5c Deep Blue, Buffalo Balloon, Tete-Beche Pair (CL1a). Mint N.H., large margins, rich color on bright paper
The Buffalo Balloon stamp, designed by John F. B. Lillard and engraved by John H. Snively, was printed by Wheeler Brothers Printers in Nashville, Tenn., The stamps were intended for use on a balloon flight from Nashville to Gallatin Tenn., which took place on June 18, 1877. Of the 300 that were printed, only 23 were used.
Approximately a dozen tete-beche pairs have been certified as genuine by the Philatelic Foundation. Of these, most have some slight thinning in the margin, leading us to believe that at some point these were stacked for sale and exposed to mild moisture.
Ex Golin. With 1999 P.F. certificate stating “Never Hinged”. The Scott Catalogue value is for a hinged pair (the Mint N.H. listing is based on this pair and is unpriced).
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