Encased Postage Stamps
Three Cents "Bailey & Company" Philadelphia Rarity-8
EP-36, HB-45, S-22, Reed BC03. Three Cents. BAILEY & CO., Jewellers, Chestnut St., Philadelphia, About Extremely Fine.
Rated as Rarity-8 (5 to 10 known) according to Fred Reed. This example has a gorgeous, sharp reverse case. Its red 3 George Washington 1861 issued U.S. stamp is centered to the left, having faint underlying tone seen through unbroken mica with just trivial natural craze by the right moon edge as made. The case itself shows virtually no circulation appearing near new. The brass frame and back are attractive natural chestnut in color with smooth surfaces and sharp distinct legends. Of collector interest, Bailey & Company was one of three Philadelphia firms competing with Tiffany's for the position of being the largest American jewelry company of the Civil War Era of which we have previously offered only four examples. EAHA Auction, February 12, 2005 lot 903 sold for $2,961, July 14, 2012 lot 17 graded Unc. sold for $3,245; May 16, 2009 lot 840 graded About EF sold at $3,245; February 10, 2007 lot 787 graded Choice EF sold for $3,398. An important and better Encased Postage Stamp rarity, in nice quality that is missing in most Encased Postage Stamp collections.