Sale 1310 — Outstanding United States Stamps, featuring The Dragonfly Collection
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 27-28 February, 2024
Category — 1890-93 Issue (Scott 219-229)
1890 Issue — "Proposed Colors for stamps of small size". Three pieces containing ten strips of five of Large Bank Note stamps, each with "SAMPLE A." (or "SAMPLE." with manuscript "A") — listed in the Specimens section of Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue — the strips’ colors follow the 1890 Issue color scheme with notations next to four noting the correct denomination for that color, generally excellent condition
VERY FINE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE PROPOSED COLORS FOR THE 1890 ISSUE, SUBMITTED BY AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY TO THE POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT WITH THEIR BID FOR THE CONTRACT FOR THE NEW STAMP SERIES.
The existence of these overprinted stamps was a mystery to early collectors, who first encountered them unattached to any document. In a December 31, 1896, article in The Daily Stamp Item (reprinted in Essay-Proof Journal No. 83), Hiram Deats wrote about the "discovery" of this proposal. The proposal for the 1890 Issue specified bids for stamps of present size (as shown here) and for stamps of smaller size (0.75 x 0.875 in). The 8c is not included, as this value was not issued until 1893. The 6c was later changed to a darker shade, so as not to be confused with the 90c. We are aware of two others attached to proposal notes, including one with some pairs instead of strips of five.
Ex Dr. Johnson. Scott value as singles is $3,750, which does not in any way reflect the significance of the proposal notes.
1c-90c 1890-93 Issue, Plate Proofs on India (219P3, 219DP3, 221P3-229P3). Horizontal pairs, large margins, 15c small translucency from hinge, still Very Fine set
1c-90c 1890-93 Issue, Plate Proofs on Card (219P4-229P4). 12, including two shades of the 2c, counted here as 219DP4 and 220P4 but the former is a much lighter shade than the normal Lake, large margins throughout, fresh colors, Very Fine-Extremely Fine, ex Ambassador Middendorf
1c-90c 1890-93 Issue, Plate Proofs on India or Card (219P3-220P3, 219DP4-229P4). 1c and 2c Carmine on India, rest on card, brilliant colors, large margins all around, fresh and Extremely Fine set
4c Lincoln, Trial Color Plate Proofs on Stamp Paper (222TC5). Album page containing ten singles, all are in varying shades of brown, each affixed to small card labelled from "A" to "E" and "G" to "K" and mounted on an album page, Very Fine, a wonderful assemblage, ex Earl of Crawford, Brazer and Dr. Johnson, unlisted in Scott
2c Lake (219D). Mint N.H., deep rich color, unusually choice centering with wide margins, Extremely Fine, with 1987 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine, Cap on Left "2" (220a). Mint N.H., brilliant color, handsome centering with wide margins, Very Fine and choice, with 1993 (for block of four) and 2018 P.F. certificates
6c Brown Red (224). Mint N.H., well-centered with rich color, Very Fine and choice, with 2017 P.S.A.G. certificate (85 ogNH)
8c Lilac (225). Mint N.H., perfect centering with wide margins, deep rich color
extremely fine gem. a superb mint never-hinged example of the 8-cent 1893 issue.
With 2024 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98). Only three grade higher (at 98J) and one shares this grade.
30c Black (228). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, fresh and Very Fine, with 1998 and 2019 P.F. certificates