Sale 1334 — The Dr. George Haikel Collection: Stamps and Covers of Exceptional Beauty and Rarity
Sale Date — Tuesday, 12 November, 2024
Category — Columbian Issue
4c Blue, Columbian, Error of Color (233a). Mint N.H. with part imprint selvage at right, deep rich color on bright paper, unusually choice centering for this difficult issue
EXTREMELY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED AND WELL-CENTERED EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT COLUMBIAN COLOR ERROR. THIS STAMP IS GRADED VF-XF 85 BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO A NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE. ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
The 4c Columbian color error was caused by the use of a wrong batch of ink, and spectrographic analysis has shown that the blue inks of the 4c error and 1c Columbian have the same components. Stamps from at least two panes reached collectors, and the few cancelled examples indicate that stamps used by the public came from other panes. It is likely that a number of full sheets were printed using the wrong ink, and most of the stamps have simply been lost to philately.
This issue is difficult to obtain in higher grades, regardless of gum condition. For Mint N.H., P.S.E. has graded this example and one other, at 50. The P.F. graded one at 85J (Sale 1244, lot 323, after the sale) and no others. For hinged, P.S.E. has graded one each at 80, 85 and 85J and two at 90 with none higher. The P.F. has issued only one graded certificate for a hinged copy, at 85.
This was the only item illustrated on the front cover of the first Shreves Philatelic Galleries sale in 1994, featuring the collections of Eydie Gorme and Wade Saadi. With 1977 P.F. certificate as part of a block of four (the bottom right stamp was recently offered in our 2021 Myerson sale). With 1986 and 1995 P.F. certificates as a single. With 2024 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85).
50c Slate Blue, Columbian (240). Mint N.H., deep rich color and impression on crisp and bright paper, unusually wide and balanced margins all around which gives this stamp stunning visual appeal
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLES OF THE 50-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. THIS STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. — NO OTHERS SHARE THIS GRADE, AND ONLY ONE GRADES HIGHER. THE ESSENCE OF PERFECTION.
Ex "Scarsdale". With 1992 and 2000 P.F. certificates. With 2004 and 2024 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98). Only one grades higher (at 100, we have never offered it) and no others share this desirable grade.
$2.00 Brown Red, Columbian (242). Mint N.H., deep rich color and sharp proof-like impression, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins for this difficult stamp, fully-formed perforations all around
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE. THIS STUNNING STAMP HAS ACHIEVED THE GRADE OF XF-SUPERB 95 FROM P.S.E.—THE DOLLAR-VALUE COLUMBIAN ISSUES ARE EXTREMELY RARE IN SUCH HIGH GRADES IN MINT NEVER-HINGED CONDITION.
Typically, when a collector assembles an Extremely Fine, Mint Never-Hinged set of the Columbian issue, the $2.00 space remains empty to the very end due to the low supply and high demand. It is simply one of the rarest stamps of the set in this condition. The Scott value of $3,600 for a Mint N.H. stamp (in Very Fine grade) does not begin to reflect the true rarity of such examples.
Ex "Scarsdale" and our 2012 Rarities sale. 1975 and 1999 P.F. certificates no longer accompany. With 2012 and 2024 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only one grades higher (graded Superb 98 in 2022). Only four others share this desirable grade.
$4.00 Crimson Lake, Columbian (244). Mint N.H., brilliant color as fresh as the day it was printed, bright paper, gorgeous centering with wide balanced margins, long and full perforations
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE. IT IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.—THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
The $4.00 Columbian is extremely difficult to find in higher grades, especially in Mint N.H. condition. Suitable copies for fastidious collectors rarely appear in the marketplace.
With 2012 and 2024 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). This is the highest grade awarded and only three others share this desirable grade. This is the first time we have offered an example in this grade since our 2015 Rarities sale.
$5.00 Black, Columbian (245). Mint N.H. with right part imprint selvage, intense shade and proof-like impression, unusually choice centering with well-proportioned margins, long and full perforations
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN WITH RIGHT PART IMPRINT SELVAGE. THIS STAMP HAS IT ALL—GUM, CENTERING, IMPRESSION AND OVERALL FRESHNESS. IT IS GRADED XF 90 BY P.S.E. ONLY TWO GRADE HIGHER AND ONLY TWO OTHERS SHARE THIS DESIRABLE GRADE.
The $5.00 Columbian features a portrait of Columbus which was taken from the design of a contemporary medal cast in Madrid. A 50-cent coin was also minted for the Columbian Exposition based on the original medal, and the stamp's design was taken from this twice-removed design.
For many collectors, acquisition of the $5.00 Columbian represents the ultimate achievement in classic philately. When issued in 1893, this was the highest denomination and first $5.00 United States stamp. The high total face value of the dollar-value Columbian stamps represented a very significant expense to collectors and therefore sales were slow. A total of 21,844 were issued.
The $5.00 Columbian is very elusive in Mint N.H. condition. For P.S.E.-graded, there are four at 80, one at 85, three at 90 and two at 95. We have not offered one graded 95 since 2010. This is the first time we have offered one graded XF 90 since our 2016 "Hanover" sale. For P.F.-graded, there is one at 85 and one at 90 with none higher (the 90 at P.F. is the "Hanover" stamp, which has certificates from both grading services). For collectors who have been searching for this stamp in higher grades, this presents a rare opportunity.
With 1992 P.F. and 2024 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90). Only two grade higher and two others share this desirable grade.
2c Brown Violet, Columbian (231). Tied by "Pittsburgh Pa. Jan. 2, 2:30PM 1893" First Day machine cancel on Wm. B. Junker's Leather Hides, Oils and Findings all-over pale green illustrated advertising cover depicting a bull and with embossed lettering, to New Martinsville W. Va., Edward Stern & Co. of Philadelphia imprint on top flap, receiving backstamp of the following day, barely reduced at right, trivial toning around perf edges not noted on certificate
VERY FINE. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION THE MOST COLORFUL AND INTERESTING FIRST DAY COVER WITH THE 2-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
The official Columbian First Day of Issue was January 1, 1893, which was a Sunday; most post offices were closed, so January 2 is accepted as the first official day of issue.
Ex Fisher and with his red backstamp. With 1996 P.F. certificate.
6c Purple, Columbian (235). Tied by clear "Boston Mass. Jan. 2 3-PM 1893" First Day machine cancel on cover to Central Wharf in Boston, small piece out at upper left of cover is of little consequence
VERY FINE. THIS IS THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE ON A FIRST DAY COVER. ONE OF THE GREATEST RARITIES OF THE COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
This is the only recorded First Day cover with the 6c Columbian—the two sets of Burger covers postmarked at New York City on Sunday, January 1, do not have the 6c, so it is surmised that the 6c was not available there on January 1. The cover offered here, postmarked on January 2 at Boston, is the only First Day cover with the 6c. This is its first appearance at auction since 1996. When this was sold in the 1996 Fisher sale, it was described as having been off the market for 30+ years, which makes this its second appearance at auction in 60 years.
Ex Fisher and with his red backstamp. With 1996 P.F. certificate.
10c Black Brown, Columbian (237). Tied by pre-First Day "Arlington Heights Mass. Dec. 1892 31" circular datestamp on legal-size 4c Carmine entire (U324), cancelled by target, to J. F. Stone in East Lexington Mass., manuscript return address at upper left, neat "East Lexington Mass. Dec. 31, 1892" receiving backstamp, scuff at far left, vertical file fold at left where presumably folded to aid exhibiting
EXTREMELY FINE. THE ONLY RECORDED PRE-FIRST DAY USE OF THE 10-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE. ONLY FIVE COLUMBIAN ISSUE COVERS (THREE DENOMINATIONS) ARE KNOWN USED IN 1892. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF EARLIEST DOCUMENTED USE COLLECTING.
The first official day of issue for the Columbian stamps (excluding the 8c) was January 1, 1893, which was a Sunday, when most post offices were closed. Therefore, January 2 is accepted as the official First Day of Issue. Five covers with three denominations are known used on pre-dated December 31, 1892 covers, including two 1c, two 2c and this sole 10c. Six denominations are known used on Sunday, January 1—those are the famous Burger covers, of which there are two sets.
Ex "World's Fair" collection. With 1971 AFDCS and 2014 P.F. certificates. Scott value as Jan. 1 First Day $32,500. This pre-First Day is not listed in Scott.
1c-$5.00 Columbian (230-245). Complete set of 16 values neatly arranged in order of denomination, each tied by "New York K Dec. 6 8:30AM 93" duplex cancel and oval on oversize registered cover from C. Witt to his wife at their 304 East 86th Street home address in New York City, purple "Registered, Dec. 6, 1893 Branch P.O. Station K, New York P.O." boxed datestamp, vertical file folds pass between stamps and do not affect them, minor edgewear and small mended tear at lower right does not affect stamps
VERY FINE. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE AND COLORFUL COVER BEARING A COMPLETE SET OF THE 1893 COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION ISSUE.
To create this philatelic masterpiece, a total of $16.34 in postage was applied by Constantin Witt, a partner with Rudolf Albrecht in the stamp dealing and publishing business, with an office at 90 Nassau Street. The U.S. Philatelic Classics Society census of Columbian Issue dollar-value covers, available at https://www.uspcs.org/resource-center/censuses/columbian-dollar-value-cover-census, contains only five covers with a complete set of Columbian stamps:
1) May 21, 1893, Crow Wing Minn. to Pittsburgh, large registered wrapper with extra 8c, stamps tied by target cancels, 1979 Rarities sale (Sale 544, lot 133)
2) Oct. 30, 1893, Chicago World’s Fair duplex cancels, to Savannah Ga. and forwarded to Mexico, large registered 10c Columbian entire with Scott E3, ex Dr. Martin (Sale 893, lot 146)
3) Nov. 8, 1893, Westport Conn. to New York City, large registered cover, stamps cancelled by penstrokes, Sale 1241, lot 1121
4) Dec. 6, 1893, New York City, from C. Witt to his wife, large registered cover, ex “World’s Fair” (Sale 1055, lot 112), the cover offered here
5) Aug. 4, 1893, New York City to Karlsruhe, Germany, large cover (not registered), ex John Field (Sale 1251, lot 1166)
We consider this to be one of the finest.
Ex "World's Fair" collection and our 1987 Rarities sale. With 2013 P.F. certificate.
$2.00 Brown Red, Columbian (242). Bright color, remarkable centering, tied by "New York A Jan. 2 7AM 93" First Day duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on card with blue ornate stamp frame and addressed to Bradford, England, the stamp perfectly placed within the frame, with "S. Rosenberg & Co." printed return address, the card with two light creases including one barely affecting the stamp
EXTREMELY FINE. THIS IS THE ONLY RECORDED $2.00 AND THE ONLY COLUMBIAN ISSUE DENOMINATION ABOVE THE 10-CENT CANCELLED ON THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE. ONE OF THE GREATEST COLUMBIAN ISSUE FIRST DAY COVERS.
The comprehensive census of dollar-value Columbian covers at the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society website lists this as the sole dollar-value First Day cover. Another $2.00 is known cancelled on Jan. 6 (four days later), from the same correspondence and date as the earliest documented use of the $5.00 offered in this sale (lot 82). The earliest recorded use of the $1.00 is not until Jan. 21; the $4.00 is Jan. 22 and the $3.00 is Mar. 8.
Ex Arthur Beckwith and Fisher. With 1996 P.F. certificate stating "it is a genuine first day of issue cancellation on a 'hand back' cover", which means the sender asked the clerk to return it to him rather than send it in the mail to England.
$1.00-$5.00 Columbian (241-245). Arranged in order of denomination and tied by New York registry oval cancels on legal-size 2c Columbian entire (U349) to Lawrence Bauer in Wuerzburg, Germany, clear strike of "New York N.Y. Reg'y Div. 10-4 1893" oval datestamp, New York registry label at lower left, receiving backstamp, $3.00 with barely noticeable tear at left
VERY FINE. A COLORFUL AND RARE COVER BEARING ALL THE DOLLAR-VALUE STAMPS OF THE COLUMBIAN ISSUE. THIS IS ONE OF ONLY TWO COVERS BEARING A "SET" OF DOLLAR VALUES.
There are five covers containing the entire set of the Columbian issue from 1c-$5.00 (see lot 79). In addition, there are two covers bearing just the dollar values. The other also has a 50c and was mailed locally in New York City. The cover offered here, with the dollar values arranged in denomination order and addressed to a foreign destination, is highly desirable.
With 1997 P.F. certificate.
$5.00 Black, Columbian (245). Beautifully centered with wide balanced margins, tied by perfectly clear strike of "U. S. German Sea P.O., Jan. 6, 830PM 93" January 6, 1893 duplex datestamp and oval "8" grid on cover with Pabst Brewing Co. corner card with red and black trademark to Bremerhaven, Germany, trivial edge tear at upper left
EXTREMELY FINE. THIS IS THE EARLIEST DOCUMENTED USE OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN AND ONE OF THE GREATEST OF ALL COLUMBIAN ISSUE COVERS.
The Columbian stamps (with the exception of the 8c) were issued on Sunday, January 1, 1893, but most post offices were closed. January 2 is the accepted First Day of Issue. There are no known examples of the $5.00 Columbian used on January 1 through 5. The stamp on this cover was affixed at Hoboken N.J. and cancelled on board an eastbound transatlantic steamship. The U.S.-German Sea Post Office datestamp is dated January 6, 1893. This is the earliest documented use of the $5.00 Columbian.
Ex Schwartz. With 2008 P.F. certificate.