Sale 1254 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 6-7 April, 2022
Category — Trans-Mississippi Issue
Trans-Mississippi -- "Omaha" Exposition Stamps. Printed notice from "Office of Third Assistant Postmaster General, Washington, D.C., June 11, 1898", with table at top listing each denomination, its design and color, states "The issue of these stamps began June 10th, and will cease December 31st, 1898", also details how postmasters can requisition the stamps, light file folds, Very Fine, a wonderful collateral item, the stamps were not actually issued until June 17, and this notice reflects the delay, ex "World's Fair"
Trans-Mississippi International Exposition, Pass to Grounds. Pass with green seal in background, made out to F .W. Bandhaus, signed on back by John Wakefield, secretary of the Exposition, an excellent frontispiece for a Trans-Mississippi collection or exhibit, ex "World's Fair"
"Western Cattle in Storm" Engraving. 198 x 178mm, 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
"Western Cattle in Storm" Engraving. 254 x 178mm, 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 -- card with faint bend at bottom left, still Very Fine, an outstanding frontispiece to a Trans-Mississippi exhibit
($1.00) Black, Large Die Essay on India, Vignette Only (292-E1). On 91 x 78mm card with full die sinkage, earliest state of the die with all lines lightly engravedVERY FINE. AN INCREDIBLY RARE DIE ESSAY, SHOWING THE INITIAL STATE OF THE DIE FOR THE VIGNETTE OF THE $1.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE, WHICH IS WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL STAMP DESIGNS EVER PRODUCED. POSSIBLY UNIQUE.
There are five essays known showing the progression of the die for the vignette of the $1.00 Trans-Mississippi. Each shows progressively more of the engraving. Three of the five are offered in this sale. The example offered here is the earliest state of the die, with all lines very lightly engraved. No others showing such light lines are known.
Ex Wood.
($1.00) Black, Large Die Essay on India, Vignette Only (292-E2). On 90 x 78mm card with full die sinkage, showing stronger engraved lines than in the previous lot, also with light outline around design which was later removed, pencil "March 7, 1898" on back, small adhesive mark at bottom left on card onlyVERY FINE. A RARE AND BEAUTIFUL PROGRESSIVE ESSAY FOR THE VIGNETTE OF THE $1.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE. THIS STATE OF THE DIE IS LIKELY UNIQUE.
There are five essays known showing the progression of the die for the vignette of the $1.00 Trans-Mississippi. Each shows progressively more of the engraving. Three of the five are offered in this sale. The example offered here is the second state of the die. It shows darkened lines in the cattle and in the background. It also shows the faint outline of a shield around the vignette, which was later removed.
($1.00) Black, Large Die Essay on India, Vignette Only (292-E5). On 177 x 120mm card with full die sinkage, pencil "March 30/98" at bottom left, shield outline removed, small adhesive mark at bottom left on card onlyVERY FINE. A RARE AND BEAUTIFUL PROGRESSIVE ESSAY FOR THE VIGNETTE OF THE $1.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE. THIS STATE OF THE DIE IS LIKELY UNIQUE.
There are five essays known showing the progression of the die for the vignette of the $1.00 Trans-Mississippi. Each shows progressively more of the engraving. Three of the five are offered in this sale. The example offered here is the latest state. It shows the vignette with deeper engraving, especially in the snow at the left, and the lead cattle is also darkened.
1c-$2.00 Trans-Mississippi, Bi-Color Large Die Essays on India (285-E8a to 293-E7a). On approximately 200 x 150mm cards with full die sinkage, only the 5c is a hybrid, rich colorsVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL SET OF THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI BI-COLOR LARGE DIE ESSAYS.
Of the 166 sets printed in these colors, many were hybrids. This is a choice set with only a single hybrid.
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1c-$2.00 Trans-Mississippi, Bi-Color Large Die Essays on India (285-E8a to 293-E7a). On approximately 202 x 152mm cards with full die sinkage, none are hybrids and all with brilliant colors, 10c with couple tiny stained spots outside the India paperEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL SET OF THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI BI-COLOR LARGE DIE ESSAYS.
Of the 166 sets printed in these colors, many were hybrids. This is a choice set of true die sunk impressions.
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2c Copper Red, Large Die Proof on India (286P1). 84 x 70mm India paper die sunk on 112 x 146mm card, gorgeous color, some mounting remnants on corners on back, fresh and Very Fine
4c Orange, Large Die Proof on India (287P1). 73 x 61mm India paper removed from card backing, some oxidation around edges and tiny thins and pinholes far outside the design as often seen with this fragile paper, otherwise Very Fine, with 2007 P.F. certificate
1c-$2.00 Trans-Mississippi, Small Die Proofs on Wove (285P2-293P2). Complete set, each on original gray card backing, brilliant colors throughoutVERY FINE COMPLETE SET OF THE 1898 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI SMALL DIE PROOFS FROM A ROOSEVELT PRESENTATION ALBUM.
It is believed that only 85 Roosevelt albums were produced. Ex Liberman
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2c Black, Trial Color Plate Proof on Card (286TC4b). Large margins all around, intense shade and remarkably detailed impression, Very Fine and rare, Brazer was only aware of four singles and a vertical pair, ex Liberman
2c Black, Trial Color Plate Proof on Card (286TC4b). Large margins all around, trace of guide arrow at lower left, intense shade and remarkably detailed impression, Very Fine and rare, Brazer was only aware of four singles and a vertical pair
1c-$2.00 Trans-Mississippi, Specimen Ovpt. Ty. E (285S-E to 293S-E). Each with horizontal overprint at top center, 1c-50c unused (no gum), $1.00 and $2.00 original gum, h.r., few minor faults including $2.00 tiny thin speck, Fine-Very Fine, scarce complete set
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1c Dark Yellow Green, Trans-Mississippi (285). Mint N.H. block of twelve with left arrow selvage, rich color, faint natural gum wrinkle on two stamps at right, Very Fine, Scott value as singles
1c Dark Yellow Green, Trans-Mississippi (285). Deep rich color and proof-like impression, perfectly centered with wide margins, neat waving flag machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2013 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $900.00), only one grades higher (at 98J) and one other shares this desirable grade
4c Orange, Trans-Mississippi (287). Mint N.H., vibrant color, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem
4c Orange, Trans-Mississippi (287). Vibrant color, used with 8c Columbian (236) tied by New York registry ovals on registered 5c Blue entire to Montevideo, Uruguay, "New York U.S.A. Foreign 1-14, 1903" oval datestamp, New York and Montevideo registry labels, receiving backstamp, fresh and Very Fine, a colorful and scarce use, ex "World's Fair"
10c Gray Violet, Trans-Mississippi (290). Mint N.H., detailed impression, wide margins, Very Fine and choice, with 1977 and 1994 P.F. certificates
50c Sage Green, Trans-Mississippi (291). Horizontal pair, used with block of six and strip of three of 1c Trans-Mississippi (285), tied by "Heron Mont. Jan. 9, 1899" circular datestamps on registered cover to Nuremberg, Germany, New York registry label, receiving backstamp, Very Fine, a very attractive cover, less than 40 covers are known with the 50c stamp, ex Rosenthal and "World's Fair", illustrated in the Neil-Rosenthal book (p. 141)
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, outstanding centering, most recent of three certificates states reperfed at right, if so it is expertly done, appears Extremely Fine, with clear 2000 and 2011 P.F. certificates, with 2021 P.S.E. certificate stating reperfed at right
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Mint N.H., deep shade, natural gum wrinkle, Fine, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate for a pair
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Original gum, lightly hinged, intense shade on bright paper, wide margins and excellent centeringEXTREMELY FINE LIGHTLY HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE.
With 1972, 1992 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF 90). With 2019 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $1,750.00).
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Original gum, lightly hinged, intense shade, wide and nicely balanced margins, Very Fine and choice, with 2013 P.F. certificate
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Original gum, lightly hinged, detailed impression, choice centering and margins, Very Fine and choice
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Original gum, detailed impression, well-proportioned margins, fresh and Very Fine, with 2013 P.F. certificate (VF 80)
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Original gum, crisp impression, fresh and Very Fine, with 2013 P.S.E. certificate
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Original gum, lightly hinged, wonderfully fresh and Very Fine
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Original gum, lightly hinged, crisp impression, wide margins, Very Fine and attractive
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Original gum, lightly hinged, intense shade, reperfed at right, Very Fine appearance, with 2013 P.F. certificate
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). With wide top plate no. 606 selvage, original gum, lightly hinged, detailed impression, three stained perfs in selvage only are barely noticeable, appears Fine, with 2012 P.F. certificate
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Original gum, lightly hinged, intense shade and impression, fresh and Fine
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep shade, natural paper wrinkles, Fine
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Unused (regummed), detailed impression, Very Fine
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Unused (no gum), deep shade, wide margins and well centered, Very Fine and choice, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $575.00)
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Unused (regummed), deep shade, well-balanced margins, Very Fine
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Unused (regummed), faint overall toning, reperfed, otherwise Very Fine
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Mint N.H. horizontal block of ten with left selvage and natural straight edge at right, intense shade and proof-like impressionFINE. A RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED BLOCK OF TEN OF THE ONE-DOLLAR TRANS-MISSISSIPPI, CONSIDERED BY MANY TO BE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ENGRAVED STAMP EVER ISSUED BY THE UNITED STATES.
Other than the three recorded panes of 50, this is the largest recorded multiple. Scott value as singles
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Block of four with horizontal guideline, original gum, deep shade and crisp impression, choice centering and margins, bottom left stamp single short perf at leftEXTREMELY FINE APPEARING ORIGINAL-GUM BLOCK OF THE $1.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE -- WIDELY REGARDED AS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COMMEMORATIVE STAMP IN U.S. PHILATELY.
All four of the stamps in this block are well-centered. With 2022 P.F. certificate
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Neat strike of circular datestamp cancel, intense shade and impression, well-balanced margins, fresh and Extremely Fine
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Block of four, neatly cancelled by "Macon Ga. Nov. 3, 1902" duplex datestamp and oval grid, sharp proof-like impression, horizontal crease affects bottom stamps, few sensibly reinforced perf separations, appears Very Fine, a scarce used block (Scott Catalogue assigns a 42% premium for the multiple), with 2001 P.S.E. certificate
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Strip of four and single, used with $2.00 Orange Brown, Trans-Mississippi (293), reperfed at left, and 50c Sage Green, Trans-Mississippi (291), straight edge with part arrow at left, 15c Indigo (274) and 4c Rose Brown (280), last reperfed on one side, on large portion of package wrapper, tied together by multiple strikes of "Springfield Mass. Apr. 5 `99" duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, note at bottom, "$7.69/3rd Class postage/ 'Pastoral' refused admission"A SPECTACULAR ITEM COMBINING A STRIP OF FOUR AND SINGLE OF THE $1.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI WITH THE 50-CENT AND $2.00 -- A RARE AND UNUSUAL COMBINATION OF THE THREE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI HIGH VALUES.
A note on back, written at a later date explains this notation: "This carried large Gold framed oil painting from Springfield to Greenfield." Evidently a commercial use -- as such, it is the highest-rated, non-philatelic Trans-Mississippi piece known to us.
Ex Gibson. Acquired by the current owner in our 1997 Rarities sale.
$2.00 Orange Brown, Trans-Mississippi (293). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich colorVERY FINE AND CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE.
With 1983 and 2005 P.F. certificates
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