Great Seal Experimental Die Proof, Vignette of the Air Post Special Delivery Issue. Die proof on India mounted on 150 x 202mm card, signed by Letter Engraver George A. Payne, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing "in-house" vignette die 6472, with "Engraver's Stock Proof, Authorized by RKP" violet handstamp on reverse, the initials are manuscript which stand for Robert Ponickau who engraved the vignette, also with "63305B" control marking in blue, the central vignette eventually being used for the creation of Nos. CE1-CE2, couple trivial corner creases at bottom of little significance

VERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE GREAT SEAL EXPERIMENTAL DIE PROOF MOUNTED ON CARD. A UNIQUE ITEM AND AN ESSENTIAL PIECE FOR ANY AIR POST SPECIAL DELIVERY COLLECTOR.

Page 15 of The Airmail Special Delivery Stamps of the United States by Ralph L. Sloat states this die was originally meant for the U.S. Railroad Administration Pass Face 523. It was eventually used for the Air Post Special Delivery stamps. The Engraver Ponickau is also known for the 8c Trans-Mississippi and the frames of the Pan-American Issue among other designs.

With 2010 P.F. certificate

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