Sale 1242 — The Gordon Eubanks Collection: United States 1851 to 1856 Imperforate Issue
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 12-13 October, 2021
Category — Ten-Cent: Essays and Proofs
Toppan, Carpenter, Casilier & Co., 10c Black, Progressive Large Die Proof on India (13-E1). 32 x 36mm, "U.S. Postage" at top in pencil, also missing lines in leaf ornaments around top X's, intense shade, pencil "Pitcher" at bottom, an intriguing reference to the mysterious "E. Pitcher", who some have speculated was a female employee of bank note security firmsVERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE PROGRESSIVE DIE PROOF OF THE 10-CENT 1855 ISSUE.
This is the only example we have encountered. Scott value of $3,000.00 is inexcusably out of date, as this proof last sold for $27,000 hammer in our Sale 1113 in 2015. The other similar example, without "U.S. Postage" at top and some additional shading, realized $10,500 hammer in the same sale and is offered in lot 325.
Illustrated in 2021 Scott Catalogue on p. 862
Toppan, Carpenter, Casilier & Co., 10c Black, Progressive Large Die Proof on India (13-E2). 27 x 31mm, "U.S. Postage" missing at top, vertical shading added to area around top X's, lines added in leaf ornaments, "Pitcher" in pencil at bottom, an intriguing reference to the mysterious "E. Pitcher", who some have speculated was a female employee of bank note security firmsVERY FINE AND EXTREMELY RARE PROGRESSIVE DIE PROOF OF THE 10-CENT 1855 ISSUE.
Like the similar proof with "U.S. Postage" offered in lot 324, this is the only one of its kind we have encountered. Scott value of $3,000.00 is also inexplicably out of date, as this example last sold for $10,500 hammer in our Sale 1113 in 2015.
Illustrated in 2021 Scott Catalogue on p. 862
10c Black, Type I, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (13TC1). 42 x 49mm, showing clear layout lines all around the design, crisp impressionEXTREMELY FINE EXAMPLE OF THIS RARE TRIAL COLOR PROOF OF THE 10-CENT 1855 ISSUE.
Neinken notes in his book on the 10c stamp that it is likely that design and production of the 10c 1855 was rushed. The new 10c rate went into effect on April 1, 1855, and the new stamps were not placed into use until May. The die proof shows slips of the engraver's tool, and the overall layout is slightly skewed. The only die proof trial color is Black, and our sale records contain only four different full-size Black die proofs plus one cut-to-shape.
Ex "Lake Shore". With 2006 P.F. certificate. Scott value $5,000.00
10c Green, Type I, Large Die Proof on India (13P1). Cut down to stamp size but still showing layout lines around the design, rich color on bright paper, fresh and Fine, scarce large die proof for the 10c 1855 Issue, very few are known in any state, ex Brazer, Joyce and Finkelburg, with 2011 P.F. certificate, Scott value $5,000.00
10c Black, Type III, Trial Color Plate Proof on Wove Stamp Paper (15TC5). Mounted on thin card, horizontal and vertical manuscript pen lines, large marginsVERY FINE. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE BLACK TRIAL COLOR PLATE PROOF OF THE 10-CENT 1855 ISSUE. ONLY TWO ARE REPORTED TO EXIST.
This exact proof is illustrated in the Neinken book (Fig.6-K), where the origin of 1851 Issue plate proofs in Black on regular paper is discussed. It is believed that these proofs, with and without ruled lines, were produced in 1856. The other example (ex Dr. Chase) was offered in our 2006 Rarities of the World auction.
Ex Neinken and Wagshal. With 2010 P.F. certificate. Scott value $5,000.00