Sale 1082 — The William Fekete Collection
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 21-22 October, 2014
Category — Essays and Proofs: 1861-66 Issue
Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
42
E
1861 Issue Essays, Toppan, Carpenter & Co. (63-E9a/72-E4b). Eight essays representing each of the 1861 Toppan, Carpenter & Co. complete design submissions, incl. Nos. 63-E9a, 65-E4c, 67-E4b (in Black and Brown), 69-E4c, 70-E4b (two) and 72-E5a, each cut to shape as always but showing full designs all around, rich colors, a few small imperfectionsVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND SCARCE SET OF THE 1861 TOPPAN, CARPENTER & CO. FULL DESIGN ESSAYS.
The wide availability of the 1903 reprints produced by Ernest Schernikow sometimes lures collectors into the sense that these 1861 original Toppan, Carpenter essays are common. A footnote in Scott states "examples on 1861 paper and in 1861 colors are rare." This set represents the full group of complete designs submitted for the 1861 contract (Toppan, Carpenter did not produce a 10c or 30c design for the contract)
5,650
3,500
43
E
1903 Schernikow Die Essays. Collection of more than 65 items, each of the six denominations represented and showing the range of die completeness, Scott numbers between 63-E1a and 72-E3a plus a couple extras (incl. one 12c 1861 essay but faulty), largely proof paper with a couple on glazed card or colored bond, the vast majority with full die sinkage, a few flaws to be expected from manufacture or hinging as often seen on this fragile paper, overall Very Fine
E. 1,000-1,500
2,600
Back to Top44
E
1c Bowlsby Patent Coupon, Plate Essays (63-E13d, f, g). Six, two completely imperforate, one imperforate between (creased and slightly cut between) and three perforated all around, five in Red and one in Blue, a couple no gum or disturbed gum, margins to at least clear, Fine
1,200
600
Back to Top45
E
Unknown Author, 2c-10c Indian Vignettes on Wove, 1861-66 Essays (73-E3, E4, E5, E6). Two complete sheets of nine of 73-E3 to 73-E5 on Yellow wove (one with thins), block of four of 73-E6b, 11 singles showing a range of the preceding essays (mostly on white wove), range of colors, lot also incl. three singles of 79-E11d, overall fresh and Very Fine group of these beautiful essays
2,725
900
Back to Top46
E
2c Dull Red Violet & Bronze, "U.S. Postage" Re-Use Prevention Essay (79-E1, Turner E45). Folded design for re-use prevention, "2" punched out, original gum, opened for display, Very Fine and rare, the inventor of these designs is unknown, it was intended to be affixed to a cover folded, the postmaster would then remove part of the stamp, exposing punched out or different colored numerals underneath, the background of the design is also scored so that any attempt to remove a cancel or the stamp from the cover would result in its breaking apart
5,000
1,100
Back to Top47
E
3c Black & Bronze, "U.S. Postage" Re-Use Prevention Essay (79-E4, Turner E45). Folded design for re-use prevention, original gum, unopened, Very Fine and rare, the inventor of these designs is unknown, it was intended to be affixed to a cover folded, the postmaster would then remove part of the stamp, exposing punched out or different colored numerals underneath, the background of the design is also scored so that any attempt to remove a cancel or the stamp from the cover would result in its breaking apart
5,000
950
Back to Top48
E
5c Black & Bronze, "U.S. Inter. Rev." Re-Use Prevention Essay (Turner E45). Folded design for re-use prevention, "5" punched out, original gum, opened for display, Very Fine and rare, the inventor of these designs is unknown, it was intended to be affixed to a cover, or in this case a document, folded, part of the stamp would then be removed, exposing punched out or different colored numerals underneath, the background of the design is also scored so that any attempt to remove a cancel or the stamp from the cover would result in its breaking apart
E. 500-750
550
Back to Top49
E
3c Washington Typographed Plate Essays (Between 79-E8-79-E25). Collection of more than 70 stamps in singles, pairs and block of 25, variety of colors and papers covering mainly two designs (79-E8 to 79-E9 and 79-E25), approximately eight with grills, one pair on interesting linen paper, Fine-Very Fine, excellent lot for the specialist
E. 500-750
425
Back to Top50
E
"X" Cents Dull Dark Carmine Essay on Wove Paper with Crossed "Cancelled" Handstamps (79-E10b). Two, 27 x 33mm and 22 x 28mm, slightly different shades, latter with thin spots, Fine-Very Fine, attributed to John M. Sturgeon (1867)
900
0
Back to Top51
E
Unknown Author, 8c Orange on White, Eagle Essay (Brazer 57aEa). Design depicting an eagle surrounded by a field of stars, "Specimen" at top, "8" in each corner and "E Pluribus Unum" at bottom, two horizontal thin spots, Fine appearance and extremely rare, reportedly one of only two known, with 1991 P.F. certificate
E. 400-500
700
Back to Top52
E
National Bank Note Co., 3c Liberty, Die and Plate Essays (79-E30). 13 items, nice range incl. seven full-size die essays with National Bank. Note Co. imprint at bottom (two with the stamp perforated, five with the stamps imperforate), three single rainbow essays, two perforated essays with the vignette also perforated, finally a block of four in Red on yellow surfaced wove paper, designs spaced 7mm apart, Very Fine and scarce block which is unlisted in Scott, overall a few tiny flaws but a fresh and Very Fine group
E. 750-1,000
750
Back to Top53
E
3c 1861 Issue, Lowenberg Decalcomania, Plate Proof (79-E65P5b). Block of six printed on onion skin or "Goldbeater's" paper, normal wrinkling and some perf separations, appears Very Fine, Scott Retail as singles
600
225
Back to Top54
E
3c Z. Grill, Thorp Patent Experimental Trial Color Essays on Tinted Papers (85C-E2 var). Group of more than 30 items, 12 are Z Grill essays in a variety of papers and colors, also a nice group of 3c paper and ink essays, some of these very similar to the Z Grill essays but without the grill, varieties incl. an 1861 First Design essay, imperforate essay paper pair, also couple all-over grill essays and a few proofs, a few minor flaws to be found but overall Fine-Very Fine and an interesting group, for some reason the Scott Catalogue lists the 12c Z Grill essays (as 85-E1) but no longer lists the 3c, which are of the same nature
E. 1,500-2,000
2,600
Back to Top55
E
12c Z. Grill, Plate Essays on Tinted Paper (85E-E). 10 singles, nice range of colors and paper types with a couple duplicated, five with original gum, generally close or touching on one side as these are found, a few minor flaws incl. tiny thins caused by the heavy grill application, Fine appearance, these plate essays are scarce and seldom offered
2,750
1,500
Back to Top56
P
1c-90c 1861 First Designs and Colors, Small Die Essays/Proofs on Wove (62BP2/72E7c, formerly 55P2/62P2). Complete page from a Roosevelt presentation album, with label "FIRST 1861" at center surrounded by complete set, bright colors, 3c small edge tear, Very Fine and rare, only 85 albums were produced and few of these sets are intact on their entire original page, this is only the second we have offered since our 2005 Lake Shore sale, Scott Retail as singles
3,300
2,200
Back to Top57
P
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 complete set, bright colors, card with slight thinning in top corners far from the proofs, Extremely Fine and rare set, only 85 albums were produced and few of these are intact on their entire original page
2,550
2,000
Back to Top58
P
1c-90c 1861-66 Issue, Small Die Proofs on Wove (63P2/78P2). Complete set on original card backing from a Roosevelt presentation album, brilliant colors, Extremely Fine, only 85 sets were produced
2,550
1,300
Back to Top59
P
1c-90c 1861-66 Issue, Plate Proofs on Card (63P3/77P3, 63P4/72P4). India set missing only the 2c and 15c values, card set with all denominations, missing only the scarcer 24c Red Lilac, nice margins essentially throughout with only the 30c on India close, fresh colors, 15c on card slight toning, overall Very Fine
2,035
0
Back to Top60
P
1c Blue, Large Die Proof on India, Specimen Ovpt. (63P1 var). Mounted on 143 x 193mm card with red "SPECIMEN" overprint across stamp and full imprint in red at bottom, gorgeous rich color, Very Fine example of this desirable proof variety, Scott Retail as normal $700.00
E. 750-1,000
900
Back to Top61
TC
3c Rose Lake, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India, "Specimen" Ovpt. (65TC1 var). Mounted on 128 x 190mm card with blue "SPECIMEN" overprint across stamp and full imprint in blue at bottom, from a National Bank Note Co. sample book, Very Fine and scarce, with 1993 P.F. certificate
2,500
1,200
Back to Top62
P
10c Green, Large Die Proof on India, "Specimen" Ovpt. (68P1 var). Mounted on 146 x 197mm card with black "SPECIMEN" overprint across stamp and full imprint in red at bottom, from a National Bank Note Co. sample book, faint speckled toning at bottom and left, still Very Fine and scarce, Scott Retail as normal die proof $650.00
E. 500-750
550
Back to Top63
P
12c Black, Large Die Proof on India, "Specimen" Ovpt. (69P1 var). Mounted on 143 x 194mm card with orange "SPECIMEN" overprint across stamp and full imprint in orange at bottom, from a National Bank Note Co. sample book, stained below imprint at bottom, small edge flaw at right, could be cut down to eliminate stain, very scarce with no other examples appearing in Power Search, Scott Retail as normal die proof $700.00
E. 200-300
300
Back to Top64
P
30c Orange, Large Die Proof on India, "Specimen" Ovpt. (71P1 var). Mounted on 127 x 191mm card with gray "SPECIMEN" overprint across stamp and full imprint in gray at bottom, from a National Bank Note Co. sample book, Very Fine and scarce, with 1985 P.F. certificate, Scott Retail as normal die proof $500.00
E. 500-750
450
Back to Top65
P
90c Blue, Large Die Proof on India, "Specimen" Ovpt. (72P1 var). Mounted on 152 x 229mm card with black "SPECIMEN" overprint across stamp and full imprint in brown at bottom, from a National Bank Note Co. sample book, some slight edge wear which could be easily trimmed since this is such a large-size example, Very Fine and scarce, the only other example contained in Power Search is cut considerably smaller than the proof offered here, Scott Retail as normal die proof $500.00
E. 500-750
650
Back to Top66
P
2c Black, Die I, Large Die Proof on India, "Specimen" Ovpt. (73P1 var). Mounted on 92 x 134mm card with red "SPECIMEN" overprint across stamp and full imprint in red at bottom, from a National Bank Note Co. sample book, Very Fine, the Die I large die proof is exceedingly rare -- none were offered in major Black Jack sales, except with the "Specimen" overprint as offered here, ex Burrows, Scott Retail as normal
10,000
1,200
Back to Top67
P
5c Brown, Large Die Proof on India, "Specimen" Ovpt. (76P1 var). Mounted on 146 x 197mm card with blue "SPECIMEN" overprint across stamp and full imprint in blue at bottom, from a National Bank Note Co. sample book, Very Fine and scarce, Scott Retail as normal die proof $700.00
E. 750-1,000
1,100
Back to Top68
P
15c Black, Large Die Proof on India, "Specimen" Ovpt. (77P1 var). Mounted on 92 x 133mm card with violet "SPECIMEN" overprint across stamp and full imprint in violet at bottom, from a National Bank Note Co. sample book, Very Fine and rare, this is the only example contained in Power Search, Scott Retail as normal die proof $1,400.00
E. 1,000-1,500
800
Back to Top69
P
15c Black, Large Die Proof on India (77P1). Die sunk on 82 x 101mm card with full die sinkage, slight thinning well outside stamp design, appears Very Fine
1,400
225
Back to Top70
P
24c Lilac, Large Die Proof on India, "Specimen" Ovpt. (78P1 var). Mounted on 152 x 228mm card with black "SPECIMEN" overprint across stamp and full imprint in yellow brown at bottom, from a National Bank Note Co. sample book, India paper irregularity top left corner, Very Fine and extremely rare, Power Search contains only one other large die proof of No. 78 (offered in 2004) and it was without the imprint and "Specimen", unlisted in Scott
E. 1,500-2,000
1,300
Back to Top71
TC
1c 1861 Issue, Trial Color Plate Proofs on Wove (63TC5). Six blocks of four and three singles, patents incl. Lowenberg, Wyckoff and MacDonough, all imperforate, range of colors without duplication, Very Fine and attractive group, Scott Retail as singles
1,080
600
Back to Top72
E
5c Brown, First Design, Plate Essay on India (67-E9d; Formerly 57P3). Block of four with top sheet margin, full margins other sides, rich color, single tiny translucency at bottom, normal for this paper, Very Fine, Scott Retail as singles
1,000
425
Back to Top73
E
12c Black, First Design, Plate Essay on India (69-E6d; formerly 59P3). Bottom imprint and plate no. 5 block of nine, large margins other sides to clear at right, gorgeous impression and crisp shade, couple tiny India paper translucencies as normal, some gum residue from prior hinging could no doubt be removedVERY FINE. A RARE IMPRINT AND PLATE NUMBER BLOCK OF THE 12-CENT 1861 ISSUE FIRST DESIGN PROOF ON INDIA. A BEAUTIFUL SHOWPIECE.
This is the only plate block of the 12c First Design on India we have offered since keeping computerized records more than 20 years ago.
Scott Retail as singles with no premium for the plate block
3,150
2,900
Back to Top74
TC
24c Violet, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (70TC1a). On 42 x 49mm card, beautiful color, some slight India paper flaws outside of design area, appears Very Fine, scarce
2,500
325
Back to Top75
E
30c Blue, First Design, Plate Essay on Card, Specimen Overprint (71-E2d). Large margins all around, deep rich color, Extremely Fine and rare, this is the only example contained in Power Search and we have not encountered another, ex Finkelburg and DuPuy
750
375
Back to Top76
P
30c Orange, Proofs (71P1-71P4, 72-E2b, 71TCe). Group of proofs incl. large die proof on India, 63 x 75mm with full die sinkage, small die proof on original card backing from Roosevelt album, plate proof on India block of four (small thins and slight oxidation at edges), card proof single, also First Color single on India (formerly 61P3) and trial color proof in Black (thinned), Fine-Very Fine or appear so
2,105
325
Back to Top77
P
90c 1861-66 Issue, Proofs and Essays (72-E7, 72P1). Five items, large die proof cut to just outside the die sinkage area, plate proof on card, essays incl. 72-E7f (thinned) and 72-E7g, also No. 72 with small ms. "X" (possible specimen), Fine group, Scott Retail with the No. 72 as used
1,905
500
Back to Top78
TC
2c 1863 Issue, Trial Color Plate Proofs (73TC). Six trial color singles, range of colors with just one duplicated, all but one with full margins, also incl. four plate proofs, a Decalcomania single and an acid paper single, typical small flaws to be found on the fragile paper items (one proof defective), Very Fine or appear so
2,100
600
Back to Top79
P
5c Brown, Die and Plate Proofs (76P1-76P4). Large die proof die sunk on 70 x 70mm card with full die sinkage (tiny speckled toning spots), small die proof on original card backing from a Roosevelt album, plate proof on India pair, card proof single, also First Design plate proof on India with top sheet margin, finally single Decalcomania plate proof, Very Fine group
1,295
325
Back to Top80
P
15c Black, Plate Proof on India (77P3). Block of nine, ample to large margins, two small thin spots as typically found on this fragile paper, still Very Fine, Scott Retail as block of four and singles
475
500
Back to Top82
TC
1c-90c 1861-66 Issue, Atlanta Trial Color Proofs on Card (102TC4-111TC4). Complete set of 50 in all five colors, most with ample to large margins, brilliant colorsVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE COMPLETE SET OF ATLANTA TRIAL COLOR PROOFS FOR THE 1861-66 ISSUE DESIGNS. THIS IS ONLY THE THIRD COMPLETE SET OF ALL 50 PROOFS WE HAVE OFFERED IN DECADES.
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 in each color was made available after 1881.
A Power Search review found only two other intact sets offered in one of our auctions since 1994 plus all of our Rarities sales. These are often offered either by denomination or other smaller groupings, because it is difficult to assemble the complete set.
5,015
4,000
Back to Top83
TC
5c 1861 Issue, Atlanta Trial Color Proofs on Card (105TC4). Complete set of blocks of four in all five colors, large even margins, fresh and Very Fine, only two sets of blocks of four are believed to have been cut from the sheets displayed at the 1881 Atlanta Cotton Exhibition, Scott Retail as singles
1,840
1,900
Back to Top84
TC
30c 1861 Issue, Atlanta Trial Color Proofs on Card (110TC4). Complete set of five colors, ample to large margins all around, fresh colors, Very Fine
460
275
Back to Top85
TC
30c 1861 Issue, Atlanta Trial Color Proofs on Card (110TC4). Complete set of five colors in blocks of four, ample to large margins all around, rich colorsVERY FINE AND SCARCE SET OF BLOCKS OF FOUR OF ATLANTA TRIAL COLOR PROOFS OF THE 30-CENT 1861 DESIGN.
Ex Finkelburg. Scott Retail as singles.
1,880
1,900
Back to Top86
TC
90c 1861 Issue, Atlanta Trial Color Proofs on Card (111TC4). Complete set of five colors, Black in a pair, large margins, brilliant colors, Very Fine-Extremely Fine
560
275
Back to Top87
TC
90c 1861 Issue, Atlanta Trial Color Proofs on Card (111TC4). Complete set of five colors in blocks of four, large margins all around, fresh and bright colorsEXTREMELY FINE AND SCARCE SET OF BLOCKS OF FOUR OF ATLANTA TRIAL COLOR PROOFS OF THE 90-CENT 1861 DESIGN.
Ex Finkelburg and Dupuy. Scott Retail as singles
1,880
2,200
Back to Top88
P
1861 Issue, Proof Balance. 12 items, 10c includes large die proof cut down, India an card plate proofs, 15c includes India, card and a trial color plate proof, two "3" Shield essays, couple others, Fine group
E. 200-300
250
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