The 3c 1851-57 Issue

1857, 3¢ plum, type II, large to huge margins including part of stamps at top and bottom, beautiful color in the true plum shade, canceled by neat Feb. 15th town cds, Extremely Fine and choice.

Scott No. 11A var.   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $2,200.

AN OUTSTANDING USED EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 1857 3¢ PLUM SHADE.

This stamp was included as part of the Allen color chart, providing the basis for the development of the "Plum" colors.

1857, 3¢ near pale plum, type I, position 16R2L, four wide margins with parts of three different stamps, saturated and dull shade, tied by bold green "Napanoch N.Y. Jul 7" cds on orange cover to Bloombury N.J.; flap torn, Very Fine and striking shade use.

Scott No. 11 var.   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  Estimate $500 - 750.

Amonette note on reverse "very close to pale plum, but… color between pale plum and deeper claret." A beautiful odd color.

1852, 3¢ "Dragon's Blood", type I, position 48R7, four margins with part of stamp at lower right, bright and saturated color that is very attractive because of the semi-translucent nature of ink used, tied by partial "Williamston Mass. Jun 5" cds on clean buff cover to New York City, Very Fine and choice.

Scott No. 11 var.   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  Estimate $500 - 750.

ONE OF THE FINEST RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE "DRAGON'S BLOOD" SHADE VARIETY ACCORDING TO AMONETTE.

A distinctive color called by Carroll Chase, "Dragon's Blood Red" after the Ridgway color system and the classic Chinese red lacquer color in use for centuries. Color matching by Amonette based on Chase color standards purchased by Amonette during Chase estate sale. Notes about the color and rarity included and Amonette's certification on back reading "Superb Example of the Rare Dragon's Blood Red". Discovered by Allen 28 years ago in a dealer approval sale listing the #11 with "color." Rarest of the named "rare colors".