DESCRIPTION

15¢ Brown & Blue, Type I (118), horizontal block of six, original gum, each stamp superbly centered, bright colors and fresh paper

PROVENANCE

* Henry J. Duveen (listed in Phillips’s November 1922 book; sold privately to Hind through Phillips)

* Arthur Hind, Phillips-Kennett sale, 11/20-24/1933, lot 386, to Colson for Caspary

* Alfred H. Caspary, H. R. Harmer sale, 11/19-21/1956, lot 388, to Weills for Phillips--featured as “A magnificent block and a great showpiece. One of the most outstanding 1869 items known”

* Benjamin D. Phillips (collection sold privately to Weills, 1968)

* Stephen D. Bechtel, Sr. (collection sold privately in 1993; block sold privately to Zoellner)

* Robert Zoellner, Siegel Auction Galleries, 10/8-10/1998, Sale 804, lot 288, to William H. Gross

CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES

* Lester G. Brookman, United States Postage Stamps of the 19th Century, Vol. II, p. 174

* Jonathan W. Rose, United States Postage Stamps of 1869, p. 108

* World Stamp Show 2016 Court of Honor (Gross)

CONDITION NOTES

* Extremely Fine; top left stamp has a few tiny thin specks in grill (one has pinpoint break)

VIEW PDF OF HISTORY AND COMMENTARY at https://siegelauctions.com/2018/1188/87.pdf

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