1c-15c Second Parcel Post Issue, Designer's Models of Unissued Design (Q12a-E1 var-Q12g-E1 var). Complete set of seven values, each photo of wash drawing with denominations added to the centers, pen and ink wash details and touch ups added to designs in varying degrees, mounted on approximately 92 x 89mm thick gray card, hand inscribed and signed at bottoms "Approved April 25, 1913/ A.S. Burlson/ Postmaster General"

VERY FINE. THIS IS THE UNIQUE SET OF SEVEN ESSAY MODELS OF THE PROPOSED SECOND PARCEL POST ISSUE. A GREAT RARITY OF ESSAY AND PROOF COLLECTING.

The 1912-13 Parcel Post Issue, with which collectors are familiar (Scott Q1-Q12), contains some of the most beautiful and unusual designs of any stamps issued in the 20th Century, including the first-ever depiction of an airplane on a stamp from any country. This set of comparatively plain designs were approved for use in a second Parcel Post Issue. It covers denominations through the 15c, and dies were made based on these models (see following lot for the die proofs). There was apparently also a 20c design, as we are aware of one die essay (see Siegel Sale 837, lot 387), but the model for the 20c has not been reported. If there were approved models of higher denominations, they have been lost to philately.

On June 26, 1913, the Postmaster General ordered that regular postage stamps would be usable on parcels and that Parcel Post stamps would be usable on regular mail. Without any further need for special stamps, the Second Parcel Post Issue was never produced. The designs on this series were ultimately adopted for use on Documentary stamps in 1917.

Ex Livingston. Unlisted in Scott

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