5c Black, Large Die Essay of Portrait and Vignette on India (255-E1). Two pieces of India approximately 42 x 54mm, laid on top of one another and affixed to 53 x 71mm piece of wove paper, top India is of frame only with portrait cut out and American die imprint, bottom India is portrait only with no printed vignette, the India paper components hinged into place, light diagonal crease does not affect design

VERY FINE. THE UNIQUE COMPOSITE ESSAY OF THE 5-CENT BUREAU ISSUE, COMBINING THE FRAME OF THE 5-CENT AND AN UNADOPTED DESIGN OF GEORGE WASHINGTON FOR THE VIGNETTE. A WONDERFUL RARITY.

The 5c stamps of both the earlier 1890 Issue and also the later Bureau Issue depict Ulysses S. Grant. The portrait used here of George Washington, which is a three-quarter portrait facing left, is similar to those used for earlier 1851 12c, 1855 10c and others of the 1861-66 Issue, but is more elaborate. It is also more elaborate than that used for the later 2c 1902 Issue, Scott 301.

With 2010 P.F. certificate

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