Another unused block of four of the 5¢ red brown, 1851, imperforate, with full original gum was recently found.  This block, while lightly creased through the two upper stamps, is a splendid looking item, with fine margins and in addition, shows the pale guide line along the left side.  It is, of course, a great rarity.  It had been kept for many years in an old family pocket bible and was located in upper New York State.  The only other unused block known was in the Hind collection, and sold at $1700.  The Hind block, previously regarded as unique, has a small nick in the bottom margin and was originally in the F. W. Ayer collection, later passing to Henry J. Duveen, and thence to Arthur Hind.  The newfound block has been acquired by Charles J. Phillips.
 

- George B. Sloane
Sloane's Column
Stamps
January 27, 1934

Posted September 28, 1999