1877, 5c Deep Blue, Buffalo
Balloon Air Post Semi-Official (CL1). Large margins all around, full
original gum, lightly hingedEXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF THE FINEST TETE-BECHE PAIRS OF THE BUFFALO BALLOON STAMP IN EXISTENCE.
The Buffalo Balloon stamp, designed by John F. B. Lillard and engraved by John H. Snively, was printed by Wheeler Brothers Printers in Nashville, Tennessee. Only 300 were printed in tete-beche arrangement from a single die. The stamps were intended for use on a balloon flight from Nashville to Gallatin, Tennessee, which took place on June 18, 1877. Of the 300 that were printed, only 23 were used. (Image)