Sale 1332 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 8-10 October, 2024
Category — Essays and Proofs
3c Orange Brown, Ty. I, Panama-Pacific Small Die Proof (41P2a). Large margins, rich color
VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE PANAMA-PACIFIC SMALL DIE PROOF OF THE 3-CENT 1851 ISSUE IN THE ORANGE BROWN SHADE.
Scott Catalog lists this in Scarlet. This is clearly Orange Brown, which is closer to the shade of the original Type I 1851 Issue color. Ex Finkelburg. With 2008 P.F. certificate.
30c Orange, Plate Proof on India (71P3). Bottom imprint and plate no. 7 block of eight, large margins to clear, radiant color with hint of oxidation at lower left, Very Fine, a scarce plate block and an excellent alternative for a plate block collector — there is no full plate block of eight of Scott 71 without "Specimen" overprint (only two imprint and plate number strips of four are known to us)
1c-90c 1869 Pictorial, Plate Proofs on India (112P3-122P3). Complete set, 15c Type II, large margins all around, rich colors, Very Fine set
1c-90c 1869 Pictorial, Plate Proofs on Card (112P4-117P4, 120P4-122P4, 129P4). 15c Ty. III, large margins and brilliant colors, Extremely Fine
1c-12c 1869 Pictorial Issue, Plate Proofs on Card (112P4-117P4). Blocks of four, including two 12c in different shades, large margins, rich colors, Very Fine, also including 121P3 single
12c Dull Orange Red, Small Numeral, Completed Die, Large Die Essay on India (117-E2c, formerly 117-E1c). Die sunk on 69 x 69mm card with full die sinkage, beautiful bright color, Very Fine, these essays are scarce and are often found without the complete die sinkage seen on this example
12c Black, Typographed Small Numeral Die Essay on Card (117-E3a). 27 x 28mm, intense impression, Very Fine
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. II, Plate Proof on India (119P3). Bottom sheet margin imprint and plate no. 23 strip of five, huge margins all around, Extremely Fine and rare strip, ex Kuphal and Price, with 1998 P.F. certificate, unlisted in Scott as a strip, the plate block of eight catalogues $4,000, SCV $600 as singles does not adequately convey its rarity
30c Ultramarine & Carmine, Plate Proof on India (121P3). Top imprint and double plate no. 21 strip of eight, from the center of the undivided sheet, brilliant colors, Very Fine, a beautiful piece, ex Dr. Heimburger
National Bank Note Co., [7c] Black, Vignette Only, Large Die Essay on India (149-E4). Die sunk on 150 x 227mm card, showing full die sinkage, signed by engraver at bottom, Very Fine, Scott value without premium for the signature
National Bank Note Co., [7c] Black, Vignette Only, Large Die Essay on India (149-E4). On 90 x 141mm card with full die sinkage, fresh and Very Fine vignette-only essay for Stanton
National Bank Note Co., 7c Black, Progressive Large Die Proof on White Glazed Paper (O39-E1b; formerly 149-E5b). 40 x 44mm, fresh and Very Fine, these are now listed as essays for Official stamps, but they fit equally well into a 7c Bank Note collection
National Bank Note Co., 7c Stanton, Die Essay on India (149-E6a). Two, in different shades of brown, one 72 x 82mm with full die sinkage, other 57 x 70mm, few light toned spots, still Very Fine and scarce
10c Brown, Plate Proof on India (150P3). Bottom imprint and plate no. 49 block of 12, on card backing so lacking the India paper imperfections frequently encountered, large margins, deep rich color, Extremely Fine, wonderfully choice quality
7c Orange Vermilion, Plate Proof on India (160P3). Top and bottom imprint and plate no. 22 blocks, the top position a block of 16, bottom position a block of 14, large margins, brilliant colors, bottom block faint thins in top left stamp, still Very Fine, the bottom position ex Earl of Crawford and Lilly, bottom block with 2008 P.F. certificate
7c Stanton, "Goodall" Small Die Trial Color Proofs on India (160TC2). Complete set of five colors, rich colors, few small thin spots, Very Fine and scarce set
7c Stanton, Atlanta Trial Color Plate Proofs on Card (160TC4). Complete set of blocks of four, large margins, rich colors, Very Fine and choice, a rare set of blocks, Scott value as singles
American Bank Note Company, Liberty Head Die Essays (Unlisted). Three similar items in different colors, 141 x 218mm paper with deign at top left, pages folded so this could be stationery, Very Fine and very unusual, an excellent collateral item
1c-$5.00 Columbian, Plate Proofs on Card (230P4-245P4). Complete set, large margins, bright colors, Very Fine
1c Blue, Plate Proof on Card (247P4). Left imprint and plate no. 2 block of six, large margins to full, rich color, Very Fine and rare, one sheet of 400 card proofs was printed for the 1c 1894 Bureau Issue, therefore only eight total plate blocks can exist
1c-$2.00 Trans-Mississippi, Bi-Color Large Die Essays on India (285-E8a to 293-E7a). Complete set, die sunk on approximately 204 x 153mm cards with no hybrids, wonderful fresh colors on bright and pristine cards, some mounting remnants on backs result in a few slight translucencies far from the die sinkage area (not visible from front)
VERY FINE SET OF THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI BI-COLOR LARGE DIE ESSAYS.
Of the 166 sets printed in these colors, many were hybrids. This set contains no hybrids.
1c-$2.00 Trans-Mississippi, Bi-Color Large Die Essays on India (285-E8a to 293-E7a). Complete set, cut down to the size of a small die proof, brilliant colors, several with small translucencies often seen on this fragile paper, Very Fine appearance, SCV $6,750 as full size
1c-$2.00 Trans-Mississippi, Bi-Color Large Die Essays on India (285-E8a to 293-E7a). Complete set, reduced to the typical size of a small die proof with large margins, bright colors with no hybrids, Very Fine and easily exhibitable on an album page, SCV $6,750 as full size
1c-$2.00 Trans-Mississippi, Large Die Proofs on India (285P1-293P1). On approximately 105 x 98mm cards with full die sinkage, crisp impressions and brilliant colors
VERY FINE. A LOVELY COMPLETE SET OF LARGE DIE PROOFS OF THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE.
The single-color large die proofs are even scarcer than the bicolored essay sets. This set is easily exhibitable on album pages yet retains the full die sinkage.
1c-50c, $2.00 Trans-Mississippi, Bi-Color Large Die Essays on India (285-E8a to 293-E7a). Set which is missing the $1.00, 1c thru 5c, 50c and $2.00 are hybrids, die sunk on approximately 204 x 153mm cards, fresh colors and cards, actually quite nice condition despite the absence of the $1.00, Very Fine
5c Dim Dusky Blue & Black, Large Die Essay on India (288-E5a). Die sunk on 77 x 65mm card, light shade of Blue, tiny toned spot far from design, Very Fine
2c Carmine & Black, Pan-American, Small Die Proof on Yellowish Bond (295P2ab). 30 x 23mm, looks similar to the Panama-Pacific small die proof but the paper is not wove and is clearly bond, rich colors
VERY FINE. THIS IS THE ONLY REPORTED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT PAN-AMERICAN ISSUE SMALL DIE PROOF ON YELLOWISH BOND. A GREAT RARITY OF THE ISSUE.
The paper is distinctly different from all others used as proofs for this issue. It is clearly not India or wove paper. Ex Rosenthal and Livingston. With 2011 P.F. certificate. SCV $1,250. We are surprised this catalogues so low, given its uniqueness.
$1.00 Carmine Lake, Large Trial Color Die Proof on India (342TC1af). Die sunk on 151 x 200mm card, showing full die sinkage, typed "Approved January 6, 1909. Postmaster General" and signed by George von L. Myer, blue control number 337801 on back, light toning and small adhesions from mounting on back, otherwise Very Fine, rare, ex Finkelburg
½c Olive Brown, Large Die Proof on India (551P1). On 154 x 203mm card with full die sinkage, typed "Approved: March 20, 1925. Postmaster General." and signed by Harry S. New, blue control number 1322277 on back, also signed two additional times, card with crease at top left, otherwise Very Fine and rare
1c Deep Green, Large Die Proof on India (552P1). Die sunk on pristine 146 x 197mm card showing full die sinkage, with typed "Approved November 1, 1922. Acting Postmaster General." and signed by John H. Bartlett, blue control number 1181459 on back, Extremely Fine, rare, ex Finkelburg
1½c Yellow Brown, Large Die Proof on India (553P1). Die sunk on 152 x 203mm card, typed "Approved: March 7, 1925" and signed by Postmaster General Harry S. New, blue control number 1319860 on back, two additional signatures, fresh and Very Fine, rare
2c Carmine, Large Die Proof on India (554P1). Die sunk on 152 x 202mm card with full die sinkage, typed "Approved: October 3, 1922" and signed by Postmaster General Hubert Work, blue control number 1176370 on back, rich color, Very Fine, rare
4c Yellow Brown, Large Die Proof on India (554P1). Die sunk on 151 x 201mm card with full die sinkage, typed "Approved: October 12, 1922" and signed by Postmaster General Hubert Work, blue control number 1177702 on back, small toned spots well away from design, still Very Fine and rare
6c Red Orange, Large Die Proof on India (558P1). Die sunk on 151 x 201mm card with full die sinkage, typed "Approved: November 10, 1922" and signed by Acting Postmaster General W. Irving Glover, blue control number 1182891 on back, some slight oxidation, otherwise Very Fine, rare
7c Black, Large Die Proof on India (559P1). Die sunk on 152 x 203mm card with full die sinkage, typed "Approved: April 24, 1923" and signed by Acting Postmaster General John H. Bartlett, additional initials at lower left, blue control number 1215563 on back, intense shade, Very Fine and rare
8c Olive Green, Large Die Proof on India (560P1). On 150 x 201mm card with full die sinkage, typed "Approved April 10, 1923. Postmaster General" and signed Harry S. New, blue control number 1212371 on back, additional initials at lower left, Very Fine, rare
9c Rose, Large Die Proof on India (561P1). Die sunk on 151 x 201mm card, typed "Approved November 23, 1922" and signed by Postmaster General Hubert Work, blue control number 1184455 on back, radiant color, Very Fine and rare
10c Orange, Large Die Proof on India (562P1). Die sunk on 152 x 201mm card, showing full die sinkage, typed "Approved November 28, 1922" and signed by Postmaster General Hubert Work, blue control number 1185335 on back, fresh and Very Fine, rare
12c Brown Violet, Large Die Proof on India (564P1). Die sunk on 152 x 203mm card, typed "Approved February 27, 1923" and signed by Postmaster General Hubert Work, blue control number 1203180 on back, deep dark color, Very Fine and rare
13c Green, Large Die Proof on India (622P1). Die sunk on 152 x 202mm card with full die sinkage, typed "Approved: December 14, 1925" and signed by Postmaster General Harry S. New, blue control number 1363182 on back, additional pen initials at lower left, fresh and Very Fine, rare
14c Dark Brown, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (565TCP1). Die sunk on 152 x 202mm card, showing full die sinkage, pencil "Schofield" (the engraver, Louis Schofield) at bottom, blue control number 1208022 on back, light corner wear, Very Fine and extremely rare trial color proof, this is the only example we have encountered and is the only color listed in Scott, ex Finkelburg
14c Blue, Large Die Proof on India (565P1). On 151 x 202mm card with full die sinkage, typed "Approved March 24, 1923. Postmaster General" and signed by Postmaster General Harry S. New, blue control number 1208109 on back, rich color, Very Fine and rare
15c Gray, Large Die Proof on India (566P1). On 151 x 201mm card with full die sinkage, typed "Approved October 22, 1922. Postmaster General" and signed by Postmaster General Hubert Work, blue control number 1176147 on back, fresh and Very Fine, this is the first example, either signed or unsigned, that we have offered since keeping computerized records
20c Carmine Rose, Large Die Proof on India (567P1). Die sunk on 203 x 153mm card, showing full die sinkage, typed "Approved April 9, 1923. Postmaster General" and signed by Postmaster General Harry S. New, blue control number 1211994 on back, additional pen initials, fresh and Very Fine, rare
30c Olive Brown, Large Die Proof on India (569P1). On 201 x 151mm card with full die sinkage, typed "Approved February 23, 1923. Postmaster General." and signed by Hubert Work, blue control number 1201956 on back, Very Fine, rare
$1.00 Violet Brown, Large Die Proof on India (571P1). Die sunk on 197 x 146mm card with full die sinkage, typed "Approved: December 19, 1922" and signed by Postmaster General Hubert Work, blue control number 1189548 on back, detailed impression, Very Fine, rare
$1.00 Violet Brown, Large Die Proof on India (571P1). Die sunk on 202 x 152mm card with full die sinkage, typed "Approved: December 19, 1922" and signed by Postmaster General Hubert Work, blue control number 1189540 on back, Very Fine, rare
$2.00 Deep Blue, Large Die Proof on India (572P1). Die sunk on 201 x 151mm card with full die sinkage, typed "Approved: January 13, 1923" and signed by Postmaster General Hubert Work, blue control number 1196456 on back, fresh and Very Fine, rare
$5.00 Carmine & Dark Blue, Large Die Proof on India (573P1). Hybrid die proof as are all known contemporary examples, India paper cut to shape and mounted on larger piece of yellowish bond, die sunk on 150 x 200mm card with full die sinkage, typed "Approved: February 7, 1923." and signed by Postmaster General Hubert Work, pencil "1198125?" on back, some very faint toning
VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE LARGE DIE PROOF OF THE $5.00 1922 ISSUE, SIGNED BY POSTMASTER GENERAL HUBERT WORK.
We have offered only one other signed, which also had pencil notation "1198125" on back. However, that was a slightly different proof, so this was likely prepared at the same time.
$5.00 Carmine & Dark Blue, Large Die Proof on India (573P1). Hybrid die proof as are all known contemporary examples, India paper cut to shape and mounted on larger piece of yellowish bond, die sunk on 127 x 202mm card with full die sinkage, pencil 1198139 control number on back, signed in pencil twice, corner crease at bottom right, otherwise Fine and scarce
10c Orange, Special Delivery, Large Die Proof (E3P1). Hybrid as are all known examples, mounted in India and die sunk on 215 x 140mm card with full die sinkage, radiant color, Very Fine, scarce, ex Brazer
10c Orange, Special Delivery, Panama-Pacific Small Die Proof on Wove (E3P2a). 41 x 26mm, bright orange-yellow color on cream-colored paper, remarkably fresh
EXTREMELY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 10-CENT ORANGE SPECIAL DELIVERY PANAMA-PACIFIC SMALL DIE PROOF.
According to The Speedy by Henry Gobie, only four sets were produced (p. 107).
10c Orange, Special Delivery, Proofs and Specimens Group (E3P). Seven items, including E3P2 on gray card with "1890" label, E3P3 single and block of four, E4P4 two singles, last is E3S-E with "Specimen" overprint, fresh and Very Fine group
2c Claret, 1894 Postage Due Issue, Plate Proof on Card (J32P4). Bottom imprint and plate no. 34 block of six, large margins, Extremely Fine, the 2c is the only value of the 1894 Issue prepared in card-proof form, examples are scarce and plate blocks are rare
2c Claret, 1894 Postage Due Issue, Plate Proof on Card (J32P4). Block of eight, large margins, deep rich color, Very Fine and choice, the 2c is the only value of the 1894 Issue prepared in card-proof form, Scott value as two blocks of four
1c Black, Scarlet, 1885 American Bank Note Co. Newspaper Issue, Die Essay on White Ivory Paper (PR81-E1b). Each approximately 65 x 77mm, bright colors, "S-A" imprints at bottom, Scarlet small toned spot, small thin spots from mount removal, still Very Fine, scarce
1c-$100.00 1895 Newspaper Issue, Small Die Proofs (PR102P2-PR113P2). Intact page from the Roosevelt album with "1894" label at center, pencil "1895" written below label, scuff on gray card does not affect the proofs, still fresh and Very Fine set, ex "Whitpain" and Schwenk
3c Green & Bronze, "U.S. Inter. Rev." Re-Use Prevention Essay (Turner E45). Folded design for re-use prevention, "3" punched out, original gum, opened for display, Very Fine and rare, the inventor of these designs is unknown, it was intended to be affixed to a cover, or in this case a document, folded, part of the stamp would then be removed, exposing punched out or different colored numerals underneath, the background of the design is also scored so that any attempt to remove a cancel or the stamp from the cover would result in its breaking apart
3c-$50.00 Second Issue, Plate Proofs on Card (R105P5/R131P4). Complete set of blocks of four for the twelve plate proofs that exist, large margins all around, rich colors, Very Fine and choice, ex Cunliffe and Curtis
1c-$20.00 Third Issue, Plate Proofs on Card (R134P4-R150P4). Blocks of four, large margins, rich colors, Very Fine, a desirable set of blocks, ex Curtis
Post Office Registry Seal, Yellow Die Essay on India (OXF1-E3b). 105 x 60mm showing full die sinkage, brilliant color, few toned spots and few thin spots, still Very Fine and scarce
Post Office Registry Seal, Chocolate Trial Color Large Die Proof on Card (OXF1-TC1). 124 x 80mm, with colored border, deep rich color, Very Fine, ex Gerlach
Post Office Registry Seal, Green Large Die Proof on Glazed Paper (OXF1-P1b). 122 x 60mm, fresh and Very Fine, ex "Chesapeake" and Kotanchik
Post Office Seal, Orange Brown, Red Brown, Large Die Proofs (OX11P1). Two, first is hybrid as always on 71 x 59mm card with full die sinkage area, second is cut to shape and mounted on 96 x 65mm rough pitted card, latter with surface scrape and small tears, otherwise Fine-Very Fine and very unusual, latter with 2007 P.F. certificate, Scott value as two normal proofs
10c Orange, 1911 Postal Savings, Large Die Proof on Wove (PS1P1). 75 x 87mm wove paper die sunk on 153 x 203mm card, blue control number 436204 on back, the wove paper is a darkened color but the orange is normal, also couple toned specks on card, Very Fine appearance and rare, Power Search does not list another example
$5.00 Sepia, 1941 Postal Savings, Large Die Proof on Wove (PS15P1). 68 x 74mm wove paper affixed inside die sinkage area of 105 x 120mm card, blue handstamp on back "Engraver's Stock Proof Authorized by..." with initials following, blue control number 679824A at bottom and additional pencil initials of engraver C. T. Arlt
VERY FINE AND LIKELY UNIQUE LARGE DIE PROOF FOR THE $5.00 1941 POSTAL SAVINGS ISSUE.
In his May 2010 U.S. Specialist article (p. 227), Harry Charles discusses this die proof, which was in the Josiah K. Lilly collection. Charles states that he does not believe it has ever appeared at auction after the 1967 Lilly sale.
Ex Lilly.
Essays, Proofs and Specimens Assortment. Over 30 items, mostly essays, some plate proofs including trial colors, a few Specimen overprints, much is 1861-1873, some vignette and frame essays, several revenue essays and proofs, slightly mixed condition, many Fine-Very Fine
1c-90c 1879-83 Bank Note Issues, Specimen Overprints (189S/212S). 22, including twelve with "Sample." overprint Type K (missing one 2c) and ten with "Sample A." overprint Type L, original gum, h.r., bright colors, overall fresh and Very Fine
1c-5c Army-Navy Issue "Specimen" Ovpts. (785S-792S). Affixed to page, each with neat "SPECIMEN" overprint, Very Fine and very unusual, unlisted in Scott, this reminds us of pages from U.P.U. Specimen books
2c-$60.00 1875-85 Newspapers & Periodicals Issues, Specimen Ovpt. Ty. D (PR14SD, PR57SD-PR79SD). Missing only the 1c to be complete, some original gum, some unused (no gum), few small faults, Fine-Very Fine group
Universal Postal Congress Specimen Ovpt. Balance. Eight items, incl. Nos. E5S, PR114S, PR118S, PR120S, two 2c entires (U311S and U315S), 4c and 5c cut squares (U324S and U331S), some faults including first reperfed, overall Fine-Very Fine