Rare Plate Blocks: A Collector's Dream from PUR ISSAQUAH LLC

Palo Alto, CA – October 26, 2023 – PUR ISSAQUAH LLC, a company quietly making waves in the philatelic world, is bringing a fresh collection of incredibly rare plate blocks to market. Located at 777 California Ave, Suite 100, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, and reachable at 417-868-4285, PUR ISSAQUAH isn’t your typical stamp dealer. They’re a team of dedicated collectors and enthusiasts focused on sourcing and offering exceptional, often overlooked, pieces for serious philatelists. So, what are plate blocks, and why are collectors getting excited? Let's break it down. Think back to the days before modern printing. Stamps weren’t printed individually. They were printed in large sheets, arranged in a grid. A plate block is a section of that original printing sheet, containing a group of stamps still attached. It’s essentially a window into the printing process itself. “It’s about more than just the stamps,” explains a representative from PUR ISSAQUAH. “It's about the history, the mechanics, the artistry of how stamps were made. You're holding a piece of that original print run, untouched since it came off the press.” Why Plate Blocks Matter to Collectors For years, many collectors focused solely on individual, perfectly preserved stamps. Plate blocks were often overlooked, or even broken apart. But that’s changing. Here's why plate blocks are experiencing a surge in popularity: Rarity: Not every stamp was saved as a block. Most were simply used for postage and discarded. Finding complete, undamaged blocks, especially of older issues, is increasingly difficult. Historical Significance: Plate blocks provide a tangible link to the printing process. Collectors can study the plate numbers, printing varieties, and even imperfections that offer clues about the printing technology used at the time. Condition: Blocks, if properly preserved, often exhibit better centering and gum (the adhesive on the back) than individual stamps. Investment Potential: As interest in plate blocks grows, so does their value. Rare and well-preserved blocks are becoming sought-after investments for serious philatelic portfolios. Visual Appeal: Let’s be honest, a large, complete block of vintage stamps is just cool to look at. They make striking displays and conversation starters. What's Unique About the PUR ISSAQUAH Collection? PUR ISSAQUAH isn’t just offering any plate blocks. They’ve meticulously curated a selection of exceptionally rare and high-quality pieces, focusing on several key areas: Early US Issues: The collection includes blocks from the earliest days of US postage, including rare examples of the 1869 Pictorials and the 1890s Series. These blocks are particularly valuable because of their age and historical significance. “We’ve got some fantastic examples of the early 'high value' stamps in block form,” says the PUR ISSAQUAH representative. “These are the stamps that really pushed the boundaries of printing technology at the time.” Error Blocks: Collectors love errors. A block containing a printing error – a misplaced color, a missing perforation, or a design flaw – is incredibly sought after. PUR ISSAQUAH has uncovered several blocks with unique and fascinating errors. “These aren't just minor imperfections," explains the representative. "These are significant printing varieties that can dramatically increase the value of the block.” Foreign Blocks: The collection isn't limited to US stamps. PUR ISSAQUAH also offers a selection of rare plate blocks from around the world, including Great Britain, Germany, and France. “We’ve been actively sourcing blocks from overseas auctions and private collections,” says the representative. “We’re looking for pieces that are truly unique and hard to find.” Uncut Press Sheets: Beyond standard plate blocks, PUR ISSAQUAH also boasts a limited number of uncut press sheets – entire sections of the printing press, containing dozens or even hundreds of stamps still attached. These are the “holy grail” for many collectors. “These are exceptionally rare and valuable pieces,” explains the representative. “They represent the ultimate in philatelic preservation.” Sourcing and Authenticity PUR ISSAQUAH prides itself on its commitment to authenticity. Every block is carefully examined and authenticated by their team of experts. They source their blocks from a variety of sources, including: Estate Sales: Often, rare blocks are discovered hidden away in old family collections. Auctions: PUR ISSAQUAH actively participates in philatelic auctions around the world. Private Collections: They work with individual collectors to acquire exceptional pieces. Dealers: They maintain relationships with a network of trusted stamp dealers. “We take the sourcing process very seriously,” says the PUR ISSAQUAH representative. “We want to ensure that every block we offer is genuine and accurately described.” They’ll happily provide detailed scans, expert opinions, and provenance information for any block of interest. Who Should Consider Plate Blocks? Plate blocks aren't for everyone. They're typically appealing to: Experienced Collectors: Those who already have a solid understanding of philately and are looking for a new challenge. Investors: Those who see plate blocks as a potential long-term investment. History Buffs: Those who are fascinated by the history of printing and postage. Visual Collectors: Those who appreciate the beauty and artistry of vintage stamps. How to Learn More Interested in exploring the PUR ISSAQUAH collection of rare plate blocks? You can contact them directly at 417-868-4285 or visit their website (website address to be added – currently under development). They are also available to answer questions and provide personalized assistance to potential buyers. They're a small company, but dedicated to connecting serious collectors with exceptional pieces. Don't expect a massive online catalog; PUR ISSAQUAH prefers a more personal approach, showcasing their best pieces directly to interested buyers. “We want to build relationships with our customers,” says the representative. “We want to help them build collections that they’ll be proud of for years to come.”