Encased Postage Stamps
Rare Three Cents “Kirkpatrick & Gault” EP-50 Ch. EF
EP-50, HB-161, S-114, Reed-KG03. Three Cents. KIRKPATRICK & GAULT. Choice Extremely Fine.
Rated as Rarity-8 (5 to 10 known) according to Fred Reed. This example has excellent overall eye appeal. The centering of the fresh red George Washington stamp is towards the upper left, seen under virtually perfect clear mica that has a very faint lamination crease along the base below Washington’s bust. The case shows virtually no wear. It is a lovely natural chestnut with much underlying original mint luster on the reverse, along with tiny traces of original Silvering, helping to highlight the extremely sharp detailed legends.

The Hodder-Bowers reference states that Robert Kincaid has been able to trace less than eight examples. (Both Reed and Hodder-Bowers references are likely too generous in count for this EP number, as later made “Romaine” Reproductions or repeat appearances of the same original, were likely unwittingly included in each census). The sole example sold in the historic Frederick Mayer Collection of 2007, also graded About New, was the same, previously offered example that was sold in the June 2004, Stack’s John J. Ford, Jr. Collection Sale, being there acquired. To put its rarity into perspective, the 24¢, 30¢ and 90¢ denominations of this Merchant are actually more commonly encountered!

This EP-50 is absolutely original. It is the authentic John Gault, Civil War Period made product. In this cataloger’s opinion, there are most likely about seven examples are Known. This is the very first example of an authentic, original EP-50 we have offered and represents a tremendous opportunity for serious Encased Postage Stamp collectors. This impressive quality, exceedingly rare, Three Cents “Kirkpatrick & Gault” must be about the Finest Known and is missing in virtually every collection.