1862 Civil War Encased Postage Stamp, EP-181, HB-166, S-119, Reed KG30, Thirty Cents, KIRKPATRICK & GAULT, Plain Frame, Extremely Fine.
Rated as Rarity-6 (16 to 20 known) according to Fred Reed. A very sharp example of this scarce high denomination with the reverse side appearing Choice About Uncirculated. An elusive 30¢ "Kirkpatrick & Gault" being in this very collectible grade. The 1861 issue Benjamin Franklin postage stamp is placed a bid towards the top, still retains the majority of its original orange color having hint of tone and some light wrinkles from when placed into this casing. The mica has a few light natural laminations at the rim edge and is unbroken. The case reverse is exceptionally sharp in detail, having choice chestnut-brown even color and is completely defect-free. Kirkpatrick & Gault is a very popular major merchant type evoking the name of the Encased Postage Stamp’s inventor and Patent holder, John Gault. The last example of EP-181 we record having sold was way back in our EAHA Auction of February 14, 2004, lot 689, graded EF which sold for $4,025. This 30¢ major Merchant type remains relatively affordable for collectors towards completing a Denomination type set of Encased Postage Stamps. (VF Scott Cat. $3,750) Provenance ex: Collection of Robert Bauer.