Rare fancy town cancellation up 3,400% in US postal history sale

An Eagle & Arrows fancy town cancellation achieved a 3,400% increase in a US postal history sale

A rare fancy town cancellation achieved an impressive 3,400% increase on its estimate at an auction of US postal history on April 26-29.

1857 Type III fancy cancellation

The three-day sale featured over 4,000 lots, with the 1857 three cent Dull-Red Type III cancellation making the biggest mark by soaring far past its estimate.

The surprising lot came with one of the smaller estimates in the auction, at just $200-300. Bids escalated to $10,500 for the item, which featured a very fine strike of the extremely rare postmark, that of Kingessing, Pennsylvania, depicting an eleaborate Eagle & Arrows motif.

The so-called pre-1900 "fancy cancels" are sought-after by collectors due to the designs being carved from cork or wood by hand. They often featured seasonal, intricate designs and were frequently changed by the postmaster. The most famous example is the Kicking Mule cancellation of the 1880s.

Also selling above estimate, at $10,500, was a postal stationery cut square collection. The collection, which spanned 1851-1973, was noted as exceptionally clean with virtually all examples in mint condition. Sold with highly detailed descriptions for dies, paper colours and printing details, the set gave a rare opportunity to own a very complete collection of cut squares.

Another collection brought strong results to the auction, selling for $26,000. The compilation of United States postal history provided a comprehensive display of stamps from 1847-1970, including the 1869 pictorials and superb banknote issues.

Paul Fraser Collectibles brings you coverage of all the top stamp auctions worldwide, so make sure you check back regularly. Our excellent range of rare stamps offer some fantastic additions to your collection, outside of the auction room.

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Images: Schuyler Rumsey Philatelic Auctions