Sale 1232 — United States Stamps and Postal History
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 30-31 March, 2021
Category — Essays, Proofs and Specimens
Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
1001
TC
5c Black, 10c Deep Blue, Large Die Proofs on India and Wove (1TC1a, 2TC1c). 5c 49 x 61mm showing the full die, 10c 35 x 45mm, fresh and Very Fine pair
1,800
1,000
1002
E
Toppan, Carpenter, Casilear & Co., 3c 1851 Issue, Apprentice Model Essay. 57 x 73mm rectangular design in Black, on 105 x 111mm wove paper, with a central vignette of the 3c 1851 Washington in the same size as on the issued stamp, various ornate elements around the border, fresh and Very Fine, most unusual, while we cannot be certain of the origin, leading Essay-Proof expert James Lee surmises that this was a practice model for an engraving apprentice, using the 3c 1851 vignette and adding various stock elements for the borders, unlisted in Scott
E. 500-750
375
Back to Top1003
E
Toppan, Carpenter, Casilier & Co., (Unstated Value) Black Franklin and Washington Vignettes, Die Essay on Old Proof Paper (5-E1c). Master die impressions of Franklin at left (as used for 1851 1c Issue with minor modifications) and Washington at right (Scott 11-E23), 41 x 25mm, Very Fine and rare, the only other example we have offered was a block of six (with two pairs) from our 2006 Lake Shore sale
2,000
1,000
Back to Top1004
TC
5c Deep Red Brown, Trial Color Plate Proof on Wove (12TC5c). Full margins to touched at bottom, deep rich color, Fine, a scarce proof in the Red Brown shade, which is often mistaken (or misrepresented) as No. 12 unused, with 2021 P.F. certificate
1,500
275
Back to Top1005
P
1c-90c 1857-60 Issue, Plate Proofs on India (24P3/39P3). Complete set of eight, Large margins to clear except 1c and 3c barely in on one side, 1c repaired and closed tear, 3c thin spot and slight oxidation, 5c small tear, 24c small surface scrape from removal of an India fiber, 30c faint vertical crease and slightly oxidizedVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE COMPLETE SET OF THE 1857-60 ISSUE PLATE PROOFS ON INDIA PAPER.
Each with 1997 P.F. certificate
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10,000
1,200
Back to Top1006
E
Toppan, Carpenter, Casilear & Co., (24c) Black, Frame Only, Die Essay on India (37-E2). On 39 x 44mm card, clear impression of the detailed lathework and with die layout lines, design does not have outer frame line, some speckled toning spotsVERY FINE AND CHOICE. THIS ESSAY OF AN EARLY STATE OF THE FRAME USED FOR THE 24-CENT DENOMINATION OF THE 1857 ISSUE IS EXCEEDINGLY RARE.
We have encountered only three other examples of the frame-only progressive die essay for the 24c 1857 Issue -- from our "Lake Shore" and Hulme sales and the unique combination essay with complete design at top (Sale 1113, lot 2103). Joseph E. Ralph of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is known to have distributed similar die proofs of varying denominations in 1910.
E. 1,500-2,000
1,300
Back to Top1007
E
Toppan, Carpenter & Co., 1c Black, Die Essay on India (63-E8). 31 x 36mm on card, showing layout lines from the original 1c 1851 Issue die, altered with bottom corners cut out and numeral "1" etched in pencil, Very Fine and extremely rare essay, there are four varieties of the 1861 pencil-drawn numeral essays from Toppan, Carpenter & Co. recorded (Nos. 63-E5 to 63-E8), each is probably unique, illustrated in Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue
2,000
2,200
Back to Top1008
E
American Bank Note Co., (3c) Brown Purple, Die Essay on India (65-E7Ab). India cut to full size margins and affixed to slightly larger card, blank labels and corner tablets, Very Fine and scarce
1,000
425
Back to Top1009
E
3c Black, Plate Essay on Double Paper, Perf 12 (Brazer 65TC-Fb). On tissue paper backed with white wove paper, large part original gum, 21mm circle of wedges cancel, Very Fine example of this scarce Charles F. Steel Essay from patent no. 86952 of Feb. 16, 1869, with 2007 P.F. certificate
E. 300-400
200
Back to Top1010
E
National Bank Note Co., 3c Black, Shield-Shaped Die Essay on Yellow Wove, Grilled (79-E18e). 58 x 63mm, original gum, small h.r., bright color, wide natural gum skip towards edges, trivial natural inclusion, Very Fine and scarce essay, ex Geisler
1,000
325
Back to Top1011
E
National Bank Note Co., Diagonal Grill Die Essay, Blue Lathework Frame (79-E21c). 21 x 41mm, original gum, with black "X" trial cancel (no doubt to test ink penetration), deep rich color, cancel causes some slight ink erosion in shield, appears Very Fine, scarce with the trail cancel, ex "Lake Shore" and Drews
500
900
Back to Top1012
E
National Bank Note Co., 1c Red Brown, Die Essay on Pink Laid Paper, Grilled (79-E29c). 25 x 31mm, original gum, small h.r., 14 x 16 points E Grill at center, clear horizontal laid lines on light pinkish paper, Very Fine and rare, ex Finkelburg
1,750
1,100
Back to Top1013
E
National Bank Note Co., 3c Liberty, Black Green on White Wove, Red "X" Repeated, Thorpe Safety Paper Essay (79-E31g). 26 x 31mm, rich colors, Very Fine and scarce essay, this is the top underprint value from the set
1,400
425
Back to Top1014
E
3c 1861-68 Issues, Essay-Proof Balance. Seven items representing a diverse range of experiments, including No. 79-E18a var, imperforate and grilled shield essay with manuscript "X" cancel (ex "Lake Shore", Scott value $1,000.00), 79-E15c with lightly impressed overall grill and pre-printing paper folds, 74P4 with "8/13/33 F.A.H." manuscript (of unknown origin), other four are perforated trial color proofs with different experimental geometric cancels (65-E), a few small faults but overall a Fine and colorful group of essays
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E. 1,000-1,500
750
Back to Top1015
P
1c-90c 1869 Pictorial Issue, Small Die Proofs on Wove (112P2-122P2). Complete set including both 15c types, on original gray card backing, each with large margins for the gray cards, deep rich colorsVERY FINE SET OF 1869 PICTORIAL SMALL DIE PROOFS FROM A ROOSEVELT PRESENTATION ALBUM.
It is believed that only 85 Roosevelt albums were produced.
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4,575
2,900
Back to Top1016
TC
1c-90c 1869 Pictorial Issue, Atlanta Trial Color Proofs on Card (123TC4-132TC4). Complete set (less the one recently-listed unique 90c color combination), large margins, deep rich colorsVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE COMPLETE SET OF 1869 PICTORIAL ATLANTA TRIAL COLOR PLATE PROOFS.
The Atlanta trial color plate proofs on card were prepared for display at the 1881 International Cotton Exposition in Atlanta. Only one sheet of 100 of each value/color was printed. Very few have been kept together as intact sets.
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Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7
Image 8
Image 9
Image 10
24,400
14,500
Back to Top1017
P
1c-90c 1869 Pictorial Issue, Plate Proofs on Card (112P4-117P4, 121P4-122P4, 129P4). Complete set less the 24c, the 15c Ty. III, large margins, rich colors, Very Fine-Extremely Fine
735
300
Back to Top1018
P
1c Buff, Large Die Proof on India (112P1). Die sunk on 153 x 249mm card with full die sinkage, National Bank Note Co. imprint at bottom of India paper, Very Fine and desirable in this full size
750
200
Back to Top1019
E
3c Small Numeral, Plate Essay on Stamp Paper, Perforated 12, Grilled (114-E6d). Two blocks of four and two singles, including block of four and single in Orange, single in Green and right selvage block of four in Black Brown, all Mint N.H., fresh and Very Fine
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800
250
Back to Top1020
E
5c Washington, Large Lettering, Completed Die, Large Die Essay on India (115-E1b). Eight, ranging in size from approximately 28 x 34mm to 40 x 65mm, each a distinctly different color, two on card, few minor flaws often seen on this fragile paper, Fine-Very Fine and scarce group
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7,200
1,500
Back to Top1021
E
5c Orange, Large Lettering, Large Die Essay on Pale Olive Buff Bond (115-E1f). Four of the five Scott-listed colors, including Black, Carmine, Orange and Red Orange, from 32 x 32mm to 55 x 55mm, rich colors, Carmine shows die sinkage area at sides, Very Fine and scarce group
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2,400
375
Back to Top1022
E
5c Washington, Large Lettering, Scarlet Large Die Essay on Glazed Paper (115-E1k). 40 x 40mm, radiant color on bright paper, Very Fine and choice, with 1998 P.F. certificate
550
140
Back to Top1023
TC
6c Black, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (115TC1). On 40 x 40mm card, intense color, Very Fine and choice, this is the first example in black we have offered since keeping computerized records, we have only offered examples in the other listed color -- Deep Dull Blue -- which is not as dramatic as the example offered here, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate noting trimmed to size smaller than original die sinkage
2,500
325
Back to Top1024
E
10c Black, Lincoln, Die Essay on Ivory Paper (116-E1e). 64 x 77mm, with imprint at bottom, tiny thin spots at top corners from mount removal, Extremely Fine appearance
1,000
275
Back to Top1025
E
10c Lincoln, Large Die Essay on Cloudy Creamy Bond (116-E1g). Four, including Black, Red Orange and two different shades of Light Red Brown, lacking only Blue to be complete, from 37 x 41 to 31 x 31mm, fresh and Very Fine, a rare and desirable group
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4,400
0
Back to Top1026
E
[No denomination] Black, Lincoln Large Die Essay on India (116-E1D). 19 x 24mm, detailed impression, fresh and Very Fine and rare essay, it differs from 116-E1 in that the outer double frameline has been removed
1,150
225
Back to Top1027
P
12c Green, Large Die Proof on India (117P1). On 150 x 210mm heavy card with full die sinkage, brilliant color, minor card bend at right edge, Very Fine, accompanied by two other items, first is a 10c Peru Postage Due Orange large die proof depicting the Adriatic and a llama, on 90 x 114mm card with full die sinkage, National Bank Note Co. imprint at bottom, color has become slightly oxidized, still Very Fine, finally a half-tone engraving of the Adriatic by J. W. Orr, a prominent wood engraver of the mid-19th Century in New York, 180 x 100mm design taken from a contemporary magazine, beautiful and Very Fine, Scott value for the 117P1 alone is $900.00
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E. 500-750
350
Back to Top1028
E
30c Orange, Burgoyne Large Die Essay on India (121-E1a). On 80 x 61mm card with full die sinkage, imprint at bottom, radiant color, Very Fine
800
300
Back to Top1029
E
30c Burgoyne, Plate Essay on Thin Surface-Tinted Paper (121-E1p). 16, large margins, wide range of paper colors, Very Fine, a desirable group, ten and ex Hansen, six are ex Liberman
4,200
1,600
Back to Top1030
E
30c Burgoyne, Plate Essay on Thin Surface-Tinted Paper, Plate Essay on Bond with Red Bands (121-E1p, 121-E1s). First in Salmon Red, large margins, Very Fine
Image 2
525
130
Back to Top1031
E
90c Deep Blue Green & Black, Lincoln Die Essay on India (122-E4a). Vignette mounted in place as always, large margins, rich colorsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT SMALL NUMERAL ESSAY WITH LINCOLN'S VIGNETTE MOUNTED IN PLACE.
Ex Finkelburg and Ainsworth.
3,000
0
Back to Top1032
P
1c-90c 1870-71 National Bank Note Co., Large Die Proofs on Card (145P1-155P1). On approximately 72 x 84mm cards with full die sinkage, few light toned specks, still Very Fine and desirable set
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4,800
1,200
Back to Top1033
E
7c Stanton, Large Die Essay on India (149-E6). Nine of the fifteen different Scott-listed colors, eight on card showing full die sinkage area, ranging from 69 x 78mm to 150 x 225mm, one off card, one slight oxidation, several minor age toning, few minor corner dings on larger cards, otherwise Very Fine, a rare and desirable group
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4,500
1,300
Back to Top1034
E
National Bank Note Co., (12c) Washington, Vignette Die Essay Mounted in Pencil Drawn Frame on India (151-E1). Black Washington vignette cut out from No. 79-E37b, affixed inside incomplete pencil drawn frame on 38 x 47mm India affixed to card, pencil layout lines extend from top and bottom, "U.S. Po(st)" at bottom but no denomination, adherences at left of frame of unknown origin, tiny pinholes at top outside of design possibly from tacking onto a production boardVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A UNIQUE ESSAY FOR THE 12-CENT 1870 NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
Illustrated in Scott Specialized Catalogue
2,500
1,100
Back to Top1035
P
1c-90c 1873 Bank Note Issue, Hybrid Large Die Proofs on India (156P1-166P1). Full set of all values, cut to shape, mounted on India and die sunk on approximately 143 x 216mm cards, each with part of binding at left from presentation album, 6c some slight toning on card, otherwise Very Fine and unusual, Scott Retail as non-hybrids $5,650.00
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E. 500-750
600
Back to Top1036
E
3c Green, Double Paper, Imperforate, Massey Patent Hole Punch (158 var). Two blocks of four and a single, clearly showing the nine holes in a circle on each, bold manuscript "X" control cancels which have eroded the paper and caused splits in left pair of one block, otherwise Very Fine and scarce, the Gideon B. Massey Patent was for an experimental printing, with the thin surface layer taking the plate impression and then being laminated to a sheet of stamp paper, we have not encountered this in imperforate form before
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E. 400-500
200
Back to Top1037
E
Continental Bank Note Co., 3c Indian Maiden, Large Die Essay on Proof Paper (184-E15b). Two, Dull Brown and Dull Green, approximately 32 x 37mm, both show cracked die at top, Very Fine and choice, ex Liberman
Image 2
1,000
375
Back to Top1038
E
American Bank Note Co., (unstated Value) Black, Large Die Essay on Ivory Paper (219-E1). 37 x 41mm, intense shade and impression, Very Fine and rare essay for an unadopted frame design, the only other example we have offered was in our 2003 Burrows sale
1,750
1,100
Back to Top1039
E
Columbus in Sight of Land. 73 x 123mm India paper die sunk on 134 x 166mm card, titled "First Land" with die no. 417 and American Bank Note Co. imprint, wonderfully detailed design which depicts the same scene and is similar to the 1c Columbian design, Very Fine, an actual listed essay of No. 230-E is extremely rare, this is far more affordable and a nice collateral item for a Columbian collection
E. 200-300
275
Back to Top1040
P
1c-$5.00 Columbian, Small Die Proofs on Wove (230P2-245P2). Complete set of 16, removed from card backing which causes some slight thins which are not evident from the front on an album page (the adhesive used is very difficult to dissolve), deep rich colorsVERY FINE APPEARING COMPLETE SET OF THE COLUMBIAN ISSUE SMALL DIE PROOFS FROM A ROOSEVELT PRESENTATION ALBUM.
It is believed that only 85 Roosevelt albums were produced.
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5,850
1,800
Back to Top1041
"Western Cattle in Storm" Engraving. 165 x 140mm, on heavy stock paper, showing die sinkage, depicting a herd of cattle seeking shelter from a storm, this depiction was based on the painting "The Vanguard" by Scotsman John A. MacWhirter and was used as the design for the $1.00 Trans-Mississippi -- postal officials had based the stamp engraving on an illustration from an advertising brochure and had failed to realize the cattle was not Western U.S., but from the Scottish Highlands -- Very Fine, an outstanding frontispiece to a Trans-Mississippi exhibit
E. 300-400
700
Back to Top1042
E
1c-$2.00 Trans-Mississippi, Bi-Color Large Die Essays on India (285-E8a to 293-E7a). On approximately 201 x 153mm cards with full die sinkage, none are hybrids and all with brilliant colors, with original oversize envelope with purple "Trans-Mississippi 1898, One set Die Proofs" handstampEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL SET OF THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI BI-COLOR LARGE DIE ESSAYS. ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE WITH THE ORIGINAL ENVELOPE.
Of the 166 sets printed in these colors, many were hybrids. This is the first with an original envelope we have encountered
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6,550
3,500
Back to Top1043
P
1c-$2.00 Trans-Mississippi, Large Die Proofs on India (285P1-293P1). On approximately 190 x 125mm cards with full die sinkage, brilliant colorsVERY FINE. A CHOICE FULL-SIZE COMPLETE SET OF LARGE DIE PROOFS OF THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE.
The single-color large die proofs are scarcer than the bi-colored set listed in the essay section.
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Image 2
12,200
4,125
Back to Top1044
P
$1.00 Trans-Mississippi, Large Die Proof on India (292P1). On 97 x 80mm card with full die sinkage, detailed impression, Very Fine, an attractive large die proof of what has been called the most beautiful stamp in United States philately
1,000
1,900
Back to Top1045
S
1c-$2.00 Trans-Mississippi, Specimen Ovpt. Ty. E (285SE-293SE). Original gum, few h.r., 5c with ovpt. horizontal at bottom, others vertical reading up at either left or right, 1c short perf at top left, 5c repair at top left, otherwise Fine and scarce complete set
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Image 2
3,800
1,300
Back to Top1046°
P
1c-10c Pan-American, Large Die Proofs on India (294P1-299P1). On approximately 200 x 150mm cards with full die sinkage, blue control nos. on back (17724, 17871, 17886, 18034, 18061 and 18161), rich colors on bright cardsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND HIGHLY EXHIBITABLE SET OF LARGE DIE PROOFS FOR THE PAN-AMERICAN EXPOSITION ISSUE.
This set is especially desirable in this fresh condition and with the blue control numbers on back.
3,450
1,900
Back to Top1047
P
1c-10c Pan-American, Small Die Proofs on Wove (294P2-299P2). Complete set of six, off of gray card backing -- or more likely a set that was never mounted on the cards because there are no thin spots or faults (the adhesive used is difficult to dissolve and removal often causes severe faults), brilliant colors, Very Fine, only approximately 85 sets were produced
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3,450
1,800
Back to Top1048
E
1c, 10c 1902-03 Issue, Ink Drawing Essays on Manila (300-E3, 307-E1). Two-sided manila paper measuring 136 x 190mm, front depicts ink drawing in blue of frame for 5c design which was adopted for the 1c, back with drawing for 10c frame design, corner nicks do not affect any part of the design, Very Fine and unique, an outstanding double-sided hand-illustrated essay for the 1902-03 Bureau Issue, ex Curtis, illustrated in Scott and priced as the combination
2,000
0
Back to Top1049
E
5c 1902-03 Issue, Pencil and Ink Drawing Essay on Onion Skin (304-E3). 107 x 110mm design on 141 x 128mm paper, hand-illustration depicting frame with partly nude figures (which were draped in the adopted design), other design differences but similar to the issued 5c stamp, bends as normal for this fragile paper, Very Fine and unique, attributed to Bureau designer Raymond Ostrander Smith, ex Curtis, illustrated in Scott Specialized Catalogue
3,000
0
Back to Top1051
P
1c-$5.00 1902-03 Issue, Small Die Proofs on Wove (300P2-313P2). Complete set, rich colors, each on original gray card backing, 50c trifle oxidized as often encounteredVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND SCARCE COMPLETE SET OF 1902 ISSUE SMALL DIE PROOFS FROM A ROOSEVELT PRESENTATION ALBUM.
Only 85 presentation albums were prepared.
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4,250
1,200
Back to Top1052
P
1c-30c Agriculture, Small Die Proofs on Wove (O1P2-O9P2). Complete set of nine on original cards from a Roosevelt presentation album, radiant colors, Very Fine, only approximately 85 sets were produced
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900
225
Back to Top1053
E
(Unstated Value) Black, General Revenue Essay on White Wove (Turner 32-A). 42 x 50mm with uncleared surrounds and colorless registry crosses top and bottom, minor corner thinning from prior mounting, Very Fine and rare, this is a variation of Turner Essay No. 32, with the addition of the central oval of vertical lines
E. 300-400
0
Back to Top