Unwatermarked values were removed from the Bureau of Engraving & Printing around the time of issue. These four are the only denominations of the 1894 Unwatermarked Issue that exist imperforate. They were gummed, divided and sold to collectors.
George B. Sloane's account of the origin of the 1895 Watermarked Bureau Imperforate stamps is quoted in Brookman (Vol. III, pp. 128-129). Gilbert E. Jones, one of the owners of The New York Times, was allowed to exchange sheets of perforated stamps he bought at the post office for a set of imperforate sheets. Although the Scott Catalogue at first did not recognize the imperforate varieties, in 1916 they inserted a statement "All denominations of this issue exist imperforate but they were not regularly issued in that condition". The imperforate stamps are now listed with plate proofs.
$2.00 and $5.00 with P.F. certificates.