United States 1867 Grill Issue 1867 12c black, E. Grill, unused without gum, centered to top, fresh color, fine, with 1972 PFC

Cherrystone Auctions, May 2013, Sale 201305, Lot 66

Scott #90, 12c Black, “E” grill, used single, quite well centered within wide margins, strong rich color and impression on bright paper, light cork cancel, very fine.

Spink Shreves Galleries, May 2014, Sale 148, Lot 126

United States 1867 Grill Issue 1867 12c black, E.Grill, unused with small part original gum, well centered, scissor separated at bottom, v.f., with 1997 PSE certificate

Cherrystone Auctions, Jan 2015, Sale 201501, Lot 131

10c Green, E. Grill (Scott 89). Brilliant color, clearly-defined grill, neat strike of blue Cincinnati circular datestamp, Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85 Jumbo, SMQ price $550.00 as 85, $1,000.00 as 90)

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Dec 2011, Sale 1017, Lot 535

United States 1867 Grill Issue 1867 10c green, E.Grill, neat black cancel, well centered, v.f., with 1992 PFC

Cherrystone Auctions, Sep 2012, Sale 201209, Lot 49

Scott #89, 10c Green, “E” grill, well centered within large margins, rich color and a clean impression, circle of wedges cancel, very fine; a most attractive stamp; 2012 PF certificate.

Spink Shreves Galleries, Aug 2013, Sale 144, Lot 141

*    10¢ green, E. grill (Scott 89), deep color and a strong impression, tiny natural inclusion, original gum, very lightly hinged, fresh and Fine (photo). $5,250 Expertization: 1989 P.F. for a block and 2004 P.S.E. Certificates.

Matthew Bennett International, May 2014, Sale 350, Lot 159

USA (Scott 89) 1867 WASHINGTON `E’ GRILL 10? GREEN Nearly perfectly centered, with large, even margins all around and light black cancel. (2003 PF Cert #399925) Cat value $350.

Regency-Superior, Nov 2014, Sale 108, Lot 216

3c Rose, E. Grill (Scott 88). Brilliant color, clearly-defined grill, face-free strike of blue quartered cork and also part of matching circular datestamp, Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a phenomenal stamp in every respect, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo, SMQ $800.00 as 95, unpriced as 98), this is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve this grade

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Dec 2012, Sale 1037, Lot 1607

1867, 3¢ rose, E. grill (Scott 88), o.g., never hinged, outstanding never hinged condition, with full and unblemished gum and marvelous bright color, unlisted in Scott in pristine mint condition, Fine. Scott $1,000 for “hinged”. Estimate price $500 – 750.

Daniel Kelleher Auctions, Oct 2014, Sale 660, Lot 2114

2c Black, E. Grill (Scott 87). Jumbo margins and precise centering, crisp impression on bright paper, cork and part of circular datestamp cancels EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 2-CENT E GRILL. With 2010 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo, SMQ $2,000.00 as 95, $6,000.00 as 98). Only one has graded graded higher and only one other has equaled this grade

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Oct 2012, Sale 1032, Lot 3154

2c Black, E. Grill (Scott 87). Original gum, minor h.r., well-centered, Very Fine and choice, with 1977 P.F. certificate

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Sep 2014, Sale 1078, Lot 199

1867, 1¢ blue, E. grill (86), remarkably fresh with bright color, a strong grill and full, barely hinged original gum; centered to the upper right, about Fine. Scott price $3,250 Expertization: 1978 PF Certificate for a block of four.

Matthew Bennett International, Mar 2012, Sale 344, Lot 4288

1c Blue, E. Grill (Scott 86). Bright shade, clearly-defined grill, neat cork cancel, Very Fine

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Oct 2012, Sale 1033, Lot 4048

1c Blue, E. Grill (Scott 86). Original gum, lightly hinged, bright color and proof-like impression on fresh paper, clear grill points, trivial natural gum bend which is extremely faint and not mentioned on accompanying certificate VERY FINE AND CHOICE. THE 1868 ONE-CENT E GRILL IS FAR SCARCER THAN ITS F GRILL COUNTERPART, PARTICULARLY IN ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION. Some time ago we observed that the 1c E Grill appeared at auction very infrequently, in any form. After analyzing the early 1868 regular-production grills (Z, D, E and F), we concluded that grilling of the 1c 1861 issue with the E (and Z) Grill must have been short-lived, occurring sometime around February 28, 1868. Later grilling of 1c stamps was probably done with the F Grill. Relatively little of the 1c E Grill supply appears to have reached the philatelic market, as evidenced by the stamp’s scarcity. Ex Scarsdale. With 1998 P.F. certificate

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Nov 2013, Sale 1057, Lot 648

1c Blue, E. Grill (Scott 86). Perfectly centered with wide and well-balanced margins, brilliant color on bright paper, light cancel leaves design clearly visible, strong grill impression EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 1868 ONE-CENT E GRILL IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT STAMPS OF THE SERIES TO OBTAIN WITH SUCH CHOICE CENTERING AND IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED, AND THIS STAMP IS ONE OF ONLY TWO TO ACHIEVE IT. Ex Tahoe and Merlin. With 2003 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ price $13,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares it (offered in our Kirke sale).

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Nov 2014, Sale 1084, Lot 3256

12c Black, Z. Grill (Scott 85E). Intense shade and impression, bold strike of negative Star of David cancel, minor soiling on back not mentioned on accompanying certificate, Fine, with 1985 P.F. certificate

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Oct 2012, Sale 1033, Lot 4047

1867, 12¢ intense black, Z. grill (85E), faint black cancellation, lovely rich shade, decent example of this terribly difficult Z grill; couple faint creases, Very Good to Fine. Scott $2,500. Estimate value $300 – 400.

Daniel Kelleher Auctions, Dec 2013, Sale 640, Lot 115

o U.S.; General Issues, 1867, 12¢ intense black, Z. grill, #85E. Cork cancel, scarce stamp, Average to Fine, PSAG (2014) cert. Scott $2,500. Estimate value $500.

Harmer-Schau Auction Galleries, Nov 2014, Sale 103, Lot 97

10c Green, Z. Grill (85D). Beautifully centered, deep rich color, clearly-defined grill, neat strike of blue circular datestamp and red cancel at bottom, thin spot at bottom of grill, tiny corner crease at top right, few slightly blunted perfs at lower right VERY FINE APPEARANCE. THE 1868 10-CENT Z GRILL IS ONE OF THE RAREST OF ALL UNITED STATES STAMPS. ONLY FOUR OR POSSIBLY FIVE EXAMPLES ARE AVAILABLE TO COLLECTORS. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF UNITED STATES PHILATELY AND ONE OF THE KEYS TO A COMPLETE COLLECTION OF UNITED STATES STAMPS. OFFERED TO THE MARKET FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 40 YEARS. Our census of the 10c Z Grill is shown on the opposite page and is also available at our website at http://siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/85D/85D.pdf The great Z Grill rarities are probably the products of a short-lived chance encounter between sheets of 1c, 10c and 15c stamps and the Z Grill roller on one of the grilling machines before the device was refitted with another grill type. The craftsmen at the National Bank Note Company could never have foreseen a future in which these embossed stamps would represent the keys to completing a United States stamp collection. We record just six examples of Scott 85D, including one stamp contained in the Miller collection at The New York Public Library (85D-CAN-06) and another stamp (85D-CAN-01) which has not been seen since it last appeared in a Laurence & Stryker auction in November 1958. Until the status of 85D-CAN-01 can be verified, it is possible that only four examples of the 10c Z Grill remain available to collectors. Census No. 85D-CAN-03. Discovered by Lester G. Brookman and illustrated in Volume II of his reference work on 19th Century United States stamps (page 136). Ex Wilbur H. Schilling, Jr. and offered to the market for the first time since our 1975 Rarities sale (where acquired by the current owner). With 1945 A.P.S. and 2015 P.F. certificates. Footnote in Scott Catalogue notes “Value is for a well-centered example with small faults”.

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Jun 2015, Sale 1106, Lot 3103

1867, 3¢ rose, Z. grill (85C), an extraordinary bottom sheet margin single with full selvage; nicely centered and remarkably fresh with a well defined grill and full, lightly hinged original gum; a choice, Very Fine Gem. Scott price $25,000 CERTAINLY ONE OF THE FINEST OF THE FEW SOUND MINT 3¢ Z. GRILLS EXTANT. Expertization: 1998 & 2009 PF Certificates. Provenance: Lilly, Whitman.

Matthew Bennett International, Sep 2012, Sale 345, Lot 115

Scott #85C, 3c Rose, “Z” grill, used example of this very rare grill, strong color, light central target cancel, centered into the design as is often the case with this stamp, very good and seldom availabe; 1996 PF certificate.

Spink Shreves Galleries, Aug 2013, Sale 144, Lot 138

3c Rose, Z. Grill (85C). Block of four with top part imprint selvage, original gum, clearly-defined grills, few tiny holes and thins in grilled areas on three stamps, few shortish perfs at right, top right stamp expert repair FINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE ORIGINAL-GUM BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE 1868 3-CENT Z GRILL WITH PART IMPRINT SELVAGE AT TOP. ONE OF SIX REPORTED UNUSED MULTIPLES OF THIS RARE GRILL ISSUE. We located six blocks in a survey of past auction sales and using Power Search for our sales. The Caspary collection contained a block of four with top part imprint selvage, which originally formed a full imprint block of eight with the block offered here. With 1994 P.F. certificate. Scott Retail $120,000.00

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Nov 2014, Sale 1084, Lot 3250

2c Black, Z. Grill (Scott 85B). Disturbed part original gum, three wide margins, barely touching at right, attractive example of this rare unused stamp, with 1995 P.S.E. certificate as “trace original gum” which in our opinion is an understatement

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Dec 2012, Sale 1037, Lot 1590

85B, 1867 2c Black, “Z” grill, ,well centered single with light “circle of diamonds” cancel, couple blunted perfs as typical, 2010 PF Graded “VF 80” Certificate plus 2003 PF certificate (Scott $1,300)

H.R. Harmer, Jun 2013, Sale 3003, Lot 1089

1867, 2¢ black, Z. grill (85B), part o.g., a presentable example of this rare stamp, Very Good to Fine, 1972 P.F. certificate. Scott $17,500. Estimate value $2,000 – 3,000.

Daniel Kelleher Auctions, Dec 2013, Sale 640, Lot 110

1867, 2¢ black, Z. grill (Scott 85B), neat circle-of-wedges cancel, fresh and attractive; perfs in at bottom, Very Good to Fine, quite a reasonable example of this rare stamp. Scott $1,300. Estimate $250 – 350.

Daniel Kelleher Auctions, May 2014, Sale 652, Lot 192

USA (Scott 85B) 1867 JACKSON ‘Z’ GRILL 2? BLACK Genuine Z Grill, black quartered cork cancel, reperf at left, fine to very fine appearing. (2010 PSE Cert #01217489) Cat price $1300.

Regency-Superior, Nov 2014, Sale 108, Lot 210

85B, 1867 2c Black, ‘Z’ Grill, Very Good, 2004 PF certificate (Scott price $1,300) 

H.R. Harmer, Jun 2015, Sale 3007, Lot 3163

1867, 3¢ rose, D. grill (85), bright color with strong grill, centered to the left, large part o.g., light creases, Fine and scarce original gum example of the 3¢ D. grill. Scott $6,000 Expertization: 2002 P.S.E. Certificate.

Matthew Bennett International, Mar 2012, Sale 344, Lot 4284

Scott #85, 3c Rose, “D” grill, exceptionally well centered and margined, warm color, unusually light and face-free cancel, extremely fine; 2005 PF certificate.

Spink Shreves Galleries, Nov 2012, Sale 141, Lot 59

1867, 3¢ rose, D. grill (Scott 85), neat black geometric cancellation, vivid rich shade, nice appearing example of this tough stamp; small corner crease at top left, Fine to Very Fine. Scott $1,100. Estimate price $200 – 300.

Daniel Kelleher Auctions, Apr 2013, Sale 636, Lot 115

3c Rose, D. Grill (Scott 85). Brilliant color on bright white paper, extra wide margins, perfect strike of segmented cork cancel EXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1867 3-CENT D GRILL. With 1989 P.F. certificate

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Dec 2013, Sale 1062, Lot 264

3c Rose, D. Grill (Scott 85). Clearly-defined grill, cork cancel and part of circular datestamp, well-balanced margins, Very Fine and choice, some manuscript on back

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Jul 2014, Sale 1077, Lot 93

United States 1867 Grill Issue 1867 3c rose, D.Grill, light black cancel, well centered, rich color, fresh and v.f. example of this difficult stamp, with 2000 PFC

Cherrystone Auctions, Jan 2015, Sale 201501, Lot 124

2c Black, D. Grill (Scott 84). Intense shade and detailed impression, well-balanced margins, wonderful perforations, clearly-defined grill, bold strike of cork cancel VERY FINE AND CHOICE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 2-CENT D GRILL. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT ISSUE TO OBTAIN IN SOUND AND CENTERED CONDITION. The 2c D Grill is the rarest of the regular-production 1867-68 Grilled Issues (excluding the 1867 trials and rarest Z Grills), followed in order of scarcity by the 3c Z Grill, the 3c D Grill and the 12c Z Grill. It is our theory that two grilling machines were used simultaneously, and that one of the machines was converted from the D to E Grill in early 1868, after a small number of 2c sheets were run through the D-equipped machine. This was the first time the Black Jack received a grill. Ex Twigg-Smith but not offered in his single-owner sale. With 1981 P.F. certificate

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Jun 2012, Sale 1024, Lot 141

84, 1867 2c Black, “D” grill, ,bold grill impression, VG, 1979 PF ,Certificate (Scott $4,500)

H.R. Harmer, Jun 2013, Sale 3003, Lot 1087

84, 1868 2c Black, “D” Grill,cork cancel, Very Good, 2014 PSE certificate (Scott value $4,500)

H.R. Harmer, Oct 2014, Sale 3006, Lot 1122

3c Rose, C. Grill (Scott 83). Nicely balanced wide margins, deep rich color on fresh paper, bold cork cancel, Extremely Fine, a choice used example of the scarce 3c C Grill, with 1983 P.F. certificate as on cover, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85, SMQ value $1,850.00), only four examples have been graded higher and this is one of only three to achieve this grade

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Oct 2012, Sale 1032, Lot 3146

3c Rose, C. Grill (Scott 83). Margins to touched at bottom, neat strike of blue segmented cork cancel, single shortish perf at right, Fine and attractive, with 1987 A.P.S. certificate

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Jul 2013, Sale 1050, Lot 206

83, 1867 3c Rose, “C” Grill, Points down variety, interesting inverted grill variety, disturbed o.g., Fine and rare, a must have for any serious U.S. specialist, 2014 PSE certificate (Scott $6,750)

H.R. Harmer, May 2014, Sale 3005, Lot 1100

USA (Scott 83) 1867 WASHINGTON ‘C’ GRILL 3? ROSE Postally used with bold black grid and partial black town cancel. Additional manuscript ‘E’ and ‘A’ in upper corners. Four clear margins, very fine. (1998 PF Cert #0328725) Cat price $1100.

Regency-Superior, Nov 2014, Sale 108, Lot 198

30c Orange, A. Grill (81). Perforations complete on all four sides, bright shade, bold quartered cork cancel and trace of circular datestamp at left, small (and utterly insignificant) stain at bottom, essentially sound VERY FINE. ONE OF EIGHT RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE 30-CENT 1867 ALL-OVER GRILL, OF WHICH ONLY SEVEN ARE AVAILABLE TO COLLECTORS. AN OUTSTANDING RARITY OF CLASSIC UNITED STATES PHILATELY. OFFERED TO THE MARKET FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE OUR 1975 RARITIES SALE. There are eight 30c A Grill stamps recorded in our census, which is shown here and available at our website at http://siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/81/81.pdf . All are centered to upper right and cancelled by a quartered cork (at least two types). One of the eight is the New York Public Library’s copy, which was stolen and recovered, but those responsible for finding a buyer for the stolen stamp added ink to the face to change its appearance. Excluding the NYPL copy, there are seven 30c A Grill stamps available to collectors. Six of the available stamps have missing or pulled perforations and/or margin defects. The small stain at bottom of the stamp offered here is very minor and should not be considered a “fault” in the technical sense of the term. This stamp is for all purposes sound and thus of even greater rarity and value. Census No. 80-CAN-02. Ex Schilling and offered to the market for the first time since our 1975 Rarities sale. The only other example to be offered in one of our auctions since at least 1994 is the ex Zoellner/Natalee Grace copy. With 1969 and 2015 P.F. certificates. The footnote in Scott Catalogue notes that “All are more or less faulty and/or off center. Values are for off-center examples with small perforation faults”.

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Jun 2015, Sale 1106, Lot 3101

5c Brown, A. Grill Essay (80a). Unused (no gum), characteristic centering and perforations of the experimental A. Grill, small nick at top, few faults at lower right THE TOP RIGHT STAMP FROM THE EARL OF CRAWFORD BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE 1867 5-CENT ALL-OVER EXPERIMENTAL GRILL. ONE OF FOUR RECORDED UNUSED EXAMPLES OF THIS ESSAY. There are four unused 5c A Grill essays recorded in our census, which originally formed a block of four owned by the Earl of Crawford. This stamp is the top right stamp from this block, which has an interesting history. The entire Earl of Crawford collection was purchased by Nassau Stamp Co. (John A. Klemann) in 1915. In a June 5, 1930, letter from Klemann to Philip H. Ward, this stamp was described as follows: “The 5c copy was one of a block of four from the ‘Lord Crawford’ collection, purchased by this company and later broken into four single stamps. It was previously owned by an employee of the National Bank Note Company, Mr. Charles F. Steel.” [Steel was the creator of the grilling process]. The stamps originating from the Earl of Crawford block have drawn inconsistent opinions over the years. The right vertical pair of stamps (including this one) have been separately certified by the P.F. as genuine, while the upper left stamp was certified first as an essay (PFC 3170) and then as a counterfeit (PFC 36753). The lower left stamp — offered in our 2003 Rarities sale and the one described in the Klemann letter — had never been submitted to the Philatelic Foundation until 2003, when it was declared to be an all-over essay grill. It previously had a 1942 American Board of Experts certificate signed by Klemann, describing it as a genuine “5c Brown with essay grill covering the entire stamp”, an opinion consistent with Klemann’s knowledge of grilling and of the source block’s origin. Of the four recorded used 5c A Grill stamps, two have identical shades, centering and cancellations. In fact, the two of the same shade were originally joined as a pair and were used as singles together. They are printed in a distinctive shade — sometimes called Black Brown — that is very scarce and found only on covers dated from late 1867 into 1868 (we have records of four covers from October 1867 to May 1868). It is likely that a small number of sheets from this late printing were available for grilling with the A Grill in 1867. The other two recorded 5c A Grills are in a brighter shade of Brown and must come from a different supply of 5c sheets printed earlier. Two of the four unused 5c A Grill stamps from the Earl of Crawford block, including this one, were previously certified as genuine Scott 80’s by The Philatelic Foundation. The P.F. is now being consistent in describing this as an essay. Ex Schilling. With 1969 P.F. certificate as Scott No. 80, unused, with small defects. With 2015 P.F. certificate stating “it is a genuine Scott 80E, with an all over essay grill, a small nick at top and faults at lower right.”

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Jun 2015, Sale 1106, Lot 3100

3c Rose, A. Grill (Scott 79). Large part original gum, small h.r., clear grill points, far better perforations than normally seen on this issue but with few irregular at top, typical light gum soaks in grill, small corner crease at top left, otherwise Fine, this grilled issue, with the grill covering the entire stamp, is difficult to find with such even perfs, and for some reason this issue almost always is found off-center

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Mar 2012, Sale 1021, Lot 238

United States 1867 Grill Issue 1867 3c rose, grill covering the entire stamp, v.g., tied on small cover by Washington DC (Aug 26) cds, addressed to West Chester, Pa, small cover flaws, otherwise fine, ex-Klein, etc.

Cherrystone Auctions, Nov 2013, Sale 201311, Lot 19

U.S.; General Issues, 1867, 3¢ rose, A. grill, #79. CA cancel on original piece with usual small perforation irregularities, Fine, PSAG (2014) cert. Scott $1,500. Estimate $350.

Harmer-Schau Auction Galleries, Nov 2014, Sale 103, Lot 94

United States 1861-66 Issue 1861 24c grayish lilac, black cork cancel, well centered, v.f., with 2005 PFC

Cherrystone Auctions, Apr 2012, Sale 201204, Lot 58

24c Dark Lilac (Scott 78). Choice centering with well-proportioned margins, strong color, neat target cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90, SMQ value $1,000.00 as Lilac shade)

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Oct 2012, Sale 1032, Lot 3142

78b, 1862 24c Gray, ,black “circle of wedges” plus portions of light red cancels, fresh and Fine (Scott $450)

H.R. Harmer, Jun 2013, Sale 3003, Lot 1084