Sale 1305 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 13-14 December, 2023
Category — Essays and Proofs: 1890 Issue with Specialized 2c
1890 Issue — "New Series of Adhesive Postage Stamps". Post Office Department announcement dated "Washington D.C. February 19, 1890", starts out "The Department has had in contemplation for nearly a year past a full revision of the designs and styles of postage stamps...The subject was necessarily delayed to await an impending change of the contract for furnishing adhesive stamps, through which the new standards might be fixed...All needful preparations having been completed, the new stamps will be issued at once; and they will be placed on sale at the principal post offices on Saturday, the 22nd inst.", the circular then describes each new stamp, provides for disposition of outstanding stamps at post offices, confirms all issues from 1861 are still valid for postage and inside confirms obsolete stamps no longer valid for postage (1847, 1851-57 and Carrier stamp), some splitting along folds, small piece out of margin at top right, still Very Fine and very scarce, an excellent collateral item or frontispiece for an exhibit, ex Dr. Johnson
American Bank Note Co., (unstated Value) Black, Large Die Essay on Ivory Paper (219-E1). 37 x 41mm, intense shade and impression, Very Fine and rare essay for an unadopted frame design, the only other example we have offered was in our 2003 Dr. Burrows and 2019 Dr. Johnson sales
American Bank Note Co., 2c Engraved Vignette With Watercolor Frame, Essay On Thick Cardboard (220-E2). On 50 x 59mm card, portrait cut out from issued 1887 2c stamp (Scott 213) with "U.S. POSTAGE" in lettered label below portrait, numbers at top and other significant differences, with hand-drawn framed border on card, trivial thin lines on card
VERY FINE. A UNIQUE HAND-DRAWN WATERCOLOR ESSAY FOR THE 2-CENT 1890 ISSUE, DEPICTING THE DENOMINATIONS AT TOP AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES.
The ABN Co. contract to supply stamps expired on June 30, 1889. Sealed proposals for a new contract were accepted up to June 17, which did not require any artwork. Only two bids were submitted, one by ABN Co. and one for a much lower amount from Charles F. Steel. ABN Co. protested, noting that Steel's company did not meet the criteria for bidding. Steel's facilities were found not to be fireproof, so the bidding was opened again starting Sep. 11, 1889 (in reality, Steel was paid off by ABN Co. to fail to meet the requirements).
It is likely that the 1c and 2c designs were the first to be worked on, since these were the denominations with the greatest demand. The first plate numbers used were for 2c plates (Plates 1-10). These two denominations also have the largest number of different frame designs. There are four unique watercolor or pencil frame essays for the 2c, each with engraved vignette cut out and mounted in place (three are offered in this sale).
Ex Brazer (offered in Sale 726, lot 1587). Accompanied by No. 213P4 India paper proof. This is undercatalogued in Scott compared to the similar unique essay, No. 220-E3, offered in the following lot. That is no doubt because the following essay was more recently sold (in our 2019 sale of the Dr. Johnson collection).
American Bank Note Co., 2c Engraved Vignette With Watercolor Frame, Essay On Thick Cardboard (220-E3). On 97 x 117mm card, portrait cut out from issued 1887 2c stamp (Scott 213) with "POSTAGE" in lettered label below portrait as well as "United States" at top in contrast the No. 220-E2 essay offered in the previous lot, numbers at top and other significant differences, with hand-drawn framed border on card, vignette with trivial toning from adhesive
VERY FINE. A UNIQUE HAND-DRAWN WATERCOLOR ESSAY FOR THE 2-CENT 1890 ISSUE, DEPICTING THE DENOMINATIONS AT TOP AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES.
The ABN Co. contract to supply stamps expired on June 30, 1889. Sealed proposals for a new contract were accepted up to June 17, which did not require any artwork. Only two bids were submitted, one by ABN Co. and one for a much lower amount from Charles F. Steel. ABN Co. protested, noting that Steel's company did not meet the criteria for bidding. Steel's facilities were found not to be fireproof, so the bidding was opened again starting Sep. 11, 1889 (in reality, Steel was paid off by ABN Co. to fail to meet the requirements).
It is likely that the 1c and 2c designs were the first to be worked on, since these were the denominations with the greatest demand. The first plate numbers used were for 2c plates (Plates 1-10). These two denominations also have the largest number of different frame designs. There are four unique watercolor or pencil frame essays for the 2c, each with engraved vignette cut out and mounted in place (three are offered in this sale). The 1941 Brazer catalogue lists this as an essay for the 1889 contract, "circa July 17, 1889." We are unaware of Brazer's reasoning for attributing this to the earlier bidding process.
Ex Brazer (but not offered in his sale) and Dr. Johnson. The Essay-Proof Journal noted in 1953 that Brazer exhibited this item at The Collectors Club. Accompanied by No. 213P4 card proof. With 1990 P.F. certificate
American Bank Note Co., 2c Black, Large Die Frame Only Essay on White Ivory (220-E4). 31 x 43mm, detailed impression of this engraved design showing an unadopted frame, the only elements that made their way into the adopted design are part of the floral designs above the denominations, small thin spot at upper right, Very Fine and very rare, Brazer attributed this essay to the first proposal time period, this is only the second example we have offered since keeping computerized records, ex Brazer
American Bank Note Co., (2c) Washington, Large Die Vignette Essays on India (220-E5 var). Four vignette-only essays, each is based on a stock ABN Co. die and with varying degrees of shading and engraving differences, two have die numbers and imprints and are affixed to pieces of buff file jackets from the ABN Co. archives, all four are mounted on an exhibit page explaining the engraving differences, one of the jacket essays with some gum toning, overall Very Fine and fascinating group, these are similar to the No. 220-E5 vignette in the following lot and to the issued design but with notable differences
American Bank Note Co., (2c) Washington, Dark Carmine, Large Die Vignette Essay on India (220-E5). 59 x 61mm affixed to original card backing, signed by engraver Charles Skinner, brilliant color, Very Fine and rare, this is only the second example we have offered since keeping computerized records
American Bank Note Co., (2c) Washington, Dusky Carmine, Large Die Vignette Essay on India, Lettered Label Above (220-E6). 43 x 46mm, portions of additional frame suggestion drawn in pencil at bottom, wonderful depth of color, minor gum staining spot at bottom not affecting the design, still Very Fine and exceedingly rare, this is the only example we have encountered since our 1990 Brazer sale, the Scott Catalogue illustration is an old black and white photo, which speaks to how rarely this is seen
American Bank Note Co., 2c Black Engraved Vignette With Lettering on Pencil Drawn Frame, Essay On Thick Cardboard (220-E7). 50 x 54mm white card mounted on 120 x 122mm thick cardboard, engraved vignette with top lettering (same as No. 220-E6) mounted inside frame design executed in pencil -- essentially the frame as adopted, cut-out label "ISSUE 1890" below, at bottom of card are initials "J J M" and a note "engrave background only without figures or words" (apparently instructions for preparing a frame essay), small pencil drawing on the right side shows an alternative to the scroll above the right "2", slight overall toning and some minor stains — immaterial for a unique item such as this
VERY FINE. A UNIQUE HAND-DRAWN FRAME ESSAY, ESSENTIALLY AS ADOPTED, WITH THE ENGRAVED VIGNETTE AND TOP LETTERING. A WONDERFUL RARITY OF THE 1890 ISSUE ESSAYS AND PROOFS.
This unique essay includes the previous essay's vignette and label (220-E6), plus more components of the adopted design, including Arabic numerals and value in a banner across the bottom and ornaments around the numerals reaching the midpoint of each side. A handstamp on the reverse requests users to "Please return within 30 days to American Bank Note Co., New York, Nov 16, 1889." This was less than 10 days after the contract signing date. ABN Co's work on the stamp was clearly underway prior to executing the final contract wording. There are four unique watercolor or pencil frame essays for the 2c, each with engraved vignette cut out and mounted in place (three are offered in this sale).
American Bank Note Co., 2c Frame Only, Large Die Essays on India (220-E8b). Six of the eight Scott-listed colors, including Black, Brown Black, Dark Brown, Dark Blue, Red Violet and Red Orange, approximately 50 x 58mm, two on card, beautiful colors, a few minor India paper flaws as normal
VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE GROUP OF THE 2-CENT 1890 ISSUE FRAME-ONLY LARGE DIE ESSAYS, COMPRISING THE MAJORITY OF THE LISTED COLORS.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire six of the eight listed colors at once.
American Bank Note Co., 2c Carmine, Large Die Essays on India (220-E9 var). Six large die essays mounted on exhibit pages which detail all the subtle engraving differences and additions, with explanations and image blow-ups for each, mounted in order for what the exhibitor records as First State thru Sixth State of the die, colors are Lake, Red and Carmine and three have imprint and C-224 die number, one with imprint alone, the Fourth thru Sixth State essays on original card backing, brilliant colors
VERY FINE. A RARE GROUP OF 2-CENT 1890 LARGE DIE ESSAYS, WITH EXHIBITOR'S DETAILS OF THE SUBTLE DESIGN PROGRESSION.
The Scott Catalogue lists one essay under No. 220-E9. We believe the first essay in this group is a match for that listing and we regard the other five as progressions in the line to the final design No. 220P1. Scott value as six of No. 220-E9.
American Bank Note Co., 2c Lake, Hybrid Large Die Essay on India (220-E9 var). India paper cut to shape and affixed to larger piece of India paper die sunk on 135 x 205mm card, this progression of the engraving lacks the forehead scratch and is similar to the first essay in the group of six offered in the previous lot, deep rich color, fresh and Very Fine
2c Bright Green Blue, "The Times, Philadelphia, Business Postage" 1890 Essay on India (220-E11). Surface printed on India and mounted on 42 x 24mm card, Very Fine and rare, little is known about this essay, the Brazer book states it is probably from 1890 and was produced for proposed business advertising on stamps, this example is listed in Scott (unpriced) while the Union Trust Co. example with the same design offered in the following lot is unlisted
2c Deep Blue, "Union Trust Company, Philadelphia, Business Postage" 1890 Essay on India (220-E11 var). Surface printed on India and mounted on 42 x 24mm card, slight creasing, still Very Fine and rare, little is known about this essay, the Brazer book states the Times example offered in the previous lot is probably from 1890 and was produced for proposed business advertising on stamps, this Union Trust Co. example is unlisted in Scott but shares the same design with only the color and name tablet different
2c Lake, 2c Carmine, Large Die Proofs on India (219DP1, 220P1). Three large die proofs, Lake with imprint and die no. C-224 on India paper affixed to 71 x 74mm card, the exhibitor calls this an essay on the exhibit page but we regard this as a finished die proof, also Lake hybrid large die proof on 137 x 216mm card, with additional India paper proof cut to size as a hybrid, finally 2c Carmine with imprint die sunk on 145 x 212mm card, fresh and Very Fine, an attractive trio, Scott value with the second Lake as normal P1 die proof and without premium for the additional hybrid cut-out
2c Lake, Carmine, Red, Plate Proofs on Card (219DP4, 220P4). Seven card proofs mounted on an exhibit page with details about color and thickness, one with bottom sheet margin, accompanied by original envelope in which the 1890 issue card proofs were distributed, Very Fine, Scott value without premium for the envelope
2c Lake, Imperforate (219DP5, formerly 219Da). Top imprint, plate no. 1 and letter "A" block of twelve, original gum with skips, dark rich color and large margins, few small thin spots, still Very Fine and scarce imperforate top plate block from the first of 272 plates, pencil note in ungummed sheet margin on the reverse states "From pane approved for color by P. M. G." (we do not know if this is contemporary)
2c Lake, Imperforate (21DP5, formerly 219Da). Matching top and bottom imprint, plate no. and letter "B" blocks of twelve, top plate no. 10, bottom plate no. 6, unused (no gum), rich color and large margins, top block with minor internal wrinkle, Very Fine
2c Lake, Imperforate (219DP5, formerly 219Da). Block of 64 in 8 x 8 format, unused (no gum), deep dark shade, some interesting misalignments of entries, Very Fine and scarce large multiple, Scott value as singles
2c 1890 Imperforate, Color Study (219DP5, 220P5). 17 multiples mounted on exhibit pages with detailed descriptions, pairs including one with plate no. and another with part imprint, also one block of four, outstanding range of colors including various shades of Lake, Carmine, Red and Orange, Very Fine and attractive assemblage
2c Lake, Carmine, Imperforate (219DP5, 220P5). Group of position blocks, including Lake five blocks with top and bottom arrows or side imprints, also Carmine with side imprint, extras include a pair with pre-printing paper fold and a single tied to a piece of cover, some small gum soaks on one block and small fault on the pair, overall Very Fine or appear so, Scott value without regard to the used single
2c Carmine, Small Die Proofs on Wove (220P2, 250P2). Four of the 1890 2c Roosevelt proofs, two are on original card backing and two are removed or were never on card backing, one on card with slight toned spots, also one of the 1894 2c design No. 250P2, either off card backing or from an extra printing and never on card, all five of these are mounted on exhibit pages explaining their characteristics, Very Fine or appear so
2c Carmine, Plate Proof on Card (220P4). Bottom imprint, plate no. 214 and letter "O O" block of 50, half-arrow at right and huge 42mm bottom sheet margin, red crayon "O.K. W.F.C. Mch 30/92" at bottom, couple minor edge flaws at top left and upper right, also couple light vertical creases
VERY FINE. A RARE LARGE PLATE BLOCK OF THE 2-CENT 1890 ISSUE PLATE PROOF ON CARD.
This is accompanied by a copy of the exhibit page detailing the relief breaks on this plate. A note on the reverse side indicates that this sheet came from G. F. C. Smillie, a famed ABN Co. vignette engraver, who would soon be hired by the BEP.
Ex Brazer. Scott value as plate block of of 12 plus singles.
1c Green, 2c Green, Trial Color Large Die Proofs on India (219TC1ae, 220TC1af). On approximately 63 x 50mm cards, 1c centered towards bottom and 2c centered towards top, rich colors, 1c few small toned spots well away from design, otherwise Very Fine, scarce, these are the first large die trial colors in any color we have offered since keeping computerized records, these are catalogued under the 1890 issue but they are thought to be new BEP large die or transfer roll images pulled for the 1894 issue, using the ABN Co. dies but with no ABN Co. imprint, as many subsequent essays show, there is also no evidence of added triangles on these, ex Dr. Johnson
1c-90c 1890-93 Issue, Hybrid Large Die Proofs on India (219P1 var-229P1 var). Complete set with the 2c present as No. 219DP1, India paper cut to shape and affixed to larger piece of India paper which is die sunk on approximately 135 x 205mm cards, the 2c card slightly smaller, bright colors, Very Fine
1c-90c 1890-93 Issue, Large Die Proofs on India (219P1-229P1). Complete set less the 219DP1 shade and the 5c is from the 1894 issue, die sunk on approximately 80 x 80mm cards, most with die number and imprint, the 5c is 151 x 202mm and the 8c is slightly smaller than the others, fresh and Very Fine and easily displayable on album pages in these sizes, Scott value counting the 5c as 1890 issue
1c-90c 1890-93 Issue, Small Die Proofs on Wove (219P2, 220P2-229P2). Complete page from a Roosevelt presentation album, with "1890" label at bottom, 90c with some slight toning and couple minor scrapes on the card along margins, still Very Fine and scarce on the full album page, only approximately 85 sets were produced, Scott value without premium for the page
1c-90c 1890-93 Issue, Small Die Proofs on Wove (219P2, 220P2-229P2). Complete set of 11 on original card backing from a Roosevelt Presentation album, nice condition with just the 90c showing some slight toning, overall Very Fine
1c-90c 1890-93 Issue, Small Die Proofs on Wove (219P2, 220P2-229P2). Complete set of 11 on original card backing from a Roosevelt Presentation album, the majority have some kind of condition issue with toning or a nick or small tear, a few are sound, otherwise Very Fine
1c-90c 1890-93 Issue, Small Die Proofs on Wove, Plate Proofs on India, Card (219P2-229P2, 219P3-229P3, 219P4-229P4). Complete sets of each with the 2c represented by Carmine, for some reason missing the 2c in the card proof set but with extra 5c and 90c as well as an original envelope used for distribution of the card proofs, the Roosevelt album set is removed from card backing causing some thins, the two plate proof sets are fresh and all have bright colors, Very Fine or appear so, Scott value exceeds $3,200
2c-10c 1890 Issue, Imperforate (220P5, 221P5, 2222P5, 224P5, 225P5, 226P5). Horizontal pairs, original gum, large margins, rich colors, Very Fine, also includes No. 267P5
1c-6c 1890 Issue, Imperforate (219P5/224P5). Album page with twelve pairs and seven singles, imperforate on stamp paper gummed, including issued colors and trial colors (P5, TC5), also a block of the 10c on India paper (226P3), a few with small problems but most are Very Fine