Census of 1c Blue, Type I (Scott 5)

Notes:

This single was cut from a strip of 7-8-9R1E, presumably for monetary gain. A 4mm tear at left of 7R1E has been so cleverly sealed as to be overlooked by the PF and auction describers. The 1986 PFC notes “small filled in thin spots” but does not mention tear, although the SBA records at the PF note the fault. When I read the PFC, I notified the PF of its error, but my letter was not answered. I notified Siegel of the tear prior to the October 2000 auction, and as a result the catalogue description included the statement “small sealed tear not mentioned on accompanying certificate”.
Black grid.

Provenance:

3/20/1937, Percy G. Doane, Lot 30, Realized $270, as a strip of three, sold for
6/18/1940, George R. M. Ewing Collection, Harmer Rooke, Lot 73, strip of three (described with crease between 7 and 8R1E), sold for $200 to Ernest R. Jacobs. The strip was previously sold to Ewing by Ezra Cole for $450. Referred to as the William S. White strip.
9/11/1986, Simmy, Lot 165, as a single, no mention of tear. Possibly unsold.
12/12/1986, Ivy, Lot 55, no mention of tear, realized $8,200 vs. $21,500 Scott value.
2/11/1996, Bennett, Lot 436, realized $13,500 vs. $17,500 Scott value, description notes “small, expertly sealed tear”, the first time this fault was noted in auction.
10/18/2000, Raymond Fox Collection, Siegel Auction Galleries, United States Stamps, Sale 829, Lot 35, Realized $27,000, realized $27,000 vs. $37,500 Scott value.

Certificates:

PF 157675 (1986) issued to Simmy’s for the single, “Caution” handstamp, describing “small filled in thin spots” without mention of the tear.