Lot
1400 
1851, 1¢ blue, type Ib, top margin single, position 3R1E, full sheet margin at top and ample margins to just in at bottom, rich color, tied by neat blue "Cambridge, Ms., Feb 4" cds on locally addressed cover; stamp minor light toning in top margin only, still Very Fine and attractive; with 2016 P.S.A.G. certificate. Scott No. 5A; $10,000 Estimate $2,500 - 3,500.
A RARE AND HANDSOME USAGE OF THE RARE 1851 1¢ TYPE IB ON COVER.
The type 1b issues were only produced from the early state of plate one. Six positions at the top of the right plate, positions 3R-6R and 8R-9R, furnished all of these issues. Position 3R1E holds a particular interest in the study of double transfers. With the upper left ornament showing a triple entry and additional transfers found at bottom especially in the value tablet. It is quite possible that this doubling of the design was not the result of two re-entries, but that the initial entry was faulty and erased (mostly) and a fresh entry was made.
Realized: $2,400