Costs of US Stamp Scott 314A: 4c 1908 Grant Imperf. Page 1

4c Brown, Imperforate, Schermack Ty. III (314A). Mint N.H., rich color and proof-like impression, choice centering with full Schermack perforations clear of design, tiny faint brownish speck in gum at left (noted here purely for accuracy and not even mentioned when the pair from which this stamp was cut was certified) EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS THE ONLY RECORDED MINT NEVER-HINGED SINGLE OF THE RARE 4-CENT 1908 IMPERFORATE. ONLY TWO MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLES OF THIS GREAT RARITY ARE KNOWN, AND ONLY FOUR PAIRS, TWO LINE PAIRS AND NINE SINGLES ARE KNOWN IN UNUSED CONDITION. Our census of unused Scott 314A, available at http://www.siegelauctions.com/enc/census/314A.pdf , records four pairs, two guide line pairs and nine singles, for a total of 21 unused stamps. One of the singles is in the Miller Collection at The New York Public Library. Our census also contains 44 used examples, including three strips of three (one on cover), three singles on separate covers, and 32 single used copies. With the rising popularity of vending and affixing machines, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing received numerous requests from manufactures for supplies of imperforate stamps, which could then be privately perforated to conform to each firm’s machine. In May 1908, a supply of 25 sheets (400 stamps per sheet) of the 4c 1902 Issue, without perforations, was delivered to the Schermack Mailing Machine Co. in Detroit. The entire supply was cut into coils with Schermack Type III perforations, designed for the firm’s patented affixing machine and delivered to the Winfield Printing Co. for use on mass mailings of advertising material. Approximately 6,000 were used on a mailing for Hamilton Carhartt Manufacturer, and almost all of the 4,000 balance were used on a mailing for Burroughs Adding Machine Co. All of the Scott 314A stamps that exist in unused condition originate from a local Detroit stamp collector, Karl Koslowski, who was the only one to purchase some of the 4c Imperforates, either from the Winfield Printing Company or from the Schermack firm. His earliest account of the event appeared two years later in the Philadelphia Stamp News, and is considered to be the most reliable of several conflicting stories told by Koslowski (and interpreted by others) at later dates. In the 1910 article, Koslowski explains that he purchased 50 stamps and expected to be able to buy more, but the supply was destroyed when he returned. We can account for 32 of the 50 stamps Koslowski claims he acquired. There are 21 unused stamps currently in our census, all of which must have come from him, and he used at least 11 stamps on mail to friends, including the strip of three on a Koslowski cover, two used strips of three off cover (the mass mailings were all singles) and two singles on separate Koslowski covers. The earliest known cover is dated at Detroit on May 27, 1908, from Koslowski to a friend in Austria, and the latest is dated April 8, 1909, which was mailed to him using a sheet-margin single from Sicklerville, New Jersey. Apart from the stamps Koslowski used, there is one recorded commercial cover (June 2, 1908) and approximately 32 used single stamps, most of which were probably removed from the mass-mailing covers. The two recorded Mint N.H. examples of Scott 314A come from the ex-Lilly strip of five, which was cut into two pairs and one single by Jack E. Molesworth after it appeared in the 1985 Rarities sale. We shall refer to the stamps in that strip as #’s 1-5. Stamp #1 was cut as a single and is described in the 1985 Rarities sale as having slight margin thinning (it is hinged, although we erroneously reported it as Mint N.H. in our earlier census report). The pair comprising #2-3 was sold as part of the Zoellner collection in 1998, and soon after was divided into the Mint N.H. single (#2, the stamp offered here) and hinged single (#3, ex Whitman). The pair comprising #4-5 was also ex Whitman. The left stamp in this pair (#4) is Mint N.H., one of two known in that condition. The pair with one stamp Mint N.H. realized $400,000 hammer in our 2009 Whitman sale. Ex Koslowski, Schmalzreidt, Col. Edward H. R. Green, Lilly and B. D. Phillips as part of a strip of five. Ex “Connoisseur” (McNall) and Zoellner as a pair. The Zoellner pair was divided shortly after our 1998 auction, and this Mint N.H. stamp was sold to Mr. Hall. With copy of 1998 P.F. certificate for pair, which states “the left stamp never hinged and the right stamp previously hinged”

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Apr 2015, Sale 1096, Lot 552

o 1908, 4¢ brown, imperf (314A), perfectly centered with full Schermack perforations on both sides, prooflike color, neat wavy line machine cancel. Extremely Fine. Scott price $52,500 WITH ITS PERFECT CENTERING, FULL SCHERMACK PERFORATIONS, PRISTINE COLOR AND A LIGHT CANCEL, WE FEEL THIS STAMP DEFINITELY QUALIFIES AS THE FINEST USED 4¢ IMPERF EXTANT. ONE OF THE RAREST 20TH CENTURY STAMPS WITH ONLY ABOUT 30 USED SINGLES CERTIFIED AND ONLY ABOUT HALF OF THESE BEING SOUND. Expertization: 1952, 1990, 2002 P.F. Certificates. Provenance: Greene.

Matthew Bennett International, Feb 2015, Sale 351, Lot 158

4c Brown, Imperforate, Schermack Ty. III (314A). Full Schermack perforations at right and both notches visible at left, deep rich color, face-free cancel, nice centering for this difficult issue FINE. A BEAUTIFUL SOUND USED EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT 1908 IMPERFORATE, SCOTT 314A WITH A FACE-FREE CANCEL. ONLY 31 USED SINGLES ARE CONTAINED IN OUR CENSUS. With the rising popularity of vending and affixing machines, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing received numerous requests from manufacturers for supplies of imperforate stamps, which could then be privately perforated to conform to each firm’s machine. In May 1908, a supply of 25 sheets (400 stamps per sheet) of the 4c 1902 Issue, without perforations, was delivered to the Schermack Mailing Machine Co. in Detroit. The entire supply was cut into coils with Schermack Type III perforations, designed for the firm’s patented affixing machine and delivered to the Winfield Printing Co. for use on mass mailings of advertising material. Approximately 6,000 were used on a mailing for Hamilton Carhartt Manufacturer, and almost all of the 4,000 balance were used on a mailing for Burroughs Adding Machine Co. Our recently-completed census of Scott 314A incorporates the records of the Philatelic Foundation, the Levi records (which represents over 40 years of auction sales) and our own computerized sales history, and is available at our website at http://www.siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/314A/314A.pdf . The census reveals a startling fact — there are only 31 used singles (two on piece), a used strip of three and three covers (one of which bears a strip of three), for a total of 39 used stamps. Census No. 314A-CAN-28. This is the only used example contained in our census with a completely face-free cancel. With 1951 and 2005 P.F. certificates

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Feb 2015, Sale 1093, Lot 40

4c Brown, Imperforate, Schermack Ty. III (314A). Large margins with full Schermack perforations on both sides, deep rich color, neat strike of duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, choice centering for this difficult issue VERY FINE AND CHOICE. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE 4-CENT 1908 IMPERFORATE, SCOTT 314A. ONLY 31 USED SINGLES ARE CONTAINED IN OUR CENSUS. With the rising popularity of vending and affixing machines, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing received numerous requests from manufactures for supplies of imperforate stamps, which could then be privately perforated to conform to each firm’s machine. In May 1908, a supply of 25 sheets (400 stamps per sheet) of the 4c 1902 Issue, without perforations, was delivered to the Schermack Mailing Machine Co. in Detroit. The entire supply was cut into coils with Schermack Type III perforations, designed for the firm’s patented affixing machine and delivered to the Winfield Printing Co. for use on mass mailings of advertising material. Approximately 6,000 were used on a mailing for Hamilton Carhartt Manufacturer, and almost all of the 4,000 balance were used on a mailing for Burroughs Adding Machine Co. Our recently-completed census of Scott 314A incorporates the records of the Philatelic Foundation, the Levi records (which represents over 40 years of auction sales) and our own computerized sales history, and is available at our website at http://www.siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/314A/314A.pdf . The census reveals a startling fact — there are only 31 used singles (two on piece), a used strip of three and three covers (one of which bears a strip of three), for a total of 39 used stamps. Our previous assumption was that this number was much higher. An analysis of our census found nine copies in sound condition with Schermack perforations on both sides. Five of these have poor centering, leaving a population of only four to vie for the title of finest in existence (Census Nos. 01, 11, 12 and 23). Census No. 314A-CAN-01. Ex Twigg-Smith and Natalee Grace. With 1970 and 2001 P.F. certificates

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Dec 2013, Sale 1062, Lot 495

4c Brown, Imperforate, Schermack Ty. III (314A). Large margins to just just clear of design at bottom left, full Schermack perforations on right side, part perforations at left, deep rich color, wavy-line cancel, two tiny toned specks in margin at bottom FINE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT 1908 IMPERFORATE WITH SCHERMACK PERFORATIONS, SCOTT 314A. ONLY 31 USED SINGLES ARE CONTAINED IN OUR CENSUS. With the rising popularity of vending and affixing machines, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing received numerous requests from manufacturers for supplies of imperforate stamps, which could then be privately perforated to conform to each firm’s machine. In May 1908, a supply of 25 sheets (400 stamps per sheet) of the 4c 1902 Issue, without perforations, was delivered to the Schermack Mailing Machine Co. in Detroit. The entire supply was cut into coils with Schermack Type III perforations, designed for the firm’s patented affixing machine and delivered to the Winfield Printing Co. for use on mass mailings of advertising material. Approximately 6,000 were used on a mailing for Hamilton Carhartt Manufacturer, and almost all of the 4,000 balance were used on a mailing for Burroughs Adding Machine Co. Our recently-completed census of Scott 314A incorporates the records of the Philatelic Foundation, the Levi records (which represents over 40 years of auction sales) and our own computerized sales history, and is available at our website at http://www.siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/314A/314A.pdf . The census reveals a startling fact — there are only 31 used singles (two on piece), a used strip of three and three covers (one of which bears a strip of three), for a total of 39 used stamps. Of these, most have faults. From our 1973 Rarities sale. With 1972 P.F. certificate.

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, May 2013, Sale 1044, Lot 237

4c Brown, Imperforate, Schermack Ty. III (314A). Large margins to just into design at left with full Schermack perforations on right side, deep rich color, usual wavy-line cancel, thins FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT 1908 IMPERFORATE WITH SCHERMACK PERFORATIONS, SCOTT 314A. ONLY 32 USED SINGLES ARE CONTAINED IN OUR CENSUS. Our census of Scott 314A incorporates the records of the Philatelic Foundation, the Levi records (which represents over 40 years of auction sales) and our own computerized sales history. The census reveals a startling fact — there are only 32 used singles (two on piece), a used strip of three and three covers (one of which contains a strip of three), for a total of 40 used stamps. Our previous assumption was that this number was much higher. With 2012 P.F. certificate.

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Mar 2013, Sale 1040, Lot 1673

4c Brown, Imperforate, Schermack Ty. III (314A). Large margins to well clear at left with Schermack perforations on both sides, deep rich color, usual wavy-line cancel, thinned at right and barely noticeable light vertical crease VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT 1908 IMPERFORATE WITH SCHERMACK PERFORATIONS, SCOTT 314A. ONLY 31 USED SINGLES ARE CONTAINED IN OUR CENSUS. Our recently updated census of Scott 314A incorporates the records of the Philatelic Foundation, the Levi records (which represents over 40 years of auction sales) and our own computerized sales history. The census reveals a startling fact — there are only 31 used singles (two on piece), a used strip of three and three covers (one of which contains a strip of three), for a total of 39 used stamps. Our previous assumption was that this number was much higher. From the Belasco collection. With 1962 and 2010 P.F. certificates

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Dec 2012, Sale 1037, Lot 1968

4c Brown, Schermack Ty. III (314A). Large margins to clear with full Schermack perforations at right, deep rich color, neat strike of wavy-line machine cancel, light creases, small tear, tiny thin spots FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT 1908 IMPERFORATE. With the rising popularity of vending and affixing machines, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing received numerous requests from manufacturers for supplies of imperforate stamps, which could then be privately perforated to conform to each firm’s machine. In May 1908, a supply of 25 sheets (400 stamps per sheet) of the 4c 1902 Issue, without perforations, was delivered to the Schermack Mailing Machine Co. in Detroit. The entire supply was cut into coils with Schermack Type III perforations, designed for the firm’s patented affixing machine and delivered to the Winfield Printing Co. for use on mass mailings of advertising material. Approximately 6,000 were used on a mailing for Hamilton Carhartt Manufacturer, and almost all of the 4,000 balance were used on a mailing for Burroughs Adding Machine Co. Our recently-completed census of Scott 314A incorporates the records of the Philatelic Foundation, the Levi records (which represents over 40 years of auction sales) and our own computerized sales history, and is available at our website at http://www.siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/314A/314A.pdf . The census reveals a startling fact — there are only 31 used singles (two on piece), a used strip of three and three covers (one of which bears a strip of three), for a total of 39 used stamps. Our previous assumption was that this number was much higher. Unpublished Census No. 314A-CAN-24. Ex Hoffman. With 1985 P.F. certificate

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Nov 2012, Sale 1034, Lot 306

4c Brown, Imperforate, Schermack Ty. III (314A). Large margins with full Schermack perforations on both sides, deep rich color, neat strike of duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, choice centering for this difficult issue VERY FINE AND CHOICE. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE 4-CENT 1908 IMPERFORATE, SCOTT 314A. ONLY 31 USED SINGLES ARE CONTAINED IN OUR CENSUS. With the rising popularity of vending and affixing machines, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing received numerous requests from manufactures for supplies of imperforate stamps, which could then be privately perforated to conform to each firm’s machine. In May 1908, a supply of 25 sheets (400 stamps per sheet) of the 4c 1902 Issue, without perforations, was delivered to the Schermack Mailing Machine Co. in Detroit. The entire supply was cut into coils with Schermack Type III perforations, designed for the firm’s patented affixing machine and delivered to the Winfield Printing Co. for use on mass mailings of advertising material. Approximately 6,000 were used on a mailing for Hamilton Carhartt Manufacturer, and almost all of the 4,000 balance were used on a mailing for Burroughs Adding Machine Co. Our recently-completed census of Scott 314A incorporates the records of the Philatelic Foundation, the Levi records (which represents over 40 years of auction sales) and our own computerized sales history, and is available at our website at http://www.siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/314A/314A.pdf . The census reveals a startling fact — there are only 31 used singles (two on piece), a used strip of three and three covers (one of which bears a strip of three), for a total of 39 used stamps. Our previous assumption was that this number was much higher. An analysis of our census found nine copies in sound condition with Schermack perforations on both sides. Five of these have poor centering, leaving a population of only four to vie for the title of finest in existence (Census Nos. 01, 11, 12 and 23). Census No. 314A-CAN-01. Ex Twigg-Smith. With 1970 and 2001 P.F. certificates

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Sep 2012, Sale 1028, Lot 310

4c Brown, Imperforate, Schermack Ty. III Private Perforation (314A). Large margins to well clear at left with full Schermack perforations on right side, deep rich color, usual wavy-line cancel, small thins and small sealed tear FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT 1908 IMPERFORATE WITH SCHERMACK PERFORATIONS, SCOTT 314A. ONLY 31 USED SINGLES ARE CONTAINED IN OUR CENSUS. Our recently-completed census of Scott 314A incorporates the records of the Philatelic Foundation, the Levi records (which represents over 40 years of auction sales) and our own computerized sales history. The census reveals a startling fact — there are only 31 used singles (two on piece), a used strip of three and three covers (one of which contains a strip of three), for a total of 39 used stamps. Our previous assumption was that this number was much higher. With 2007 P.S.E. certificate.

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Feb 2010, Sale 983, Lot 202

4c Brown, Imperforate, Schermack Ty. III Private Perforation (314A). Large margins to well clear at left with full Schermack perforations on both sides, deep rich color, usual wavy-line cancel FRESH AND FINE. A RARE SOUND EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT 1908 IMPERFORATE WITH SCHERMACK PERFORATIONS, SCOTT 314A. ONLY 31 USED SINGLES ARE CONTAINED IN OUR CENSUS, AND FEW HAVE THE SCHERMACK PERFORATIONS ON BOTH SIDES. Our recently-completed census of Scott 314A incorporates the records of the Philatelic Foundation, the Levi records (which represents over 40 years of auction sales) and our own computerized sales history. The census reveals a startling fact — there are only 31 used singles (two on piece), a used strip of three and three covers (one of which contains a strip of three), for a total of 39 used stamps. Our previous assumption was that this number was much higher. Of these, only 18 show Schermack perforations on both sides and of these only 11 are sound. With 1967 P.F. certificate. Acquired by the current owner in our 1969 Rarities sale.

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Sep 2009, Sale 976, Lot 1891

4c Brown, Imperforate, Schermack Ty. III Private Perforation (314A). Lightly hinged, rich color and proof-like impression, choice centering with full Schermack perfs at both sides which completely clear the design EXTREMELY FINE. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE SOUND ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT 1908 IMPERFORATE. ONLY EIGHT SINGLES ARE AVAILABLE TO COLLECTORS, AND THIS IS THE FIRST WE HAVE OFFERED IN OVER 15 YEARS. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF 20TH CENTURY UNITED STATES PHILATELY. Our updated census of unused Scott 314A (available at http://www.siegelauctions.com/enc/census/314A.pdf ) records four pairs, two guide line pairs and nine singles, for a total of 21 unused stamps. One of the singles is in the Miller Collection at The New York Public Library. Our unpublished census contains 44 used examples, including three strips of three (one on cover), three singles on separate covers, and 32 single used copies. With the rising popularity of vending and affixing machines, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing received numerous requests from manufactures for supplies of imperforate stamps, which could then be privately perforated to conform to each firm’s machine. In May 1908, a supply of 25 sheets (400 stamps per sheet) of the 4c 1902 Issue, without perforations, was delivered to the Schermack Mailing Machine Co. in Detroit. The entire supply was cut into coils with Schermack Type III perforations, designed for the firm’s patented affixing machine and delivered to the Winfield Printing Co. for use on mass mailings of advertising material. Approximately 6,000 were used on a mailing for Hamilton Carhartt Manufacturer, and almost all of the 4,000 balance were used on a mailing for Burroughs Adding Machine Co. All of the Scott 314A stamps that exist in unused condition originate from a local Detroit stamp collector, Karl Koslowski, who was the only one to purchase some of the 4c Imperforates–either from the Winfield Printing Company or from the Schermack firm. His earliest account of the event appeared two years later in the Philadelphia Stamp News, and is considered to be the most reliable of several conflicting stories told by Koslowski (and interpreted by others) at later dates. In the 1910 article, Koslowski explains that he purchased 50 stamps and expected to be able to buy more, but the supply was destroyed when he returned. We can account for 32 of the 50 stamps Koslowski claims he acquired. There are 21 unused stamps currently in our census, all of which must have come from him, and he used at least 11 stamps on mail to friends, including the strip of three on a Koslowski cover, two used strips of three off cover (the mass mailings were all singles) and two singles on separate Koslowski covers. The earliest known cover is dated at Detroit on May 27, 1908, from Koslowski to a friend in Austria, and the latest is dated April 8, 1909, which was mailed to him using a sheet-margin single from Sicklerville, New Jersey. Apart from the stamps Koslowski used, there is one recorded commercial cover (June 2, 1908) and approximately 32 used single stamps, most of which were probably removed from the mass-mailing covers. This stamp comes from the ex-Lilly strip of five, which was cut into two pairs and one single by Jack E. Molesworth after it appeared in the 1985 Rarities sale. We shall refer to the stamps in that strip as #’s 1-5. Stamp #1 was cut as a single and is described in the 1985 Rarities sale as having slight margin thinning. This single is hinged, although we erroneously reported it as Mint N.H. in our earlier census report. The pair comprising #2-3 was sold as part of the Zoellner collection in 1998, and soon after was divided into the Mint N.H. single (#2) and hinged single offered here (#3). The pair comprising #4-5 is also offered in this sale (lot 389). Ex Koslowski, Schmalzreidt, Col. Edward H. R. Green and Lilly as part of a strip of five, and ex Zoellner as the right stamp in a pair. Census No. 314A-OG-15. With 1985 and 1998 P.F. certificates as pairs and 1999 P.F. certificate as a single.

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Sep 2009, Sale 968B, Lot 390

4c Brown, Imperforate, Schermack Ty. III Private Perforation (314A). Guide line pair, lightly hinged, perfect centering with wide margins and full Schermack perfs which clear the designs of both stamps, deep rich color and proof-like impression EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS BY FAR THE FINER OF THE TWO RECORDED GUIDE LINE PAIRS OF THE 4-CENT 1908 IMPERFORATE — IN FACT, IT IS THE FINEST OF ALL KNOWN MULTIPLES OF THIS MAJOR RARITY. ONE OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING ITEMS OF 20TH CENTURY UNITED STATES PHILATELY. THIS IS A RARE CASE WHERE BOTH RARITY AND CONDITION MEET TO FORM A TRULY OUTSTANDING ITEM. Our updated census of unused Scott 314A (available at http://www.siegelauctions.com/enc/census/314A.pdf ) records four pairs, two guide line pairs and nine singles, for a total of 21 unused stamps. One of the singles is in the Miller Collection at The New York Public Library. Our unpublished census contains 44 used examples, including three strips of three (one on cover), three singles on separate covers, and 32 single used copies. With the rising popularity of vending and affixing machines, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing received numerous requests from manufactures for supplies of imperforate stamps, which could then be privately perforated to conform to each firm’s machine. In May 1908, a supply of 25 sheets (400 stamps per sheet) of the 4c 1902 Issue, without perforations, was delivered to the Schermack Mailing Machine Co. in Detroit. The entire supply was cut into coils with Schermack Type III perforations, designed for the firm’s patented affixing machine and delivered to the Winfield Printing Co. for use on mass mailings of advertising material. Approximately 6,000 were used on a mailing for Hamilton Carhartt Manufacturer, and almost all of the 4,000 balance were used on a mailing for Burroughs Adding Machine Co. All of the Scott 314A stamps that exist in unused condition originate from a local Detroit stamp collector, Karl Koslowski, who was the only one to purchase some of the 4c Imperforates–either from the Winfield Printing Company or from the Schermack firm. His earliest account of the event appeared two years later in the Philadelphia Stamp News, and is considered to be the most reliable of several conflicting stories told by Koslowski (and interpreted by others) at later dates. In the 1910 article, Koslowski explains that he purchased 50 stamps and expected to be able to buy more, but the supply was destroyed when he returned. We can account for 32 of the 50 stamps Koslowski claims he acquired. There are 21 unused stamps currently in our census, all of which must have come from him, and he used at least 11 stamps on mail to friends, including the strip of three on a Koslowski cover, two used strips of three off cover (the mass mailings were all singles) and two singles on separate Koslowski covers. The earliest known cover is dated at Detroit on May 27, 1908, from Koslowski to a friend in Austria, and the latest is dated April 8, 1909, which was mailed to him using a sheet-margin single from Sicklerville, New Jersey. Apart from the stamps Koslowski used, there is one recorded commercial cover (June 2, 1908) and approximately 32 used single stamps, most of which were probably removed from the mass-mailing covers. This line pair miraculously escaped having the designs impinged by the large rectangular-shaped Schermack perforations, and the coil margins are superbly balanced at top and bottom. One would never expect any Scott 314A to achieve the P.S.E. XF-Superb 95 grade, but to see one of the two known line pairs reach that zenith is astounding. The other recorded line pair was formerly in the William Wyer collection (Kelleher 1977 sale) and was subsequently sold as part of the Drucker Family collection in 2002 (Siegel Sale 851), where it realized $200,000 hammer. Ex Clifford C. Cole and Westport collection. With 1988 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95, SMQ price $720,000.00). The Stamp Market Quarterly lists prices for each of the two known guide line pairs and has assigned a grade of 70 to the other.

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Sep 2009, Sale 968B, Lot 388

4c Brown, Imperforate, Schermack Ty. III Private Perforation (314A). Pair, left stamp Mint N.H., right stamp barest trace of hinging, rich color, proof-like impression, beautiful centering between top and bottom coil margins, Schermack perfs just barely in at right EXTREMELY FINE. A MAGNIFICENT PAIR OF THE RARE 4-CENT 1908 IMPERFORATE. THIS PAIR CONTAINS ONE OF ONLY TWO KNOWN MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLES OF THIS GREAT RARITY — ONLY FOUR PAIRS, TWO LINE PAIRS AND NINE SINGLES ARE KNOWN IN UNUSED CONDITION. Our updated census of unused Scott 314A (available at http://www.siegelauctions.com/enc/census/314A.pdf ) records four pairs, two guide line pairs and nine singles, for a total of 21 unused stamps. One of the singles is in the Miller Collection at The New York Public Library. Our unpublished census contains 44 used examples, including three strips of three (one on cover), three singles on separate covers, and 32 single used copies. With the rising popularity of vending and affixing machines, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing received numerous requests from manufactures for supplies of imperforate stamps, which could then be privately perforated to conform to each firm’s machine. In May 1908, a supply of 25 sheets (400 stamps per sheet) of the 4c 1902 Issue, without perforations, was delivered to the Schermack Mailing Machine Co. in Detroit. The entire supply was cut into coils with Schermack Type III perforations, designed for the firm’s patented affixing machine and delivered to the Winfield Printing Co. for use on mass mailings of advertising material. Approximately 6,000 were used on a mailing for Hamilton Carhartt Manufacturer, and almost all of the 4,000 balance were used on a mailing for Burroughs Adding Machine Co. All of the Scott 314A stamps that exist in unused condition originate from a local Detroit stamp collector, Karl Koslowski, who was the only one to purchase some of the 4c Imperforates–either from the Winfield Printing Company or from the Schermack firm. His earliest account of the event appeared two years later in the Philadelphia Stamp News, and is considered to be the most reliable of several conflicting stories told by Koslowski (and interpreted by others) at later dates. In the 1910 article, Koslowski explains that he purchased 50 stamps and expected to be able to buy more, but the supply was destroyed when he returned. We can account for 32 of the 50 stamps Koslowski claims he acquired. There are 21 unused stamps currently in our census, all of which must have come from him, and he used at least 11 stamps on mail to friends, including the strip of three on a Koslowski cover, two used strips of three off cover (the mass mailings were all singles) and two singles on separate Koslowski covers. The earliest known cover is dated at Detroit on May 27, 1908, from Koslowski to a friend in Austria, and the latest is dated April 8, 1909, which was mailed to him using a sheet-margin single from Sicklerville, New Jersey. Apart from the stamps Koslowski used, there is one recorded commercial cover (June 2, 1908) and approximately 32 used single stamps, most of which were probably removed from the mass-mailing covers. A review of our auction records using Power Search demonstrates how rare Scott 314A is in unused form. We sold one of the two line pairs in our Drucker sale in 2002, a pair in the Zoellner sale in 1998 (since divided into singles), but not one unused example until prior to 1993, which is as far back as our computerized records go. The two recorded Mint N.H. examples of Scott 314A come from the ex-Lilly strip of five, which was cut into two pairs and one single by Jack E. Molesworth after it appeared in the 1985 Rarities sale. We shall refer to the stamps in that strip as #’s 1-5. Stamp #1 was cut as a single and is described in the 1985 Rarities sale as having slight margin thinning. This single is hinged, although we erroneously reported it as Mint N.H. in our earlier census report. The pair comprising #2-3 was sold as part of the Zoellner collection in 1998, and soon after was divided into the Mint N.H. single (#2) and hinged single (#3, offered as lot 390 in this sale). The pair comprising #4-5 is offered here. The left stamp (#4) is Mint N.H., one of two known in that condition. Ex Koslowski, Schmalzreidt, Col. Edward H. R. Green and Lilly as part of a strip of five, and ex Connoisseur in its present form. With 1985 and 2003 P.F. certificates (the former as a strip of four). Scott Retail as Mint N.H. and hinged singles

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Sep 2009, Sale 968B, Lot 389

4c Brown, Imperforate, Schermack Ty. III Private Perforation (314A). Large margins to well clear at left with full Schermack perforations on right side, deep rich color, usual wavy-line cancel, small thins and small sealed tear FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT 1908 IMPERFORATE WITH SCHERMACK PERFORATIONS, SCOTT 314A. ONLY 31 USED SINGLES ARE CONTAINED IN OUR CENSUS. Our recently-completed census of Scott 314A incorporates the records of the Philatelic Foundation, the Levi records (which represents over 40 years of auction sales) and our own computerized sales history. The census reveals a startling fact — there are only 31 used singles (two on piece), a used strip of three and three covers (one of which contains a strip of three), for a total of 39 used stamps. Our previous assumption was that this number was much higher. With 2007 P.S.E. certificate. PFC No. 13753 no longer accompanies.

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Apr 2009, Sale 972, Lot 3285