Sale 1391 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 13-15 October, 2026
Category — Specialized Private Die Proprietary Issues: Medicine Companies, Collection Lots thru Letter E
Private Die Medicine Company Issues Collection. Beautiful set of custom pages containing a phenomenal collection balance, the foundation for this was the balance of the Inman Private Die Medicine stamps, the collection has since been improved upon and also added to, including an excellent showing of the different paper types with some experimental silk papers and several better pink papers, wonderful range of companies, individual Scott values go as high as $2,250 (RS143a), including Nos. RS27e (with 2008 P.F. certificate), RS31a, RS34b (2), RS40c, RS40d, RS42a, RS43a, RS48c, RS55b, RS59b, RS70b, RS71c, RS76a, RS93d, RS100b, RS125a, RS130d, RS135b, RS136b, RS143a, RS143b, RS144d, RS146d, RS147c, RS147cp, RS159b, RS159d, RS165b, RS167c, RS174di, RS174ci, RS180d, RS182b, RS189c, RS233a, RS235b, RS235d, RS238b, RS243e (P.F. certificate), RS247a, RS264b, RS264c, RS264d, RS264ad, RS265b, RS265d, RS267a, RS277a, RS307, RS308, RS309, RS310-RS315, few double transfers, few show imprints, some faults to be expected but in far better condition than normally seen
FINE-VERY FINE. A PHENOMENAL COLLECTION BALANCE OF PRIVATE DIE MEDICINE company STAMPS. THIS IS A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR A NEW COLLECTION OR AN OPPORTUNITY TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING COLLECTION WITH MANY HIGH-GRADE STAMPS.
Grant Inman purchased several balance lots over the years, including the balances from the "Scarsdale" sale. He then picked the best stamps from each group to form the collection offered here. The current owner bought this in the Inman sale and continued the work of upgrading and adding to the collection. We encourage bidders to view a PDF of the lot, which is available at our website, as well as the owner's spreadsheet which is far more accurate than many we have encountered. Scott value approximately
J. C. Ayer & Co., 1c Black, Ty. 1, Silk Paper, Imperforate (RS4b). Large margins to clear, few small faults as usually found on these issues, Very Fine appearance
J. C. Ayer & Co., 1c Black, Ty. I, USIR Watermark (RS4d). Huge margins including bottom right corner margin with part imprint at left and negative "Ayer J.C. & Co. No. C" at right, light creases, thin spot, Extremely Fine appearance, desirable with the imprints, SCV $95
J. C. Ayer & Co., 1c Black, Ty. 2, Silk Paper (RS4g). Vertical strip of three, large margins, top stamp small thin spot and light diagonal crease, Very Fine appearance, Scott value as singles
J. C. Ayer & Co., 1c Black, Ty. 2, Pink Paper (RS4h). Large margins, a few light vertical creases, Very Fine appearance, 22 are recorded in the Aldrich census
J. C. Ayer & Co., 1c Black, Ty. 2, USIR Watermark, Imperforate (RS4i). Vertical strip of five, large margins all around including right sheet margins, horizontal crease affects bottom stamp only, Very Fine appearance, Scott value as singles
J. C. Ayer & Co., 4c Blue, Experimental Silk Paper, Die Cut (RS9e). Showing all points of the star, a few blue silk fibers are readily apparent, tin spot at lower right, small stain at left center
VERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT BLUE J. C. AYER & CO. ON EXPERIMENTAL SILK PAPER.
As an indication of rarity, none was offered in the Lilly or Joyce sales. It was first listed in the 1993 Scott U.S. Specialized, two years after the Joyce sale, with a dash for the price. It is also not mentioned in the 1994 Aldrich book. This is the fourth we have offered since keeping computerized records. Accompanied by note from Eric Jackson.
J. C. Ayer & Co., 4c Ultramarine, Old Paper, Die Cut (RS9u). True Ultramarine color, full points all around, few faults as usual including thin spots, creases and small tears, still appears Very Fine, scarce, we have offered only one other in this distinctive color since keeping computerized records (in our 2012 "Scarsdale" sale), ex Inman
J. C. Ayer & Co., 4c Blue, Silk Paper, Imperforate (RS10b). Ample to huge margins including top right corner sheet margins, showing clear outline of the plate, bright color, light creases, appears Extremely Fine, desirable with the corner sheet margin
D. S. Barnes, 4c Vermilion, Old Paper (RS17a). Well-centered, deep color, few faults including small thins and some pressed-out creases, Very Fine appearance, 24 recorded in Aldrich, most of which are faulty
Demas Barnes & Co., 1c Black, Silk Paper (RS24b). Strong impression, couple small thin spots and a few vertical creases, Fine appearance, Aldrich records nineteen, at least thirteen of which are faulty (probably more), every copy we have sold in the last 30 years has had some sort of fault, ex "World Traveler"
Demas Barnes & Co., 1c Black, Experimental Silk Paper (RS24e). Sharp impression, few tiny silk fibers clearly visible on back, tiny pinhole, thin, large tear and soiling
FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE DEMAS BARNES & CO. ONE-CENT ON EXPERIMENTAL SILK PAPER.
We have offered only one other since keeping computerized records. With 2007 P.F. certificate.
Certificate
2007 PF No. 459055 View Cert
Demas Barnes & Co., 2c Black, Approval Die Proof (RS25-E). On 83 x 44mm India with manuscript "Approved Aug. 21/66 Thomas Harland acting Com'r.", mounted on Joyce album page, some faults (this was likely mounted on a larger card at one point), Very Fine appearance and unique, ex Deats and Joyce
Demas Barnes & Co., 2c Black, Experimental Silk Paper (RS25e). Showing several small silk fibers, intense shade, few light creases and thin specks, Fine appearance, scarce
D. M. Bennett, 1c Black, Approval Die Proof (RS30-E). On 61 x 39mm India with manuscript "Approved Joseph Lewis Com. Feb. 10, Approved Feb. 10, 1865 com'r.", mounted on Joyce album page and accompanied by original entry from the Butler, Carpenter & Co. order book dated Jan. 16, 1865, also with approval photostat from other side of entry book, some faults including adhesive staining, otherwise Fine, unique, ex Deats and Joyce
D. M. Bennett, 1c Lake, Experimental Silk Paper (RS30e). Bright color, showing few small silk fibers, completely sound
FRESH AND FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE SOUND EXAMPLE OF THE D. M. BENNETT ONE-CENT LAKE ON EXPERIMENTAL SILK PAPER.
We have offered only two others since keeping computerized records, including one with perf damage. With 2001 P.S.E. certificate signed by Richard Friedberg and Eric Jackson.
Certificate
2001 PSE No. 50671 View Cert
W. T. Blow, 1c Green, Experimental Silk Paper (RS31e). Rich color, couple silk fibers, large central thin, Fine appearance and rare, none was offered in either Tolman or "Scarsdale", with 2013 P.F. certificate
Certificate
2013 PF No. 512759 View Cert
Dr. C. F. Brown, 1c Blue, Old Paper (RS36a). Rich color, completely sound, Very Fine and choice, scarce in sound condition, with 2018 P.F. certificate
Certificate
2018 PF No. 549620 View Cert
Fred Brown Co., 2c Black, Die I, Pink Paper (RS37c). Large margins to just touched at left, proof-like impression on fresh paper, tiny pinhole at bottom right in margin
VERY FINE. AN ATTRACTIVE AND SCARCE EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT FRED BROWN & CO. ISSUE ON PINK PAPER.
Only 16 are recorded in the Aldrich census.
John I. Brown & Son, 2c Green, Experimental Silk Paper (RS40e). Showing couple blue silk fibers, rich color, thin spot at left, Fine appearance, scarce, accompanied by note from Eric Jackson
John I. Brown & Son, 4c Brown, Old Paper (RS41a). Intense shade and impression, tiny thin spot at center, Fine appearance, 40 are recorded in the Aldrich book, of which no more than twelve are sound
John I. Brown & Son, 4c Brown, USIR Watermark (RS41d). Rich color, small thin spots, Fine appearance, only 16 are recorded in the Aldrich book of which only seven are potentially sound
Dr. John Bull, 1c Black, Pink Paper (RS42c). Highly detailed impression, two small thin spots and horizontal crease at top, Very Fine appearance, in better condition than the majority, only 28 are recorded in the Aldrich census, ex Rosenberg and "World Traveler", with 1995 P.F. certificate
Certificate
1995 PF No. 0286731 View Cert
Dr. John Bull, 1c Black, Experimental Silk Paper (RS42e). Intense shade and impression, showing few blue silk fibers, thin spot, small internal tear, pulled perf at lower right, otherwise Fine and scarce
Dr. John Bull, 4c Blue, Pink Paper (RS43c). Rich color, unusually choice centering, light creases, Extremely Fine appearance, scarce with such choice centering, 34 recorded in the Aldrich census
Dr. John Bull, 4c Ultramarine, Old Paper (RS43u). Bright color in the true Ultramarine shade, few creases and perf faults, otherwise Fine, only 7 are recorded in Aldrich book of which only 3 are sound or potentially sound, accompanied by note from Eric Jackson
J. S. Burdsal & Co., 1c Black, Orange Wrapper, USIR Watermark (RS45d). Three large margins as normally found on this issue, light creases mostly from placement over container
VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A SCARCE EXAMPLE OF THE J. S. BURDSAL ISSUE ON WATERMARKED ORANGE WRAPPER.
Only 22 are recorded in the Aldrich book. We have offered only four others since keeping computerized records.
Joseph Burnett & Co., 4c Black, Approval Die Proof (RS46-E). On 54 x 55mm India with manuscript "13/32 in Sup area, Office of Commissioner of Internal Revenue, Approved J.W. Douglas Acting Commissioner, Novr. 8th 1870", mounted on Joyce album page and accompanied by original entry from the Butler, Carpenter & Co. order book dated Sept. 17, 1870, also with approval photostat from other side of entry book, few faults including some adhesive staining, otherwise Fine, unique, ex Deats and Joyce
Joseph Burnett & Co., 4c Black, Pink Paper (RS46c). Crisp impression, few thin spots, Very Fine appearance, only 36 are recorded in the Aldrich census and most have faults
J. W. Campion & Co., 4c Black, Silk Paper (RS47b). Large margins to full, small thin spots, Very Fine appearance, only 36 recorded in the Aldrich book
Wm. E. Clarke, 3c Blue, USIR Watermark (RS56d). Horizontal pair with bottom imprint selvage, original gum, some faults, also with RS56P1 which is 27 x 35mm with die no. C355 at top, last item is label for Hunt's Remedy, Very Fine appearing group
Collins Bros., 1c Black, Approval Die Proof (RS59-E). On 59 x 34mm India, manuscript "Office Int. Rev. Decr. 4/69 Approved Thomas Harland", mounted on original Joyce album page with entry from left side of Butler, Carpenter order book , some faults including some adhesive staining, otherwise Fine, unique, ex Deats and Joyce
Charles N. Crittenton, 2c Black, USIR Watermark (RS64d). Block of ten with selvage at right and bottom and with imprint at bottom, original gum, few faults incl. creases and perf separations, otherwise Fine, one of the largest recorded multiples of this issue, accompanied by block of six with top part imprint and also RS64TC1e with die no. and imprint at bottom, the large block ex Tolman
Oliver Crook & Co., 4c Black, Experimental Silk Paper (RS65e). Detailed impression, near perfect centering, Extremely Fine example of this wonderful design, small purple backstamp, with 2019 P.F. certificate
Certificate
2019 PF No. 565699 View Cert
Curtis & Brown Mfg. Co., 2c Black, Silk Paper (RS72b). Intense shade and impression, few small faults not readily apparent including tear at lower left, Fine appearance, only 16 recorded in the Aldrich book
Curtis & Brown Mfg. Co., 2c Black, USIR Watermark (RS72d). Detailed impression, few faults including expert repair at top right, otherwise Fine, only 24 are recorded in the Aldrich census
Dalley's Galvanic Horse Salve, 2c Green, USIR Watermark (RS73d). Deep rich color, choice centering, faint corner crease at top right, still fresh and Very Fine, ex Tolman, Inman and Ambassador Middendorf
Dalley's Magical Pain Extractor, 1c Black, Silk Paper, "$100" Instead of $1.00 (RS74ah). Bright shade, faint natural paper wrinkle, fresh and Very Fine, this is far nicer than most others, which tend to be defective, only 27 are recorded in the Aldrich book of which at least 17 have faults, ex Inman and Ambassador Middendorf, with 2020 P.F. certificate
Certificate
2020 PF No. 566084 View Cert
Perry Davis & Son, 1c Blue, Pink Paper (RS75c). Rich color, choice centering, light horizontal crease, Very Fine appearance, only 31 are recorded in the Aldrich book, ex Himpsl, Inman and Ambassador Middendorf, with 2011 P.F. certificate
Certificate
2011 PF No. 499026 View Cert
Perry Davis & Son, 1c Ultramarine, Old Paper (RS75u). Radiant color in the true Ultramarine shade, unusually choice centering, completely sound
FINE. A RARE SOUND EXAMPLE OF THE PERRY DAVIS & SON ONE-CENT ULTRAMARINE. VERY FEW ARE KNOWN.
We have offered only four others since keeping computerized records. One has perfs in on two sides. The other three have faults including tears. With 2021 P.F. certificate.
Certificate
2021 PF No. 577766 View Cert
Perry Davis & Son, 1c Ultramarine, Old Paper (RS75u). The true Ultramarine shade, defective, otherwise Very Fine and scarce
P. H. Drake & Co., 2c Black, Old Paper (RS82a). Intense shade, couple small thins and short perf at right, Fine appearance, only 12 are recorded in the Aldrich book, this has typical centering and very minor flaws
P. H. Drake & Co., 4c Black, Experimental Silk Paper (RS83e). Margins to in, small thins and small surface scuff, Very Good appearance, a difficult stamp to find in any condition, ex "Scarsdale", with 2012 P.F. certificate
Certificate
2012 PF No. 508100 View Cert
C. M. Evans, 4c Black, Approval Die Proof (Unlisted). On 80 x 36mm India with manuscript "Approved Sept. 18/66 E.A. Rollins, Commissioner", mounted on Joyce album page and accompanied by original entry from the Butler, Carpenter & Co. order book dated Aug. 4, 1866, also with approval photostat from other side of entry book, second page from Joyce collection with "Jones & Evans Proprietors, Dr. Hoofland's German Bitters" with large "Cancelled", with date of Aug.-Sept. 1862 label pasted on page, some faults including adhesive staining, otherwise Very Fine, unique, this design is unlisted, we are unsure about the discrepancy in dates and names, perhaps an order from Jones and Evans in 1862 was cancelled and a new order was started under C. M. Evans in 1866