A 4 cent 1908 imperforate is valued at $52,500 ahead of Robert A Siegel's Golden Oak Collection of Superb United States in New York on December 17-18.
The 1908 imperforate stamps were produced for the use of private firms, who would then print them with their own perforations for use in vending and affixing machines.
 The stamps were produced for use in mailing machines |
In May 1908 a supply of 25 sheets of the 4c 1902 issue were delivered to the Schermack mailing company of Detroit and cut into coils that feature the distinctive Schermack Type III perforations.
They were then sold to the Winfield Printing Company for use in the distribution of advertising material.
Around 39 examples of this batch of 4c stamps, including 31 singles, a strip of three and three covers, are known to have survived to the present day.
Mailing machines became increasingly popular following the publication of a number of articles in newspapers at the turn of the century warning of "postage stamp tongue" - a disease that caused spots on the tongue and a sore throat.
The machines allowed customers to fix the stamp directly to the envelope without the risk of ingesting potentially virulent colonies of bacteria.
The unusually well centred stamp features large margins with full Schermack perforations on the sides, rich colour and a neat strike of a duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel.
A 5 cent St Louis "Bear" will also feature in the sale, valued at $55,000.
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