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

Notes:

The 7R1E stamp was cut from a pair of 6-7R1E before the Siegel 2000 Rarities sale. Scott Trepel, president of the Siegel firm, admitted his role as the “cutter” at the request of the consignor. The realization in that sale was a particularly high price for a single without four full margins, but the stamp is sound and the market in 2000 was very strong. In the same sale, the formerly-attached 6R1E realized $5,500 vs. $5,000 Scott value. Question: would these stamps have done as well or better if the pair had been left intact?
Light strike of distinctive large black grid of San Francisco, used sometime during the period from 7/1/1851 to 3/30/1855 when the 6c transcontinental rate was in effect and normally paid by a 3c pair. This cancel conveniently obliterated both stamps at once.

Provenance:

5/22/1925, Dr. Chase Collection, Kelleher, Lot 52, as part of reconstructed strip of six.
6/6/1953, George Willard Collection, Sam Paige, Lot 1, the pair realized $865 vs. $1,250+?Scott value (offered with adjoining pairs from strip of six—see next note re Ishikawa).
6/24/1980, Ex Ishikawa 1c 1851-57 Collection, Sotheby Parke Bernet, Lot 101, . The pair was part of a reconstruction of the entire top row of Plate 1E. Included in the reconstruction were two other pairs apparently cut from the same pane and bearing the same large black grid of San Francisco (Pos. 4-5R1E and 2-3R1E). The reconstruction of 11 stamps (two overlapping copies of 2R) realized $24,000 vs. $20,805 Scott value.
9/30/1986, Kelleher, Lot 218, the pair realized $20,000 vs. $27,000?Scott value.
5/13/2000, Siegel Auction Galleries, 2000 Rarities of the World, Sale 824, Lot 88, Realized $62,500, #824 5/13/2000 as a single, realized $62,500 vs. $37,500 Scott value.

Certificates: