Largest unused multiple of the 10¢ 1847 US stamp. Known as the Bible Block since being found in a family bible more than a century ago.
10¢ Black (2), Positions 71-73/81-83R. Block of six (three by two) from the first three columns of the eighth and ninth rows of the right pane. Original gum, mostly full to large margins except close or touching at left, deep shade on fresh bluish paper.
PROVENANCE
* Discovered circa 1909-11 in a bible belonging to the Rives of Virginia; 5¢ 1847 block of six and adjoining 10¢ block of four found in the same bible; sold privately to Scott Stamp and Coin Co. before 1912
* Philadelphia Stamp Co., Sale 48, 6/28/1912, lot 3, sold to Henry C. Gibson, Sr. (bought from Gibson by Ward in 1942-47)
* Philip H. Ward, Jr. (bought from Gibson, estate sold to Weills in 1963)
* Benjamin D. Phillips (bought from Weills out of Ward estate, 1964; collection sold privately to Weills, 1968)
* Ryohei Ishikawa (bought privately from Weills, circa 1977), Christie’s Robson Lowe sale, 9/28-29/1993, lot 52, to William H. Gross
Source: Owner and Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries
