65c-$2.60 Graf Zeppelin, Small Die Proofs on Wove (C13P2-C15P2). Each with margins approximately 3.5mm around the design, gorgeous colors, bright and fresh

EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND EXCEPTIONALLY RARE SET OF SMALL DIE PROOFS OF THE 1930 GRAF ZEPPELIN ISSUE.

In an article in the United States Specialist (Sep. 1994, pp. 410-417), Ronald A. Burns traces the history of small die proof production from the 1903 Roosevelt Albums through the 1950's. The printings after the 1914-15 Panama Pacific sets are not as well documented, but several 1930's proof printings of at least some issues occurred. According to an article in the Essay Proof Journal by Clarence Brazer, one of the 1930's printings consisted of three sets of die proofs, covering issues up through the 1933 Century of Progress Issue. One set was untrimmed with proof printer's numbers -- the so-called "Southgate" large die proof set (see Siegel Sale 1040, lot 1109 for examples from the Pan American Issue). The other two sets were trimmed closer to the design, including the set offered here, and so are considered small die proofs. One set of four albums was given to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and a duplicate set is said to have been presented to a "friend". One of the two reduced sets was later gifted to The Philatelic Foundation circa 1957 and was deaccessioned in 1973.

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