Toppan, Carpenter, Casilier & Co., (3c) Black on India, Side by Side Die Essays, Labels Erased and One with Vignette Cut Out (11-E21). 53 x 46mm, mounted on 66 x 49mm card, minor flaw bottom right corner far from the design

VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND UNIQUE CLASSIC UNITED STATES ESSAY, SHOWING THE EARLY DESIGN STAGES OF THE 3-CENT 1851 ISSUE PRODUCED BY TOPPAN, CARPENTER, CASILEAR & COMPANY.

The tessellated work in the frames of this essay is nearly identical to that of the 3c 1851 as issued (crosses in diamonds here are not seen on the issued 3c), as well as the 12c 1851 and Franklin Carrier. Undoubtedly this rare impression is a working essay of the final design. One other similar example is known, with the vignette present in the right frame (Scott 11-E19, Sale 1217, lot 512, realized $14,000 hammer). That example accompanied this example in the Brazer and Piller collections. This essay was last offered by us in 2015 and realized $27,000 hammer. This is one of the most important production essays of the 1851 Issue and of all U.S. classic philately.

Ex Dr. Chase, Brazer, Joyce and Piller (where illustrated on the front cover of the catalogue).

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables