Sale 1230 — U.S. and Hawaii Stamps and Postal History
Sale Date — Tuesday-Friday, 15-18 December, 2020
Category — Essays, Proofs and Specimens
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. A RARE COMPLETE SET OF THE 1857-60 ISSUE PLATE PROOFS ON INDIA PAPER.
Each with 1997 P.F. certificate
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1c-90c 1857 Reprints, Plate Proofs on Card (40P4-47P4). Blocks of four, 24c mounted on card, large margins to huge, almost all with at least one sheet margin, 30c bottom right corner sheet margin, brilliant colors, few small faults to be expected, Very Fine-Extremely Fine set
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1c-90c 1861-66 Issue, Small Die Proofs on Wove (63P2/78P2). Complete set from a Roosevelt presentation album, each on original card backing except for 10c, Very Fine complete set, only 85 albums were produced
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30c Orange, Panama-Pacific Small Die Proof on Wove (71P2a). Rich color, toning as usually found on genuine Panama-Pacific proofs, small thin at top right and tiny pinholes in corners, Very Fine appearance and rare, Panama-Pacific proofs were found in envelopes with several of each denomination contained in each envelope, the characteristic toning comes from long-term storage, only three to five of each example were printed, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate
1c-90c 1861-66 Issue, Atlanta Trial Color Plate Proofs on Card (102TC4-111TC4). 50 total, complete sets for all five colors, large margins, bright colors, 1c Scarlet toned spot at top rightVERY FINE. A RARE COMPLETE SET OF ATLANTA TRIAL COLOR PROOFS FOR THE 1861-66 ISSUE DESIGNS. VERY FEW INTACT SETS ARE KNOWN.
The Atlanta trial color plate proofs on card were prepared for display at the 1881 International Cotton Exposition in Atlanta. Only one sheet of 50 in each color was printed. The sheets were somehow acquired by James A. Petrie of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, at the close of the exposition (along with the 1869 invert card proof sheets). Petrie claimed that he rescued the proofs just before they were to be burned. They were cut up into one set of blocks of eight, two sets of blocks of four, pairs and singles. These are often offered either by denomination or in other smaller groupings. It is difficult to assemble the complete set.
1c-90c 1869 Pictorial Issue, Hybrid Large Die Proofs on India (112P1-122P1). Stamp size and mounted on approximately 182 x 226mm cards with drawn-in die sinkage area, including one 15c (Ty. II), with evidence of binding at left, some overall toning, still Very Fine, these were likely presented to dignitaries
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1c-90c 1869 Pictorial Issue, Small Die Proofs on Wove (112P2-122P2). Complete set including both 15c types, on original gray card backing, 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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1c-90c 1869 Pictorial Issue, Plate Proofs on India (112P3-122P3, 129P3). Blocks of four, incl. both 15c, the 24c Green & Reddish Lilac shade, large margins, few minor flaws as often found on this fragile paperVERY FINE-EXTREMELY FINE. A DESIRABLE SET OF BLOCKS OF THE 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE PLATE PROOFS ON INDIA PAPER.
This is a scarce set of blocks on India paper
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1c-90c 1869 Pictorial Issue, Atlanta Trial Color Plate Proofs on Card (123TC1-132TC1). Complete set (less the one newly-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. The sheets were somehow acquired by James A. Petrie of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, at the close of the exposition. Very few have been kept together as intact sets.
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1c Small Numeral, Die Essay on India (112-E4a). Ten, very little duplication of colors, all but one showing imprint at bottom (at least 63mm tall), one fully die sunk on card, lacking only Green and Yellow of the Scott-listed colors, vivid colors, most with India paper translucencies or irregularities at top or bottom from prior mountingVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE LARGE GROUP OF NATIONAL BANK NOTE CO. 1869 ONE-CENT SMALL NUMERAL DIE ESSAYS.
This is an exceedingly difficult group to assemble. We have not offered more than one example in a single lot since our 1999 Finkelburg sale, where we offered a group of seven.
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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 struck 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
[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
10c Lincoln, Large Die Essay on Ivory Paper (116-E1e). Complete set of all four Scott-listed colors, approximately 63 x 74mm and each with imprint at bottom, Black Brown small thin spotVERY FINE. A SCARCE COMPLETE SET OF THE 10-CENT LINCOLN DIE ESSAY ON IVORY PAPER.
Rare as a complete set. Ex Ainsworth.
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15c Black, Vignette and Ty. III Frame in Single Die, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (118TC1h). On 79 x 62mm card with full die sinkage, pencil "2" at top right, albino impression of imprint at bottomVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A RARE LARGE DIE TRIAL COLOR PROOF OF THE 15-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE IN BLACK.
We have offered only one other in Black. That other example realized $4,500 hammer in our 2005 "Lake Shore" sale
15c Deep Blue, Vignette and Ty. III Frame in Single Die, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (118TC1f). 50 x 42mm, intense shade and impression, Very Fine, ex Dr. Heimburger
24c Green & Violet, Inverted Center, Plate Proof on Card (120P4a). Large even margins, bright and fresh, Very Fine, only 100 were printed, with 2011 P.F. certificate
30c Ultramarine & Carmine, Flags Inverted, Plate Proof on Card (121aP4). Large margins all around, deep rich colors on fresh card, Extremely Fine and rare, only one sheet of 100 was produced
30c Light Red Brown, Burgoyne Large Die Essay on India (121-E1a). On 77 x 60mm card with full die sinkage, bright color, tiny scrape on back of card not mentioned on accompanying certificate, fresh and Very Fine, ex Laehder, with 1998 P.F. certificate
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.
[90c] Black, Lincoln Vignette Only, Plate Essay on Rough Pitted Thick Gray Paper (122-E4b). Left margin horizontal pair, tiny edge nicks, small surface scuffs as often found on this paper, Very Fine appearance and rare, we have offered only one single (which was seriously defective) and no other multiple, ex Finkelburg, "Lake Shore", Ainsworth and Price, Scott value $1,000.00 as singles is far too low
1c-90c 1870-73 Bank Note Issues, Small Die Proofs on Wove (145P2, 157P2-166P2). Complete set of 11 from a Roosevelt presentation album, 3c is the later design No. 207P2 with "1882" below, also includes three additional proofs Nos. 183P2, 185P2 and 209P2, each on original card backing, fresh colors, Very Fine, only 85 albums were produced
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1c-90c 1870-73 Bank Note Issues, Plate Proofs on India, Card (145P3-155P3, 156P4-166P4). Including second 160P4, large margins, bright colors, No. 156P4 small thin, still fresh and Very Fine sets, the National Bank Note set is not known on card
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1c-90c National Bank Note Co., Plate Proofs on India (145P3-155P3). Complete set of top imprint and plate no. blocks of 20 from the National Bank Note Co. issue, comprising the top two rows of the left pane of the sheet with sheet margin at left, affixed to their original cards, absolutely brilliant colors throughout, 6c couple minor wrinklesEXTREMELY FINE. A SPECTACULAR SET OF MATCHED TOP PLATE BLOCKS OF 20 OF THE NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE INDIA PROOFS FROM THE LILLY SHEETS.
The Siegel firm auctioned the Lilly India and card proof sheets in September 1967. The left panes of the India sheets were broken up, and this set of top plate blocks originates from those panes. The right panes remain intact in a private collection (see Sale 1224, lot 70 for a detailed history of the Lilly sheets).
Scott value as plate blocks of 12 and blocks of four does not adequately convey the rarity of this set
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Philadelphia Bank Note Co., 3c Washington, Plate Essay on Semi-Glazed Yellowish Wove (184-E5h). Eight, each a different color, large margins to huge including two with corner sheet margins, Very Fine-Extremely Fine, Violet Blue with 1992 A.P.S. certificate, lot also includes No. 182-E3d strip of four 1c stamps in Dull Deep Violet Red (not counted in catalogue value)
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1c-90c 1883-88 Bank Note Issues, Small Die Proofs on Wove (210P2-218P2). Set of eight proofs, complete less No. 211P2, each on original card backing from a Roosevelt presentation album, brilliant colors, Very Fine, only approximately 85 albums were produced
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1c-90c 1890-93 Issue, Small Die Proofs on Wove (219P2, 220P2-229P2). Complete set of eleven, on original gray card backing, 90c some slight oxidation, Very Fine set from a Roosevelt presentation album, only approximately 85 were produced, Scott Catalogue lists the 219D shade but it is not present on intact pages we have sold so may be an error in listing
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1c-$5.00 Columbian, Small Die Proofs on Wove (230P2-245P2). Complete set, removed from gray card backing, couple small thin spots are not very noticeable, a couple values slightly faded ($3.00 a bit more so), otherwise Very Fine, only 85 sets were produced for Roosevelt Presentation albums
1c-$5.00 Columbian, Plate Proofs on Card (230P4-245P4). Large and even margins, rich colors, Very Fine and choice set
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1c-10c Pan-American, Small Die Proofs on Wove (294P2-299P2). Each on original gray card backing from a Roosevelt album, rich colorsFRESH AND VERY FINE SET OF PAN-AMERICAN SMALL DIE PROOFS FROM A ROOSEVELT PRESENTATION ALBUM.
Only approximately 85 albums were produced.
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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 oxidizedVERY 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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1c-50c Bright Claret, 1891 Postage Due, Small Die Proofs on Wove (J22P2-J28P2). On original gray cards from a Roosevelt presentation album, bright colors, Very Fine, only 85 sets issued
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1c-$20.00 Officials, Plate Proofs on Card (O1P4/O82P4). Including two sets of Executive and State, no sets of War or Justice, generally large margins, Very Fine
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1c-30c Agriculture, Small Die Proofs on Wove (O1P2-O9P2). Complete set, each on original gray card backing from a Roosevelt presentation album, brilliant colors, Very Fine, only 85 sets were produced
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1c-90c Justice, Small Die Proofs on Wove (O25P2-O34P2). Complete set of ten, removed from Roosevelt presentation album gray cards, but well-executed as only the 15c and 90c have a small thin spot (the adhesive used is difficult to dissolve and removal often causes serious faults), vivid colors, Very Fine or appear so
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1c-90c Post Office, Small Die Proofs on Wove (O47P2-O56P2). Complete set of ten, removed from Roosevelt presentation album gray cards, but well-executed as there are no thins (the adhesive used is difficult to dissolve and removal often causes thins or more serious faults), Very Fine
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1c-90c Treasury, Small Die Proofs on Wove (O72P2-O82P2). Complete set of eleven on original gray cards from a Roosevelt presentation album, rich colors, Very Fine
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2c-$60.00 1875 Issue, Plate Proofs on Card (PR9P4-PR32P4). Complete set in matched top imprint blocks of ten, full to large margins other sides, absolutely brilliant colors, each with thin spot at top of sheet margin, few with small tears at top of sheet margin, otherwise very freshVERY FINE. A SPECTACULAR COMPLETE SET OF PLATE PROOFS ON CARD FOR THE 1875 NEWSPAPERS & PERIODICALS ISSUE, IN TOP IMPRINT BLOCKS OF TEN.
We sold the corresponding bottom imprint set in our Sale 1221 in June 2020.
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2c-$60.00 1875 Issue, Atlanta Trial Color Plate Proofs (PR9TC4-PR32TC4). Complete set of 120 proofs in all five issued colors in blocks of four, large margins to clear, rich colors, most with archival mounting tape on back of top proofs, few with toning, very few with small faultsVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A PHENOMENAL COMPLETE SET OF BLOCKS OF FOUR OF THE ATLANTA TRIAL COLOR PROOFS FOR THE 1875 NEWSPAPER ISSUE. THIS IS THE ONLY SET OF BLOCKS WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED.
The Atlanta trial color plate proofs on card were prepared for display at the 1881 International Cotton Exposition in Atlanta. Only one sheet of 50 in each color was printed. The sheets were somehow acquired by James A. Petrie of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, at the close of the exposition (along with the 1869 invert card proof sheets). Petrie claimed that he rescued the proofs just before they were to be burned. They were cut up into one set of blocks of eight, two sets of blocks of four, pairs and singles. This is the only set of blocks we have encountered.
Scott value as singles
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2c-$60.00 1879 Issue, Specimen Ty. D Overprints (PR14S, PR57S-PR79S, PR81S). Complete set of 25 values including the 1875 and 1885 Ty. D overprints, each with red "Specimen" overprint, unused (no gum), rich colors, few small faults, Fine-Very Fine, scarce complete set
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1c-90c 1861 Issue, Specimen Overprint Ty. B (63S-B to 78S-B). Complete set, most original gum, h.r., few small faults, 12c with lightened overprint, otherwise Fine
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1c-24c 1861 Issue, Specimen Overprint Ty. B (63S-B/78S-B). Seven, including 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 12c, 15c and 24c, most with gum issues and h.r., faults including 12c lightened overprint, otherwise Fine
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1c-90c "Sample." Overprint (212S-K/191S-K). Complete set of 13, original gum, h.r., rich colors, Fine-Very Fine, scarce complete set
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1c-$5.00 1897 Universal Postal Congress Overprints (264S-O to 278S-O). Complete set of 1895 Bureau regular issues with overprint, 2c-15c unused (no gum), others original gum, h.r., 1c-8c and $1.00 Ty. I straight edge on one side, 5c scuffs at upper left, otherwise Fine-Very Fine set, $2.00 and $5.00 with 1973 P.F. certificates
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1c-$5.00 1902 Issue, Specimen Overprint Ty. E (300-313S-E). Overprints in various positions including sides, tops, bottoms and diagonal, original gum with some slightly disturbed or h.r., Fine-Very Fine set
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The Work of Jean De Sperati. Three-volume bound set of books and Sperati stamp reproductions, No. 209 of 500 printed by the British Philatelic Association in 1954-55, consisting of separate volumes of text and plates, as well as 24 Sperati stamp reproductions, U.S. includes 3c City Despatch Post, two 1845 New York Postmaster's Provisionals (one "cancelled"), 10c 1847 die proof with handstamp, three Confederate States "Ten" and two Confederate States 10c Rose (one a die proof), international includes Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Buenos Aires, Granada and Mexico, also includes the exhibition catalogue for the BPA Sperati reference collection, Very Fine, the books alone are scarce and desirable but the inclusion of the stamps makes this exceptional
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