Siegel's auction of the City Despatch Post concluded last week with over 300 fascinating lots going under the hammer from the 'New Amsterdam' collection. (New Amsterdam being the settlement which first took the position later known as New York, and the City Despatch being New York, and America's, first stamp.)

One key lot was a US City Despatch Post 3c Black on Blue Glazed (6LB5b) positions8-10/13-15/18-20/23-25L, block of twelve from the lower right corner of the left pane.

With original gum, full even margins except just touched at the lower left, with a beautiful impression on bright blue paper, it is a fantastic piece and should make an excellent investment.

Hot off the press - the very early Despatch Post stamp block with burn mark

Four creases causing cracks in paper have been reinforced with hinges, a small burn hole at lower right re-backed with paper and a faint stain appears in two stamps at the upper left, but it retains its very fine appearance.

This remarkable block of 12 is the largest recorded multiple and only known block of the United States City Despatch Post Carrier Issue, making it an important artifact of United States Philately.

Previously a part of the Hawkins and Caspary collections, the unique block beat its $20,000-30,000 listing to sell for a more impressive $35,000.