Encased Postage Stamps
Choice One Cent “John W. Norris” Chicago Hi Rarity-8
EP-23, HB-184, S-136, Reed-NO01. One Cent. JOHN W. NORRIS. Chicago, IL. Choice Extremely Fine.
Rated as Rarity-8 (5 to 10 known) according to Fred Reed. Q. David Bowers stated in “The Standard Catalogue” that fewer than six examples are known. This specimen is certainly among the very Finest Known. The bright blue Benjamin Franklin stamp is quite attractive, being centered being just a bit to the left. It is seen under clean, crystal clear mica which has a tiny natural dark spot within at the bottom rim edge. The case a natural chestnut in color with some scattered bits of deeper tone and verdigris on the reverse under the very sharply defined legends. An important Encased Postage Stamp merchant type missing in virtually all collections.

This current specimen will be only the fourth we have offered. Our EAHA Auction of February 10, 2001 included Lot 745, graded Choice Extremely Fine, which sold for $6,900. In February 10, 2007, Lot 779, also graded Choice Extremely Fine, sold for $5,310. The Stack’s auction of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection of June 2004 included only one example which was graded Choice Extremely Fine with a comment that the stamp was faded and soiled, which sold for $4,025. The current specimen has extremely sharp text and has very minor actual signs of any wear. It appears to rank as one of the very few Finest Known.