Sale 1304 — The Brian M. Bleckwenn Collection of United States First Issue Revenues
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 12-13 December, 2023
Category — Essays: Butler, Carpenter & Co.
Butler & Carpenter, 50c Class 5 Pencil and Wash Model (Turner Model 2). 58 x 90mm with extra tabs at top and bottom, with printed elements for lathework, portrait and side text pasted into place, pencil and wash drawing for all other elements, pencil "Class 5" at top, additional pencil drawings of scroll at top and star at right, small scuff at top not affecting design and few small toned spots
VERY FINE. THE UNIQUE HAND-DRAWN MODEL FOR THE CLASS 5 FIRST ISSUE REVENUE STAMPS. ONE OF THE MOST DESIRABLE OF ALL REVENUE ESSAYS.
The Class 5 First Issue Revenue stamps encompass the 50c, 60c and 70c denominations. The designs were the same, with use information such as "Mortgage" and denomination added later. In this model, the text at bottom is unreadable but appears to be a combination of thick and thin letters.
Illustrated in Turner book on p. 37. Ex Deats, Joyce and Richmond.
Butler & Carpenter, $1.50 Class 6 and 7 Pencil and Wash Model (Turner Model 4). 51 x 87mm, with lathework at three corners, pencil and wash drawing of all other elements including "Inland Exchange" at bottom, pencil "Class 6 and 7" and "$1.50 only" at bottom, few light scoring lines partly used for symmetry and layout
VERY FINE. A UNIQUE ESSAY FOR THE CLASS 6 AND 7 FIRST ISSUE REVENUE STAMPS AND A WONDERFUL EXHIBITION PIECE.
The Class 6 and 7 First Issue Revenue stamps encompass the $1.30, $1.50, $1.60 and $1.90 denominations. Illustrated in Turner book on p. 38. Ex Deats and Joyce.
$2.00 Inland Exchange, Composite Essay on Card (Turner Model 5). On 66 x 101mm card, with lathework and portrait pasted on and pencil and wash drawing for other design elements, card with few small holes not affecting the design and likely caused during creation of the design, trivial soiling
VERY FINE. THE UNIQUE ESSAY FOR THE CLASS 8 AND 9 DESIGNS, WHICH PRODUCED THE $2.00, $2.50, $3.00 AND $3.50 DENOMINATIONS. ONE OF THE GREAT FIRST ISSUE REVENUE RARITIES.
The Class 8 and 9 First Issue Revenue stamps encompass the $2.00, $2.50, $3.00 and $3.50 denominations. Ex Deats, Joyce and Richmond. Illustrated in Turner on p. 38.
$5.00 Foreign Exchange, Composite Essay on Card (Turner Model 6). On 51 x 108mm card, showing lathework at top and bottom, vignette pasted into place and with pencil and wash drawing of denomination and other elements, pencil "Class 10 & 11 $5 & $10", trivial soiling
VERY FINE. THE UNIQUE ESSAY FOR THE CLASS 10 AND 11 DESIGNS SHOWING THE TITLE OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE INCLUDED. ONE OF THE GREAT FIRST ISSUE RARITIES.
The Class 10 and 11 First Issue Revenue stamps encompass the $5.00 and $10.00 denominations. Ex Deats, Joyce and Richmond. Illustrated in Turner on p. 38.
$5.00 Black, Engraved Essay on India (Turner Model 7). Stamp size and mounted on 30 x 70mm card, showing completed design but with title left blank
VERY FINE. THE UNIQUE ESSAY FOR THE CLASS 10 AND 11 DESIGNS WHICH SHOWS THE TITLE BLANK AND THE REST OF THE DESIGN FULLY ENGRAVED. A REMARKABLE PROGRESSIVE ESSAY.
The Class 10 and 11 First Issue Revenue stamps encompass the $5.00 and $10.00 denominations. Ex Deats, Joyce and Richmond. Illustrated in Turner on p. 39.
2c Telegraph, Black, Blue, Die Essays on India (Turner Essay 55 Die). Each 22 x 26mm, rich colors, Blue with small thin spot, Very Fine appearance and rare, the 2c Telegraph was never issued, ex Richmond
2c U.S.I.R., Die and Plate Essays (Turner Essay 56 Die, Essay 57-A). Six items, including one of first, 26 x 30mm, also three singles, horizontal and vertical pair of second, Brown, Black and Gray Black all represented, Very Fine and scarce group
2c U.S.I.R., Black, Plate Essay on Wove (Turner Essay Plate 56-A). With protective varnish, complete plate of six subjects with "ENGRAVED BY JOS. R. CARPENTER PHILADELPHIA" imprint at bottom, trivial thin spot in bottom margin, Very Fine, a rare plate essay—this engraving is similar to the issued stamp, but it lacks background lines in the vignette and there are differences in the lettering—ex Joyce
2c U.S.I.R., Blue, Plate Essay on Wove (Turner Essay Plate 57-A). With protective varnish, complete plate of six subjects with "ENGRAVED BY JOS. R. CARPENTER PHILADELPHIA" imprint at bottom, insignificant light toning spot in margin to right of Position 6, Very Fine, a rare plate essay—this engraving is similar to the issued stamp, but it lacks background lines in the vignette and there are differences in the lettering—ex Joyce
10c Green & Red, Plate Essay on Wove (Turner Essay Plate 59). Ten blocks of four, including the three on buff wove paper (complete for color combinations listed in Turner), lacking only Red & Ultramarine to be complete for all colors listed on white wove, large margins, bright colors, fresh and Very Fine, a rare group of blocks
10c Design Without Title, White Wove, Buff Wove Papers (Turner Essay Plate 59A, 59B). Eight, all color combinations represented with one combination not recorded in Turner (Black & Scarlet on white wove), large margins all around including two with sheet margins, Very Fine, a highly exhibitable group
10c-50c First Issue, Plate Essays (Turner Essay Plate 59 var, Unlisted). Six of 10c, five of 25c Certificate and five of 50c Entry of Goods, range of colors, each with black vignette lacking cross hatching pasted into place to simulate bicolor printing, large margins, Very Fine, a rare group, it is believed these were prepared in anticipation of the second bicolored issue, this is reportedly a complete group for all color combinations
50c Insurance, Blue, Die Essay on India (Turner Essay 63 Die). Stamp size and mounted on 45 x 80mm card, rich color, Very Fine and very rare, the 50c Insurance stamp was never issued, this is the only color listed in Turner, ex Joyce and Richmond
50c Proprietary, Black, Die Essay on India (Turner Essay 65 Die). Stamp size and mounted on 45 x 80mm card, detailed impression, Very Fine, this is likely unique (Turner also lists in blue), the 50c Proprietary was never issued as a stamp, ex Joyce and Richmond
$50.00 U.S.I.R., Blue & Black, Plate Essay on Bond (Turner Essay Plate 68). Stamp size, with vignette pasted into place, rich colors, Very Fine and scarce, this was created with a four-subject plate, the design was issued in Green
2c U.S.I.R., Black Brown, Plate Essay on Thin Paper, Ty. II Experimental Overprint (Turner Essay Plate 57-A, Ty. II). Plate of six, large margins all around, pencil "2" at top right corner where also small stain (possibly from chemical treatment to test paper), Very Fine, possibly unique, ex Joyce
2c U.S.I.R., Essays on Bond, Ty. XVI Experimental Overprints (Turner Essay 57 Die, Ty. XVI, Essay Plate 57-A, Ty. XVI). Including three of Black on Yellow and pair of Brown on Orange, large margins, pair with light corner crease at bottom left, Very Fine and rare group
5c Foreign Exchange, Red, Plate Proof on Card, Ty. III Experimental Overprint (Turner R5P4 Ty. III). Large margins, with green "United States Internal Revenue" overprint at corners, thinned at bottom right corner, still Very Fine and very rare, ex Brazer and Joyce, illustrated in Turner on p. 46
25c Bond, Green, Die Essay on Yellow Buff Bond, Ty. VII Experimental Overprint (Turner Essay 61 Die, Ty. VII). Large margins all around, with overprint covering entire design, fresh and Very Fine, very rare, ex Joyce where described as on India paper, we are not fully convinced
25c Bond, Orange, Die Essay on Bond, Ty. VIII Experimental Overprint (Turner Essay 61 Die, Ty. VIII). Large margins, showing the overprint across the entire essay, some discoloration may be from experiment on fugitive nature of the paper, mounted on purple paper, Very Fine, scarce, ex Joyce
25c Bond, Dark Blue, Die Essay on Bond, Ty. IX Experimental Overprint (Turner Essay 61 Die, Ty. IX). Large margins all around, rich color, showing overprint across the entire design, some gum residue on back, Very Fine, this overprint is only found on this issue and is rare, ex Joyce
25c Bond, Die Essays on Bond, Ty. XI Experimental Overprint (Turner Essay 61 Die, Ty. XI). Two, including Green on Yellow and Blue on Dull Orange, large margins all around, Very Fine and very rare, the first ex Joyce
50c Foreign Exchange, Blue, Plate Proof on Card, Ty. III Experimental Overprint (Turner R56P4 Ty. III). Large margins, with red "United States Internal Revenue" at six points, horizontal crease, Very Fine appearance, rare, illustrated in Turner, ex Joyce and Richmond
50c Foreign Exchange, Blue, Plate Proof on Card, Ty. III Experimental Overprint (Turner R56P4 Ty. III). Large margins, with red "United States Internal Revenue" at six points, horizontal crease, Very Fine appearance, scarce
50c Foreign Exchange, Blue, Plate Proof on Card, Ty. V Experimental Overprint (Turner R56P4 Ty. V). Large margins, clearly showing the red mesh network covering the whole stamp, Very Fine and rare, ex Joyce
50c Foreign Exchange, Blue, Plate Proof on Card, Ty. VI Experimental Overprint (Turner R56P4 Ty. VI). Large margins, with red mesh network covering top and bottom thirds of the stamp, Very Fine and choice, ex Joyce
50c Original Process, Die Essays on Bond, Ty. VII, XIII, XV Experimental Overprints (Turner Essay Die 64, Ty. VII, XIII, XV). Each with large margins, bright colors, Ty. XIII slight chemical treatment, still Very Fine and very rare group, all ex Joyce
50c Original Process, Blue, Die Essay on Bond, Ty. XIII Experimental Overprint (Turner Essay 64, Ty. XIII). Large margins all around, clearly showing vertical wave-like lines of the overprint, Very Fine and rare
50c Original Process, Black, Plate Essay on Bond, Ty. XVI Experimental Overprint (Turner Essay 64, Ty. XVI). Horizontal pair, large to huge margins including sheet margin on three sides, clearly showing the overprint, light diagonal crease at bottom left in margin, Very Fine and wonderful item, Turner notes "there is an indication a small plate was prepared", we would say the margins on the example offered here is proof of this, ex Joyce
$2.00 Probate of Will, Bicolor Plate Essays on Bond, Ty. XVII Ovpt. (Turner Essay Plate 67, Ty. XVII). Thee complete sheets of four with "ENGRAVED BY JOS. R. CARPENTER PHILADELPHIA" imprint at bottom, including Green & Black with overprint in red, Blue & Black with overprint in pink, and Orange & Black with overprint in grayish blue, top stamps with the overprint in vignette, bottom stamps with overprint in frame only, one or two with tiny thin spots
VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE SET OF ESSAYS FOR THE $2.00 PROBATE OF WILL WITH EXPERIMENTAL OVERPRINT INTENDED TO PREVENT CLEANING RE-USE.
This essay uses the $2.00 First Issue design in the Second Issue two-color format. The additional overprint was designed to prevent re-use. The Smithsonian National Postal Museum's collection contains a similar set of four different colors but with the overprint chemically removed. We have also encountered one additional Blue & Black (ex Tolman and Curtis).
Ex Joyce where described as unique.
$50.00 U.S.I.R., Bicolor Plate Essays on Bond, Ty. XVIII Experimental Ovpt. (Turner Essay Plate 68, Ty. XVIII). Three complete sheets of four with "ENGRAVED BY JOS. R. CARPENTER PHILADELPHIA" imprint at bottom, including Green & Black with overprint in pink, Blue & Black with overprint in pink, and Orange & Black with overprint in grayish blue, top stamps with the overprint in vignette, bottom stamps with overprint in frame only
VERY FINE. these BICOLOR ESSAYS FOR THE $50.00 U.S.I.R. FIRST ISSUE WITH EXPERIMENTAL OVERPRINT are reportedly unique. a great rarity of the issue.
This essay uses the $50.00 First Issue design in the Second Issue two-color format. The additional overprint was designed to prevent re-use. The Smithsonian National Postal Museum's collection contains one in Purple & Black.
Ex Joyce.
$5.00 Conveyance, Delaware Coat of Arms, Bond Paper, Perforated (Turner Essay 79). One side with Delaware Coat of Arms design (Turner Essay 77) in Orange, other side with bicolor printing in Green & Red of $5.00 Conveyance, perforated around vignette, scissors-separated with straight edges at top and bottom and with manuscript "No. 1" in bottom margin
VERY FINE. A REMARKABLE ESSAY WITH DESIGNS PRINTED ON BOTH SIDES, PERFORATED AT SIDES AND ALSO PERFORATED AROUND THE VIGNETTE. THIS IS REPORTEDLY UNIQUE.
Turner notes this may have had some connection with the Earle and Steel patents or subsequent efforts to reduce fraud and re-use. Printing on both sides is truly remarkable. The perforated example is reportedly unique. Two imperforate, in different color combinations, are also known (one is offered in the following lot).
Ex Joyce.
$5.00 Conveyance, Delaware Coat of Arms, Bond Paper, Imperforate (Turner Essay 79). One side with Delaware Coat of Arms design (Turner Essay 77) in Green & Red, other side with bicolor printing in Ultramarine & Red of $5.00 Conveyance, with manuscript "No. 3" in bottom margin
VERY FINE. A REMARKABLE ESSAY WITH DESIGNS PRINTED IN TWO COLORS ON BOTH SIDES. THIS color combination IS REPORTEDLY UNIQUE.
Turner notes this may have had some connection with the Earle and Steel patents or subsequent efforts to reduce fraud and re-use. Printing on both sides is truly remarkable. This color combination is reportedly unique. One other imperforate is also known with colors reversed on the Conveyance side, and one perforated is known (offered in the previous lot).
Ex Joyce.
[No Denomination] Washington, Vignette Essays (Turner Essay 122). 23, range of colors and papers, many show full die sinkage area, few small faults to be expected, Very Fine and colorful group, this portrait was used for the R102 $200.00 stamp
[No Denomination] Washington, Black, Vignette Essay on Bond (R102-E). Cut to shape, lacking engraved lines around the portrait, Very Fine and very unusual, this is similar to ones we have seen pasted into place on essays