Beware! Why Sometimes Certs Are Needed!

My intention regarding this post is not to smear the auction house that lists this item but rather to create awareness among collectors to be careful when purchasing classic covers. In an earlier post by "funcitypapa" regarding criteria for getting certificates of authenticity (see link: https://goscf.com/t/11681 ) I mentioned getting certificates for classic covers because stamps are often attached to covers they didn't originate on. Well check this out; Downeast Stamps, Auction 266 of 26 Jan 11, lot 1920: 1, 5¢ red brown, vertical pair, VF, large margins, on 1848 folded letter, red Pittsburgh, PA cds, h/s 10 rate, to East Killingly, CT

(link: http://www.destamps.com/main.htm )





By being a collector who specializes in 1847 issue, I have seen many repeat specimens come up in auctions time after time, and this is one. I thought I recognized it from a Cherrystone auction in September and sure enough there it was, September 2010 Auction
September 14-15, 2010 U.S. & Worldwide; lot #3 where it was properly described;

United States 1847 Issue 1847 5c red brown, vertical pair, red cancels, margins all around, on FL from which it did not originate, small scissors cut between the stamps and small tear affecting the bottom stamp, otherwise v.f., with 2010 PFC

(link: http://www.cherrystoneauctions.com/...e&startlot=1 )

My point is Cherrystone auction mentions the 2010 PF cert that confirms the stamps did not originate in that folded letter. Now up for auction again this time at Downeast the certificate is not mentioned and looks to me that it's being sold as a genuine use on cover, where did the cert go? Hmmmm…. it makes you wonder, don't it? That is why I get my 1847 issues certified.

Andy, thanks for the info. This lot show 2 ongoing problems. First is the cover itself. Most classic stamps have a significant premium for on cover. Always beware of covers where the stamps are not tied to the cover. The second is the description of the lot, I know nothing of the auction house in question but the cert had to clearly state the fact that the stamps were added to the cover. This could have been a honest error in the listing but whether it was honest or not the listing should be accurate, that is there job.
There are a number of quality aution houses that you can really trust. I use Siegel because of their integrity. For major auction purchases be sure you know the auction house's record.

Right on, I like Siegel and Cherrystone auction houses myself, as for this lot someone may have cosigned it with Downeast and thrown out the cert to try and make more money than the $325 they paid at Cherrystone but that's only speculation.