(1c) Black, Large Die Essay on Old Ivory Paper, Franklin Carrier (LO1E-E1 -- listed in Scott on white bond paper). Approximately 60 x 50mm with 57 x 50mm die sinkage, unfinished die with lathework impinging on white oval and framelines complete at top and bottom, vertical and horizontal layout lines especially distinct at right, rosettes at lower right, diagonal crease and tiny thin spot

ONE OF FOUR ORIGINAL 1851 TOPPAN CARPENTER DIE PROOFS IN BLACK, OF WHICH THREE ARE IN PRIVATE HANDS.

Students currently attribute the design of the Franklin Carrier to E. Pitcher. The vignette was engraved by Joseph Ives Pease after a marble bust by Caffieri. The frame is thought to have been the lathework of Asa Spencer, and the letter was by Henry Earle. At the time of production, Henry Saulnier was the siderographer.

The most recent article on Franklin Carrier die essays (Larry Lyons, Penny Post, Oct. 2003) describes three original large die essays in Black, including one in the Miller collection at The New York Public Library (ex Chase) and two in private hands (one ex Johnstone, sold in Siegel Sale 853, lot 2462, for $9,500 hammer). Based on the measurements of the three described by Lyons, it is apparent that this is the fourth recorded example. The paper is Old Ivory, not white bond. It was part of the Falk Finkelburg "reserve" collection, and this could be the first time it has ever been offered at auction.

Ex Slater (pencil note on back "A. B. Slater"). Scott value for LO1-E1 on white bond paper is $10,000.00

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