Sale 1297 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 31 October-2 November, 2023
Category — Offices in China
2c-$2.00 Offices in China (K1-K18). Complete set including the additional colors K8a and K11a, original gum, mixed centering and a couple small flaws, overall Fine or appear so
1c-60c Offices in China (K1-K14, K17-K18). Mint N.H., brilliant colors on bright paper, fresh and Very Fine group, No. K17 with 2006 P.S.E. certificate
2c on 1c Green, Offices in China (K1). Mint N.H., exceptionally wide margins and precise centering, choice dark color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98)
14c on 7c Black, Offices in China (K7). Top plate no. F12561 block of six, original gum, outer four stamps Mint N.H., center two stamps lightly hinged, intense shade and well-centered
VERY FINE AND CHOICE TOP PLATE BLOCK OF THE 14-CENT ON 7-CENT OFFICES IN CHINA.
Incredibly, the three examples offered in our 2022 sale of the "Magnolia" collection (two tops and one side) are the only Mint N.H. K7 plate blocks we have offered since keeping computerized records 30 years ago. This top plate block is superior in terms of centering and/or size of selvage compared to the two top blocks in "Magnolia", so collectors would be advised to consider this lightly hinged plate block. The last hinged full top plate we offered was in our 2009 sale of the "Whitpain" collection (realized $5,500 hammer).
With 2023 P.F. certificate.
$1.00 on 50c Light Violet, Offices in China (K15). Mint N.H., bright color and paper, fresh and Very Fine, with 2009 P.F. certificate
$1.00 on 50c Light Violet, Offices in China (K15). Original gum, lightly hinged, unusually wide and balanced margins, rich color on bright paper, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98), only one unused stamp grades higher (hinged at 98J).
$1.00 on 50c Light Violet, Offices in China (K15). Right selvage block of six with plate no. 7057 at bottom right, original gum which is just slightly disturbed, vivid color, Fine, K15 is the rarest of the Offices in China issue in plate block form (catalogues $17,500), this block of six with plate number can be a very acceptable alternative to a blank space in the plate block collector's album, Scott value as normal block of four and two singles
$2.00 on $1.00 Violet Brown, Offices in China (K16). Mint N.H., deep rich color on bright paper, Very Fine and attractive, with 2007 P.F. certificate
$2.00 on $1.00 Violet Brown, Offices in China (K16). Deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, outstanding centering with wide margins, U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai circular datestamp
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 ON $1.00 OFFICES IN CHINA ISSUE. THIS ISSUE IS DIFFICULT TO FIND IN SUCH PRISTINE USED CONDITION.
Ex Gorham. With 1987 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95).
$2.00 on $1.00 Violet Brown, Offices in China (K16). With bottom part imprint selvage, neat cancel struck at top right, Very Fine, with 2021 P.F. certificate