2c Engraved Vignette With Watercolor Frame, Essay On Thick Cardboard (220-E3). On 97 x 117mm card, portrait cut out from issued 2c stamp (Scott 213) with "POSTAGE" in lettered label below portrait, numbers at top and other significant differences, with hand-drawn framed border on card, vignette with trivial toning from adhesive

VERY FINE. A UNIQUE HAND-DRAWN WATERCOLOR ESSAY FOR THE 2-CENT 1890 ISSUE, DEPICTING THE DENOMINATIONS AT TOP AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES.

It is likely that the 1c and 2c designs were the first to be worked on, since these were the denominations with the greatest demand. The first plate numbers used were for 2c plates (Plates 1-10). These two denominations also have the largest number of different frame designs. There are four unique watercolor essays for the 2c, each with engraved vignette cut out and mounted in place.

The ABN Co. contract to supply stamps expired on June 30, 1889, sealed proposals for a new contract were accepted up to June 17, which did not require any artwork. Only two bids were submitted, one by ABN Co. and one for a much lower amount from Charles F. Steel. ABN Co. protested, noting that Steel's company did not meet the criteria for bidding. Steel's facilities were found not to be fireproof, so the bidding was opened again starting Sep. 11, 1889 (in reality, Steel was paid off by ABN Co. to fail to meet the requirements).. The 1941 Brazer catalogue lists this as an essay for the 1889 contract, "circa July 17, 1889." We are unaware of Brazer's reasoning for attributing this to the earlier bidding process.

Ex Brazer, but not offered in his sale -- the Essay-Proof Journal noted in 1953 that Brazer exhibited this item at The Collectors Club. With 1990 P.F. certificate

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