Sale 1090 — United States, Possessions and Confederate States Stamps and Postal History
Sale Date — Wednesday-Friday, 17-19 December, 2014
Category — Essays & Proofs, 1847 Issue thru 20th Century
5c Blue, Large Die Trial Color Proof on Bond (1TC1b). 31 x 35mm, with cross-hatching, intense shade and impression, fresh and Very Fine
5c Red Brown, Large Die Proof on India (1P1). 51 x 61mm with full die sinkage and cross-hatching, deep rich color, Extremely Fine
10c Orange Yellow, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (2TC1ai). 47 x 61mm, with cross-hatching, striking bright color, Extremely Fine
5c Orange Brown, 10c Black, Reproduction, Small Die Proofs on Wove (3P2-4P2). On original card backing from a Roosevelt album, 5c with double paper, possibly affixed over another example during production, 10c few tiny toned spots, Very Fine appearance
30c Orange, Plate Proof on India (38P3). Full margins all around, fresh and Extremely Fine, very scarce, with 1995 P.F. certificate
3c, 5c and 12c 1861 First Designs, Small Die Essays on Wove (65-E15d, 67-E9b, 69-E6b). From the Roosevelt albums (formerly 56P2, 57P2, 59P2), without gray card backing, brilliant colors, Extremely Fine, probably remainders which were never in a book, as the removal of these from the gray card backings is difficult and invariably results in thins or other flaws
24c Violet, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (70TC1a). On 143 x 205mm card with full die sinkage, gorgeous color, faint adhesive streak far from die sinkage area, Very Fine
24c Violet, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (70TC1a). On 102 x 144mm card with full die sinkage, spectacular color, some slight thinning of card well outside die sinkage area from mount removal, Very Fine
90c Black, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (72TC1). On 96 x 106mm card with full die sinkage, "447" die no. and National Bank Note Co. imprint, showing layout lines around the design, intense shade, India paper shows some slight toning but this is inconsequentialVERY FINE AND EXTREMELY RARE FULLY DIE SUNK TRIAL COLOR PROOF OF THE 90-CENT 1861 ISSUE.
This is the first die sunk trial color of the 90c 1961 we have offered since our 2001 Rarities sale, and it is even more desirable in Black. We have seen only two others in Black, from the Finkelburg and Lake Shore collections, and neither was die sunk
15c Deep Blue, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (77TC1). On 148 x 222mm card with full die sinkage, National Bank Note Co. imprint at bottom, India paper toned but proof color is still deep and rich, Very Fine appearance, a very rare die sunk example of this trial color proof, we have not offered another since our 1999 Finkelburg sale, this is the only example located in Power Search that is full size, ex Finkelburg
1c Red Brown, Die Essay on Thin White Paper (79-E29h). 25 x 31mm, original gum, h.r., clear grill at center, minor bend, Very Fine and scarce
5c-30c 1869 Issue, Safety Paper Essays (115-E3a/115-E19a). 24 different Safety Paper essays, 5c, 10c, 15c and 30c essay or issued designs showing a wide range of colors and elaborate underprint designs, some flaws to be found as normal with this fragile paper, bright colors throughoutVERY FINE. AN UNPRECENDENTED LARGE OFFERING OF 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE SAFETY PAPER ESSAYS. AN OUTSTANDING AND EXTREMELY RARE GROUP.
The 1869 Safety Paper essays are among the most beautiful and sought after essays or proofs in United States philately. They are also rare, with only approximately 100 different designs known. Nearly all are believed to be unique, with a few exceptions. Little is known about their production, but they were most likely one of the various experiments in stamp reuse prevention concurrent with grilled stamp production from 1867 to 1871. Clarence Brazer, the foremost student of essays and proofs in the 20th Century, noted they were probably essayed after George T. Jones’ proposal of July 20, 1868 (Jon W. Rose, United States Postage Stamps of 1869).
Four face-different designs were used to produce the Safety Paper essays -- the unadopted 5c Washington, 10c Lincoln and 30c Burgoyne essays, as well as the 15c Ty. III design later used for the 1875 Re-Issue. The distinguishing characteristics of the essays and the basis for their Scott numbers are the lathe-turned security underprints, many with designs used in banknote production. 25 different underprint types are recorded. Four are unique to the 15c essays and 21 are found with a mix of the other three vignette designs, some in more than one color. The offering here represents the largest single lot of these rare essays we have seen at public auction in over 50 years.
The complete list of the Scott numbers contained in this group follows: 115-E3a; 115-E4a; 115-E4c; 115-E5a; 115-E5a; 115-E5c; 115-E6a; 115-E7a; 115-E7b; 115-E7b; 115-E7c; 115-E7c; 115-E8c; 115-E9a; 115-E9c; 115-E10b; 129-E3; 129-E9; 115-E11a; 115-E12a; 115-E12b; 115-E14a; 115-E14b; 115-E19a.
[No Value] George T. Jones Grant Essay on India (112-E1b). Black with light violet overprint, top two-thirds of essay missing overprint, full margins to just touched, rich colors, light creases, Very Fine appearance, this George T. Jones essay depicts Ulysses S. Grant, who was a living presidential candidate at the time of the bidding process for the 1869 Issue contract, ex Dr. Heimburger
1c Small Numeral, Plate Essay on Stamp Paper, Perforated 12, Grilled (112-E4c). Block of 15, large part tropicalized original gum, radiant color, choice centering, Very Fine, a scarce large multiple of the small numeral essay, ex Dr. Heimburger, Scott Retail as singles
2c Small Numeral, Plate Essay on Stamp Paper, Perforated 12, Grilled (113-E3e). Eight blocks of four, different colors incl. Blue, Orange, Rose, Yellow, Green, Brown and Violet, five original gum, others no gum, also block of four of 3c value small numeral essay plus single of No. 112-E4b, overall fresh and Very Fine, a colorful group of the small numeral Essays
10c Blue, Lincoln Large Die Essay on Proof Paper (116-E1d). 35 x 33mm, rich color, Very Fine
30c Burgoyne Large Die Essay on India (121-E1a). Two, Orange and Blue, 70 x 49 and 70 x 46mm, rich colors, Very Fine, ex Dr. Heimburger
30c Black, Burgoyne Plate Essay on India (121-E1q). Block of four and single, latter privately perforated and gummed, large margins, Very Fine, ex Dr. Heimburger, Scott Retail as singles
30c Dull Red Violet, Burgoyne Plate Essay on Bond, Red Bands (121-E1s). Block of four, large margins, rich colors, Very Fine and choice, ex Dr. Heimburger, Scott Retail as singles
1c, 2c 1869 Pictorial Issue, Large Die Proofs on India (112P1-113P1). Both die sunk on card, 1c measuring 99 x 123mm, 2c measuring 104 x 98mm, 1c with imprint at bottom and card with couple trivial toned spots, Very Fine
2c, 6c, 15c Ty. II 1869 Pictorial Issue, Plate Proofs on India (113P3, 115P3, 119P3). Blocks of four, each with large balanced margins incl. 6c top sheet margin with plate no. 13, fresh colors, Very Fine and choice
3c, 15c, 30c, 90c 1869 Pictorial Issue, Small Die Proofs on Wove (114P2, 119P2, 121P2, 122P2). On original gray card from a Roosevelt presentation album, fresh colors, incl. additional Ty. III of the 15c (129P2), Very Fine
3c Ultramarine, Small Die Proof on India (114P2). 28 x 28mm, brighter paper than normally seen, removed from original card backing, fresh and Very Fine, with 1990 P.F. certificate as a Panama Pacific proof (114P2a), we believe it is a Roosevelt proof
6c Ultramarine, Large Die Proof on India (115P1). On 144 x 222mm card with full die sinkage, trace of binding from presentation album at left, small corner crease at bottom right, Very Fine appearance, ex Franklin D. Roosevelt
10c Black, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (116TC1e). On 37 x 44mm card, detailed impression, unusual extraneous printer's ink at upper right, Very Fine, it is remarkable how much fuller this design appears in Black, due to the clarity of the rays extending to the edge of the design, ex Dr. Heimburger
24c Green & Violet, Plate Proof on Card (120P4). Five, each mounted on cards with dates of production below (1879, 1885, 1890, 1893-1 and 1893-2), all with at least ample and some with large margins, Very Fine group
24c Green & Violet, Inverted Center, Plate Proof on Card (120P4a). Large margins, bright and fresh, Very Fine, only 100 issued, accompanied by a normal India paper plate proof
Continental Bank Note Co., 1c Scarlet, "Independence 1776", Large Die Essay on India (145-E1Ca). On 52 x 53mm card, rich color, card with some thinning on back from mount removal, Very Fine appearance
Continental Bank Note Co., 2c Scarlet, "Impressment 1812", Large Die Essay on India (146-E1). On 45 x 46mm card, radiant color, Very Fine and choice, the "Impressment 1812" inscription commemorates one of the principal causes of the War of 1812
Continental Bank Note Co., 2c Black, "Impressment 1812", Large Die Essay on India (146-E1). Cut close, detailed impression, blank oval for vignette, Very Fine example of this rare and attractive War of 1812 commemorative essay
National Bank Note Co., 2c Black, Jackson, Unadopted Design, Large Die Essay on India (146-E7a). On card and reduced to stamp size, crisp impression, Very Fine, ex Lake Shore
3c Washington, Die Essay on White Card (184-E17b). Silver photo print of vignette and pencil and ink drawing of frame on 38 x 50mm card, printed script on back "elius Benedi" (Erasmus Cornelius Benedict?), Very Fine, probably unique, an excellent companion to lot 471 in the Lake Shore Part One sale, ex Cloudrest
1c-90c 1870-71 National Bank Note Co., Large Die Proofs on India (145P1-155P1 var). Complete set of eleven values, on die-size India paper and affixed to approximately 76 x 96mm cards, many with imprint at bottom of India, bright colors, 3c speckled toning at edges of card, 30c small toned spot, Very Fine set, Scott Retail as die sunk
1c-90c 1890-93 Issue, Plate Proofs on Card (219P4, 220P4-229P4). Set of 11 values, lacking only the color-different 219D, large margins, Very Fine
1c-$5.00 Columbian, Large Die Proofs on Card (230P1-245P1). Printed directly on 220 x 142mm cards, vivid colors, each with imprint at bottom, fresh and bright throughoutVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND DESIRABLE SET OF LARGE DIE PROOFS OF THE 1893 COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION ISSUE.
The Columbian Issue large die proofs come as hybrids, printed directly on card and on India paper die sunk on card. This set is printed directly on cards.
5c Deep Blue, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (234TC1a). On 82 x 68mm card with full die sinkage, intense shade which is just slightly darker than the example offered in the following lot, h.r. on back, Very Fine
5c Deep Blue, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (234TC1a). On 78 x 66mm card with full die sinkage, intense shade, h.r. on corners on back, Very Fine, with 1982 P.F. certificate as "234TC2 Var"
8c, $3.00 Columbian, Large Die Proofs on Card (236P1, 243P1). Two, printed directly on card, bright colors, $3.00 a couple of light toned spots far from design, Very Fine
50c Columbian, Large Die Proof on India (240P1). Hybrid, cut to shape and affixed to larger India paper die sunk on 148 x 216mm card, intense shade, Very Fine, unlisted in this format, Scott Retail as normal
1c Dark Blue, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (246TC1). On 71 x 72mm card with full die sinkage, American die imprint at bottom, rich color, India with light crease at bottom left, otherwise Very Fine, scarce, ex Brazer, listed but unpriced in Scott, which prices others of the set at between $1,000.00 and $1,500.00
1c-$5.00 1894 Issue, Large Die Proofs on India (247P1, 250P1, 253AP1, 254P1-263P1, E4P1). On approximately 202 x 152mm cards with full die sinkage, brilliant colors throughout except 50c oxidized, crisp cardsVERY FINE. A RARE AND BEAUTIFUL SET OF LARGE DIE PROOFS OF THE 1894 BUREAU ISSUE.
This set is very desirable, because every denomination is represented, including the Special Delivery issued concurrently.
$5.00 Dark Green, Large Die Proof on India (263P1). Die sunk on 63 x 126mm card with full die sinkage, rich color, Very Fine
2c Alaska-Yukon, Model Essay (370-E3). 93 x 70mm, with photo of seal on iceberg as originally approved and with hand-drawn frame as approved, engraved portrait of Seward at bottom, red "#3" in circle at upper left, typed "Approved, April 3, 1909, Postmaster-General" and signed by F. H. Hitchcock, some minor soilingVERY FINE. A PHENOMENAL ESSAY FOR THE 2-CENT ALASKA-YUKON EXPOSITION, COMBINING A DRAWING OF THE FRAME AS ADOPTED WITH A PHOTOGRAPHIC VIGNETTE WHICH WAS REJECTED AND A SEPARATE ENGRAVING OF THE VIGNETTE AS ADOPTED, ON A CARD MARKED APPROVED.
According to Johl, the backers of the Exposition prevailed on the Post Office Department to issue a stamp for the event. The design with seal at center was acceptable to postal officials, but the backers of the Exposition did not think the theme of a seal on a block of ice would encourage travel to Alaska. The vignette was changed to Seward's portrait.
Ex Johl, illustrated in his book (Vol. I, p. 48) and illustrated in Scott catalogue
14c Hollow Horn Bear, Large Die Proof on India (565P1). On 150 x 196mm card with full die sinkage, binding at left from a salesman's sample book, brilliant color, fresh and Very Fine, a rare die proof, we have offered only two others since 1993
50c Arlington, Large Die Proof on India (570P1). On 198 x 150mm card with full die sinkage, binding at bottom from a salesman's sample book, deep rich color, fresh and Very Fine, a rare die proof, we have offered only one other since 1993
-1/2c-$5.00 1938 Presidential Issue, Photo Essays (803E var-834E var). 40 photo essays plus source photos, covering each of the stamps of the 1938 Presidential Issue with more than one essay of some, most are identical to the issued stamps but some alternate designs are present as well incl. examples of the $2.00 and $5.00 which are completely different from the issued design, range of sizes but generally at least 70 x 78mm, the design source photos are larger and depict the busts or medals from which the stamp designs originate, also incl. photo of designer Elaine Rawlson (1c also signed by her), Very Fine, a fascinating group for the essay/proof or 1938 Presidential Issue specialist, we have seen dealer retail prices of $300 or more for photo essays of this period, but we have not encountered another complete set of the Presidential Issue
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3c Coast Guard, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (936TC1). On 202 x 150mm card with full die sinkage, intense shade, backstamped "Engraver's Stock Proof Authorized by _____", with control no. "874384A" and pencil "Smith" by letter and frame engraver Charles A. Smith, old scotch tape stain at right edge could easily be trimmed (taking off 10mm on each side would still yield a large 182mm width), Very Fine and extremely rare, the Livingston collection did not contain an example, unlisted in Scott as either a trial color or die proof (the issued color was Bright Blue Green)