UNITED STATES LOCALS continued...

VERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE BLACK ON WHITE STAMP FORMERLY LISTED BY SCOTT AS 20L6. IN OUR OPINION, THIS IS A GENUINE PAPER VARIETY WORTHY OF RE-LISTING. ONLY TWO RECORDED.

The 2c Black on White Unglazed stamp formerly listed in Scott as 20L6 was de-listed at the urging of specialists, such as Henry Abt, who were convinced that the paper was chemically treated to remove the green coating. Only two examples are known: the stamp on this May 1848 cover and another oval-cut stamp tied on a Nov. 25, 1848 folded letter (R. G. Kaufmann sale, Jun. 12, 1982). Based on our examination of these stamps, we are doubtful that they have been chemically bleached to remove color. Obviously, the black design was printed on the green enamel-coated paper. To remove the glaze and color, the black printing would be affected. Even if one was able to work around the black ink, the cancellation inks on these two examples would also be affected by bleaching, which they are not. Abt, an excellent researcher, was quick to dismiss the stamps on white paper as "unnecessary" in 1848, however, Abt did note that by spring of 1848 the plate had become worn and a new engraved plate was ordered (from which 20L7 was printed). Both 20L6 stamps are worn impressions, indicating that they were printed in late 1847 or 1848 from worn plates. Rather than dismiss these stamps as color-changelings, it is more plausible to speculate that a small printing on unglazed white paper was made toward the end of the plate's life, perhaps in an effort to produce impressions that were clearer than those on glazed green stock.

A great opportunity for the specialist who has the confidence to judge this issue fairly despite past prejudice. (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE. A RARE COMBINATION USAGE OF THE 5-CENT 1847 ISSUE AND THE BOYD'S LOCAL STAMP, SCOTT 20L7.

Ex Stollnitz. We have only offered three other such combination covers in over ten years. (Image)