Sale 1192 — United States Stamps including Confederate States and Hawaii

Sale Date — Wednesday-Friday, 14-16 November, 2018

Category — Essays, Proofs and Specimens

Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
38
P
Sale 1192, Lot 38, Essays, Proofs and Specimens1c-$5.00 1902-03 Issue, Large Die Proofs on India (300P1-313P1, E6P1). Complete set including the first and second 2c designs and the 15c Special Delivery issued at the same time, die sunk on cards measuring approximately 150 x 200mm, rich colors, each proof signed by Bureau of Engraving Director William M. Meredith and dated between Nov. 14, 1902 (2c Washington) and July 14, 1904 (2c Shield), backs with toning and approximately six with even toning on front of cards but not affecting the India paper

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A PREVIOUSLY UNRECORDED COMPLETE SET OF 1902 ISSUE LARGE DIE PROOFS, WHICH HAS BEEN IN THE FAMILY OF STAMP DIVISION SUPERINTENDANT JAMES H. REEVE SINCE 1902. THIS IS ONE OF ONLY FOUR OR FIVE KNOWN SETS. A HISTORIC RARITY OF EARLY BUREAU AND ESSAY-PROOF COLLECTING.

The Shreves catalog of the first Roger Brody collection in 2002 stated that three complete sets of large die proofs are known, as well as one part set, which was divided up and offered individually in that sale. This set was unknown when the Brody sale was held. It was given by Bureau of Engraving and Printing director, William M. Meredith, to the Stamp Division superintendent, Major James H. Reeve, a Civil War veteran (who lost a leg in battle), as a token of appreciation for his service. He also received a Roosevelt Small Die Proof Presentation Album. This set has remained with Reeve's ancestors since the first decade of the 20th century.

28,900
15,500