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Encased Postage Stamp Three Cents JOSEPH L BATES FANCY GOODS as 2-Words Rarity-8

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,800.00 USD Estimated At:3,400.00 - 3,800.00 USD
Encased Postage Stamp Three Cents JOSEPH L BATES FANCY GOODS as 2-Words Rarity-8
Encased Postage Stamps
JOSEPH L. BATES "FANCY GOODS" Two Words Hi R-8
EP-37, HB-52, S-27a. Three Cents. JOSEPH L. BATES. "FANCY GOODS" as Two Words. Extremely Fine.
Rated as Hi Rarity-8 (1 of less than 5 known), according to Fred Reed. An extremely rare merchant variety and would be needed to fill a spot missing in virtually all Encased Postage collections. The only other example we offered was sold back in 1998 and had significant problems. That prior specimen was polished, and Pedigreed from the famous sale of the “Arnold Perl” Collection auction held in December, 1969. The current, being only our second Friedberg EP-37 ever offered, is vastly superior in its quality. The red George Washington stamp is well centered, bold rich red and fully original in its eye appeal. The mica has some natural internal lamination lines which run through at a diagonal from above the right moon edge across Washington’s collar and chest to the lower left frame edge, yet the mica is solid. The case is a lovely natural chestnut in color with beautiful sharp legends on its reverse. Joseph L. Bates’ shop was on Washington Street in Boston. Bates is best remembered as a pioneer in stereoscope views and viewers, which became a nationwide pastime craze beginning in the 1850s. This exceedingly rare major "FANCY GOODS" as Two Words and by a vast margin, the single Finest Specimen of only two we have offered. Ex: Bowers & Merena (Kingswood Galleries) Amherst Sale of May 1990, lot 6441, lot tag included.