Scott Italicized Values

Why would you guess that? For someone to have bought a full pad, they would have had to be plugged in enough to be aware at the time that it was a rare plate number, yet not have been smart enough to sell them (even a few of them) when the market was stronger.

I can only summarize the story of one of the unique pads as told to me by Kim Cuniberty. He was contacted by the finder of a full pad and was able to buy half the pad. The other half was retained by the finder. The finder's half-pad never came to the market.

So we don't know what is in the mind of finders of what will turn out to be rare (booklet) stamps. Every few years a new variety shows up of really old booklet material which was stashed away ("money for my newborn's college education", etc). At NY 2016, it was the Windmill booklets with reverse tabs. A few years ago, it was the Animals BK137 with reverse plate numbers.

People stash away rarities and never tell, but hope for future fortunes. That seems to be the rule rather than the exception.

This was in a collection that I recently purchased. I've found out from the wife where they lived in 1999 & 2000. I feel like I need to go to the stamp club in that area and see what they might have.

Assuming the collector bought the pane at his post office, that would be a good idea...

Pure speculation on your part. There are plenty of unique finds that are quickly brought to market.

As for what happened to the other half Bove's find, he died quite a few years ago and I never heard where any of his stock went.

yes, Serf - good idea.