Sale 1192 — United States Stamps including Confederate States and Hawaii
Sale Date — Wednesday-Friday, 14-16 November, 2018
Category — Essays, Proofs and Specimens
1c-90c 1861 First Designs and Colors, Small Die Essays/Proofs on Wove (62BP2/72E7c, formerly 55P2/62P2). Complete page from a Roosevelt album with set of nine proofs, including the second 3c labeled "1866", "FIRST 1861" label at top, bright and freshEXTREMELY FINE. A RARE AND DESIRABLE COMPLETE PAGE FROM A ROOSEVELT PRESENTATION ALBUM WITH THE 1861 FIRST DESIGNS AND COLORS.
Only 85 Roosevelt albums were produced and very few complete pages remain -- particularly for the most sought-after issues such as 1861. Most of the designs here are indistinguishable from the 1861 Second Design proofs (offered in the following lot) when cut down, and are therefore particularly desirable on the original page
1c-90c 1861-66 Issue, Small Die Proofs on Wove (63P2/78P2). Complete page from a Roosevelt presentation album, with label "LAST 1861" at center surrounded by 10 proofs, 2c Black Jack Die II, bright colors, card with slight thinning in top corners far from the proofsVERY FINE COMPLETE PAGE OF THE 1861 ISSUE SMALL DIE PROOFS FROM A ROOSEVELT PRESENTATION ALBUM.
Only 85 albums were produced and few sets of the 1861 Issue proofs are intact on their entire original page.
Ex Fosdyke-Ray and Fekete
National Bank Note Co., 12c Black, First Design, Large Die Essay on India (69-E6a; formerly 59P1). Slightly larger than stamp size and still affixed to original card backing, detailed impression, India paper with tiny notch at top which is all but unnoticeable due to the card backing and not mentioned on accompanying certificate, Very Fine, scarce, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate
1c-90c 1861-66 Issue, Small Die Proofs on Wove (63P2/78P2). Eight, including Nos. 63P2, 65P2, 76P2, 68P2, 69P2, 78P2, 71P2 and 72P2, each on original gray card backing, Very Fine group representing the original 1861 denominations, approximately 85 were produced
1c-90c 1861-66 Issue, Plate Proofs on Card (63P4/78P4). Twelve, including Nos. 70P4 and 74P4, large margins, Very Fine and choice group
3c Thorp Patent Safety Paper Essays, Perforated 12 (79-E26e, f, g). Two of each, no duplication of colors or overprint color, original gum, choice centering, Very Fine group, Scott Catalogue needs to be revised for these issues as only these three overprint types are known, the definitive article can be found in Chronicle 253, pp. 64-72
National Bank Note Co., 10c Deep Orange Brown, Die Essay on India (150-E6 var). Stamp size and mounted on 74 x 100mm card, vignette as adopted pasted into place and with cut-out of frame, pencil "10c" at top and "head in oval setup" below, card with tiny pinholes outside the design, Very Fine and most likely unique, this is similar to the Scott-listed 150-E6 from the Lake Shore collection (Siegel Sale 890, lot 432), sharing the same style of Jefferson vignette but with several differences, including the vignette color, Scott Retail as 150-E6
National Bank Note Co., (10c) Jefferson Vignette, Large Die Essay on India (150-E7). Three, in the Scott-listed Yellow and Brown as well as Dark Ultramarine, two are approximately 50 x 55mm, the Brown with full die sinkage, Dark Ultramarine is 73x 150mm with full die sinkage and has pencil "10c" and "Jefferson" notations, Very Fine and scarce trio of the three Scott-listed colors
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10c Brown, Large Die Proof on India (150P1, 161P1). One of each showing full die sinkage and in two distinctly different shades, National printing is 61 x 73mm with imprint at bottom, few trivial tiny toning specks, appears Very Fine, Continental printing is 83 x 95mm, fresh and Very Fine, ex "Lake Shore"
10c Brown, Plate Proof on India (150P3). Bottom imprint and plate no. 49 block of 12, on card backing so lacking the India paper imperfections frequently encountered, large margins, deep rich color, Extremely Fine, wonderfully choice quality
10c Brown, Plate Proof on India (150P3). Top imprint and plate no. 18 strip of seven, deep rich color, Extremely Fine, unpriced as a strip (plate block catalogues $2,000.00)
National Bank Note Co., [15c] Webster Vignette, Large Die Essay on India (152-E3). Die sunk on 71 x 85mm card, brilliant color, Very Fine
15c Orange, Plate Proof on India (152P3). Bottom imprint and plate no. 20 block of 12, some oxidation around edges, otherwise Very Fine
National Bank Note Co., 30c Scott, Pencil Drawing on White Card (154-E2). 53 x 92mm pencil drawing with manuscript "Scott" at bottomVERY FINE AND CHOICE. AN ATTRACTIVE AND UNIQUE ESSAY FOR THE 30-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
Ex "Lake Shore"
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National Bank Note Co., (30c) Hamilton Vignette, Large Die Essay on India (154-E4). Seven different colors, six are die sunk on card in sizes ranging from 97 x 99mm to 70 x 150mm, one with pencil "30c" and "Alex. Hamilton", one is cut to shape and mounted on card with partial pencil drawing of frame (similar to 154-E3), Very Fine, Scott lists only three colors for this essay, the similar 154-E5 lists three other colors but that design has more complete engraving in the forehead, nose and neck, these all appear to be the versions with less engraving, Scott Retail as all 154-E4
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National Bank Note Co., (90c) Perry Vignette, Large Die Essay on India (155-E3). Two, in Dull Carmine and Dark Brown, both cut square and mounted on proof paper which is mounted on approximately 45 x 55mm card, card only with thinning on back from prior mounting, Very Fine and rare
National Bank Note Co., (90c) Perry Vignette, Large Die Essay on India (155-E4). On 56 x 71mm card, detailed impression, Very Fine and very scarce, this is the only example we have offered since keeping computerized records, it differs from No. 155-E3 offered in the previous lot with the presence of more engraving lines in Perry's hair above his forehead, ex Finkelburg
National Bank Note Co., 90c Perry, Large Die Essay on India (155-E5). Two, first in Dark Orange, 57 x 42mm off card, thinned at top far from design (could be easily trimmed), second in Deep Ultramarine, 29 x 35mm on original card backing, Very Fine, Scott Retail as cut down, off card
90c Carmine, Large Die Proofs on India (155P1, 166P1). Distinctly different shades, die sunk on approximately 93 x 105mm cards, fresh and Very Fine, ex Finkelburg
90c Carmine, Plate Proof on India (155P3). Bottom imprint and plate no. 23 block of ten, large margins to clear at upper right, brilliant color, Very Fine and most elusive, we have not offered another plate block of the National No. 155P3 or the Continental No. 166P3 since our Finkelburg sale in 1999, Scott Retail as a plate block of 12 (ten is sufficient for a full plate block)
10c Jefferson, "Goodall" Small Die Trial Color Proof on India (161TC2). Complete set of five colors, fresh and bright throughoutVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL SET OF GOODALL TRIAL COLOR SMALL DIE PROOFS FOR THE 10-CENT CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
In 1879, President Albert G. Goodall of the American Bank Note Company, successor to the Continental Bank Note Company, ordered sets of small die proofs for display purposes
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15c Yellow Orange, Plate Proof on India (163P3). Top imprint, plate no. 31 and half arrow block of 14 on original card backing, vivid color, fresh and Very Fine
15c Webster, "Goodall" Small Die Trial Color Proof on India (163TC2). Complete set of five colors on original card backing, rich colors, Dull Red with some thinning in backing card onlyVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL SET OF GOODALL TRIAL COLOR SMALL DIE PROOFS FOR THE 15-CENT CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
In 1879, President Albert G. Goodall of the American Bank Note Company, successor to the Continental Bank Note Company, ordered sets of small die proofs for display purposes
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30c Hamilton, "Goodall" Small Die Trial Color Proof on India (165TC2a). Three, including Dull Red, Deep Green and Dull Gray Blue, on original card backing, Very Fine
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90c Perry, "Goodall" Small Die Trial Color Proof on India (166TC2). Complete set of five colors, three on original card backing, Deep Green and Deep Brown off card and with slight thinning, Very Fine appearance, scarce complete set
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15c Deep Orange, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (189TC1a). Die sunk on 139 x 217mm card, manuscript "Duplicate -- June 4/89" at bottom, Very Fine
Continental Bank Note Co., 30c Hamilton, Die Essay on Ivory Glazed Paper (190-E3b). Two, in Black and Blue, approximately 45 x 56mm, fresh and Very Fine pair of these incomplete adopted designs
30c Hamilton, Large Die Trial Color Proofs on India (190TC1a). 12 different colors, appears to be a mix of listed and unlisted colors, eight on original cards measuring approximately 80 x 92mm (four with full die sinkage), two others off card but the same full size India paper, final three are cut down to the size of "Goodall" proofs but don't match those listed colors so counted as 190TC1a, few trivial toning specks, the three cut down proofs with small faults, also includes No. 165P1 with full die sinkage on 90 x 105mm cardVERY FINE. A RARE LARGE SET OF 30-CENT BANK NOTE TRIAL COLOR LARGE DIE PROOFS.
Arguably all or some of these could be listed as trial colors for No. 217 as they have been associated with the 1882-87 Issue in the past. Scott lists them under the 1879 Issue as No. 190TC
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30c Full Black, Plate Proof on India (190P3). Bottom imprint and plate no. 405 strip of seven with part arrow at left, affixed to card backing so the India paper is free from the imperfections frequently found, intense shade, Very Fine and very rare, it is believed that only two panes of 100 of the American Bank Note Company 30c Full Black Hamilton exist on India paper, meaning only four plate blocks or plate strips can exist, listed but unpriced in Scott, the similarly rare plate proof on card catalogues $400.00 per single
90c Perry, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (191TC1a). Five, in different colors with full die sinkage, missing only Black for completion of the Scott-listed colors, Carmine measures 99 x 102mm, the others in Deep Dull Orange, Dark Brown, Indigo and Dull Red Brown, measuring approximately 69 x 82mm with one slightly smaller, all include the full die sinkage area and would fit on two album pages, National Bank Note Co. N.Y. imprints at bottom, brilliant colorsVERY FINE. A GORGEOUS AND RARE SET OF THE AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY 90-CENT PERRY LARGE DIE TRIAL COLOR PROOFS ON INDIA PAPER.
A Power Search review failed to find a single other example of this trial color proof. In fact, of all the 90c Bank Note proofs (National, Continental and American issues) the only other trial color proofs we have encountered are the smaller "Goodall" proofs (166TC2). The dies created by the National Bank Note Co. were carried over through the company transitions and were used by the American Bank Note Co. to pull these proofs -- explaining the presence of the National imprints
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1c Gray Blue, 3c Green, 10c Brown, Experimental Papers (206 var, 207 var, 209 var). Tied by "Cambridge Mass. Jan. 13, 1890 7PM" duplex cancels on registered 3c Green entire (U312) to New York City, purple Cambridge registry boxed handstamp and registry no., red "Boston Mass. Registry Div. Jan. 13, 1890" oval backstamp, light vertical file fold at left well away from stamps, portion of back cut outVERY FINE. A RARE AND UNUSUAL COVER WITH THREE DENOMINATIONS ON EXPERIMENTAL CHEMICALLY TREATED PAPER. A MARVELOUS ARTIFACT.
This is similar to Francis patent paper, and was part of a series of experiments to prevent stamp re-use.
With 2008 P.F. certificate
10c Jefferson, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (209TC1d). Two, in Carmine and Orange Brown, die sunk on approximately 68 x 72mm cards, "Duplicate Die/ C-56/ American Bank Note Co. N.Y." imprint, intense colors, Very Fine
10c Brown, Large Die Proof on India (209P1). Die sunk on 149 x 228mm card, "Duplicate Die/ C-56/ American Bank Note Co. N.Y." imprint, exceptionally intense color which is much darker than other examples we have offered, fresh and Very Fine
10c Brown, Plate Proof on India (209P3). Top imprint and plate no. 403 block of 12, large margins, deep rich color, few tiny imperfections in reduced sheet margin only, appears Very Fine, scarce plate block, this is the only example listed in Power Search
4c Green, 4c Carmine, Large Die Proofs on India (211P1, 215P1). Green die sunk on 106 x 142mm card, Carmine die sunk on 76 x 89mm card, both with American Bank Note Co. imprint and die no. C-97, brilliant colors, Very Fine, the Carmine proof ex Burrows
4c Green, Plate Proof on Card (211P4). Bottom imprint and plate no. 456 strip of seven with half-arrow, brilliant color, fresh and Very Fine, also includes a late 1800's Lincoln die essay from Bureau engraver Charles Schlecht (signature on card), not associated with any stamp issue but nice nonetheless, Very Fine
$2.00 Dark Blue, Plate Proof on Card (262P4). Large even margins, brilliantly fresh, Extremely Fine
1c-$5.00 1902-03 Issue, Large Die Proofs on India (300P1-313P1, E6P1). Complete set including the first and second 2c designs and the 15c Special Delivery issued at the same time, die sunk on cards measuring approximately 150 x 200mm, rich colors, each proof signed by Bureau of Engraving Director William M. Meredith and dated between Nov. 14, 1902 (2c Washington) and July 14, 1904 (2c Shield), backs with toning and approximately six with even toning on front of cards but not affecting the India paperVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A PREVIOUSLY UNRECORDED COMPLETE SET OF 1902 ISSUE LARGE DIE PROOFS, WHICH HAS BEEN IN THE FAMILY OF STAMP DIVISION SUPERINTENDANT JAMES H. REEVE SINCE 1902. THIS IS ONE OF ONLY FOUR OR FIVE KNOWN SETS. A HISTORIC RARITY OF EARLY BUREAU AND ESSAY-PROOF COLLECTING.
The Shreves catalog of the first Roger Brody collection in 2002 stated that three complete sets of large die proofs are known, as well as one part set, which was divided up and offered individually in that sale. This set was unknown when the Brody sale was held. It was given by Bureau of Engraving and Printing director, William M. Meredith, to the Stamp Division superintendent, Major James H. Reeve, a Civil War veteran (who lost a leg in battle), as a token of appreciation for his service. He also received a Roosevelt Small Die Proof Presentation Album. This set has remained with Reeve's ancestors since the first decade of the 20th century.
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2c Carmine, Ty. I, Large Die Proof on India (319P1). On 153 x 202mm card with full die sinkage, signed "To Major Reeves. Wm. M. Meredith, Director Bureau Feb. 5, 1904", intense color and impression, toning on back and on card front not affecting the India paper, Very Fine appearance, a previously unrecorded example of this rare proof, see lot 38 for the provenance of this proof
1c-$5.00 1902 Issue, "ULTRAMAR" Ovpt. (300S var-313S var). Set of 13 denominations, all but the 5c with violet "ULTRAMAR" handstamp (5c a normal stamp), a few small faults including 8c minor perf toning and $2.00 small thin spotVERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE SET OF 1902 ISSUE "ULTRAMAR" SPECIMEN OVERPRINTS.
The Portuguese Ministry for the Colonies applied the "Ultramar" overprint upon receipt of the stamps from U.P.U. headquarters in Berne. Between 1900 and 1910, the "Ultramar" overprint, meaning "overseas", was applied, and the stamps were distributed to the various colonies. With a few exceptions, this was replaced with "Colonias" in 1911. The only other set we have encountered was in the Roger Brody collection
10c Blue, Special Delivery, Small Die Proof on Wove (E1P2, E2P2). Bright colors, removed from original gray card backing but in sound condition, Extremely Fine, each with 2016 P.S.E. certificate, the first graded XF-Superb 95 and the second graded Superb 98, unpriced in SMQ