3c Transcontinental Railroad, Progressive Die Essays (922-E; Unlisted in Scott) Five items, first four are die essays on India, mounted on approximately 200 x 148mm card with full die sinkage, last item large die proof in same format, each with blue control no. and stamped "MODELING" in carmine on back, also with pencil notations apparently also used as control marks

EXTREMELY FINE AND EXCEPTIONALLY RARE SET OF PROGRESSIVE DIE ESSAYS FOR THE TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD ISSUE. WE HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED ANOTHER SET.

These essays trace the production of the die, with the first two lacking the sky as well as shading in the background figures. The following two add the sky and progressively add more shading to the figures. The final one appears to have the design complete.

These essays, missing from the Livingston Collection, come from an old-time railroad collection and offer a wonderful opportunity for further study. They are unlisted in Scott

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