Sale 1367 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 9-11 December, 2025
Category — Essays, Proofs, Specimens
1903 Roosevelt Small Die Proof Presentation Album. 309 small die proofs in intact leatherbound Roosevelt presentation album with gold-stamped "Julius C. Burrows" on front cover and "United States Postage Stamps 1847-1902. Proofs" on spine, beautifully presented on gray card pages with gold edges, proofs arranged in geometric patterns as sets, including two each of Nos. 3-4 (one set labeled 1847, other labeled 1876), 1851, First 1861 and Last 1861, 1869, complete Bank Note, Columbian, Trans-Mississippi and other issues up to 1902 Issue, also includes Special Delivery, Postage Dues, Officials, Newspapers and Periodicals, Carriers, six from 1899 Cuba set, last page is the 1902 Series, seven blank pages at end intended for future issues, a couple of the original thin white paper interleaving present (often missing), the proofs are in excellent condition with most pristine, just a few with some scattered toning spots including 3c and 6c 1869, a couple Bank Notes, 2c, 4c and 8c Columbian, a couple Newspaper, $2.00 Trans-Mississippi — these few are listed to emphasize the overall choice condition — often the adhesive used to affix proofs into the album causes discoloration in intact albums, covers and pages are strong and intact, the leather with typical loss and wear most evident in the corners and on spine
VERY FINE AND EXTREMELY RARE ROOSEVELT PRESENTATION ALBUM. VERY FEW REMAIN INTACT, AND THEY RARELY APPEAR IN THE MARKETPLACE.
In 1903, during the Theodore Roosevelt administration, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing prepared 85 special presentation albums with small die proofs on white wove paper of all issues printed to that date. The proofs were artfully arranged in albums, and most of the albums were given to government officials.
Very few Roosevelt presentation albums remain intact. Most have been cannibalized for collectors demanding specific sets. Of the few remaining intact albums, many have not weathered their century plus of existence very well. The album offered here has fresh proofs essentially throughout.
Julius C. Burrows, whose name is on the album offered here, was a U.S. Congressman and Senator from Michigan. When the Roosevelt albums were produced, he was in his second term in the Senate.
Scott value as individual cut-down proofs without premium for the intact pages or complete album is approximately $75,000. See our website video for the full album.
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1139020440
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5c and 10c Albino, Large Die Proofs on India (1TC1a var-2TC1a var). 39 x 44mm and 37 x 41mm, no trace of color whatsoever but the designs and cross-hatching are quite clear, a couple slight translucencies as normal, Very Fine and most unusual, some of the 1847 die proofs were printed thru a mat to mask the cross-hatching (it appears albino in such cases, usually faintly), while allowing the stamp design to print unencumbered, these appear to have been printed entirely thru a mat, unlisted, Scott value as normal color die proofs on India
10c Black, Plate Proof on India (2P3). Large margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, a very scarce plate proof in this condition, from the Nathanael Greene collection
(Image Magnifier)Toppan, Carpenter, Casilier & Co., 30c Black, Large Die Essay on India (38-E2). 55 x 66mm and mounted on 75 x 106mm card with full die sinkage, intense shade, incomplete design showing scrolls at each side of "30" with only one outer shading line
VERY FINE AND EXTREMELY RARE ESSAY OF THE 30-CENT 1860 ISSUE.
This essay is almost always encountered as cut to stamp size. The example offered here, with generous borders and showing the full die sinkage area, is very desirable.
90c Black, Small Die Trial Color Proof on India (39TC2b). Deep shade, full margins, Very Fine and scarce, this is the only small die trial color proof color listed in Scott, with 2012 P.F. certificate
1c-90c 1857 Reprints, Plate Proofs on India (40P3-47P3). Blocks of four, gorgeous colors and full margins throughout, a few typical flaws for this fragile paper including 1c light horizontal crease and small thin spot, 12c and 24c small thin spot, overall fresh and Very Fine set of blocks
(Image Magnifier)1c-90c 1861-66 Issue, Plate Proofs on India and Card (62BP3/77P3, 63P4/78P4). Complete sets of each including several better proofs not normally seen in sets, India paper set with 13 proofs including 10c First Design No. 62BP3 (Scott value $500), along with all three 3c colors (Rose, Lake and Scarlet), mostly large margins to a few sides full, 30c with top sheet margin, Very Fine-Extremely Fine and fresh set, card set with 12 proofs including extra 3c in Scarlet and extra 24c in the scare Red Lilac color (70P4, Scott value $500), Very Fine-Extremely Fine, a premium assemblage of 1861-66 plate proofs, from the Nathanael Greene collection
National Bank Note Co., (Unstated Value) Black, Vignette Die Essay on White Glazed (79-E35e). 41 x 43mm, deep shade, small thin spots, appears Very Fine, these were created in 1868 during experiments for bicolored printing
1c-90c 1869 Pictorial Issue, Plate Proofs on India (112P3-122P3, 129P3). Blocks of four, complete set with both types of 15c, Ty. III with interesting vignette shift to right, all with choice large margins, brilliant colors, a couple very minor India paper anomalies including 24c small translucency and 15c Ty. III faint corner crease, the 3c with a sealed tear which is not obvious without backlighting
OVERALL VERY FINE-EXTREMELY FINE. A DESIRABLE SET OF BLOCKS OF THE 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE PLATE PROOFS ON INDIA PAPER.
This is a scarce set of blocks on India paper.
(Image Magnifier)1c-90c 1869 Pictorial Issue, Plate Proofs on Card (112P4-117P4, 120P4-122P4, 129P4). Complete set of ten values, 15c Ty. III as always, large margins and rich colors, Extremely Fine, from the Nathanael Greene collection
(Image Magnifier)3c Black, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (114TC1e). On 35 x 35mm card, detailed impression
VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE TRIAL COLOR PROOF FOR THE 3-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
Black is the only trial color known for the 3c. Our digital library contains only one other, offered in the 1990 Brazer sale. With 1976 P.F. certificate.
3c Ultramarine, Panama-Pacific Small Die Proof on Wove (114P2a). Large margins, color slightly faded and with the usual overall toning that this issue is known for, otherwise Very Fine, approximately 3-5 are known
(Image Magnifier)12c Green, Plate Proof on Card (117P4). Block of eight with full left arrow margin, brilliant color, fresh and Extremely Fine, the block of eight cut from the Lilly sheet remainders, Scott value as two normal blocks of four
(Image Magnifier)National Bank Note Co., (15c) Dark Blue, Vignette Die Essay on India (118-E1). Cut to shape as always and mounted on 180 x 145mm card, showing die sinkage area, deep rich color, blind embossed National Bank Note Co. seal below vignette, a few minor toning specks
VERY FINE AND RARE DIE PROOF OF THE VIGNETTE FOR THE 15-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
Scott lists two variations of this design. The other variant shows the framelines of the vignette design. The example offered here, without framelines and with the National Bank Note Company embossed seal, is far rarer than the other type.
National Bank Note Co., 15c Red Brown, Die II, Frame Only, Progressive Die Essay on India (119-E1a). 74 x 52mm, deep rich color
VERY FINE AND EXTREMELY RARE PROOF OF THE 15-CENT 1869 DIE II FRAME.
There were three dies prepared for the 15c 1869 Issue with large numerals, which vary in the area surrounding the blank space in which the vignette was printed. What philatelists call Die III (Type III) is probably the first one produced, because it is the simplest of the three. It was used for the 1875 Re-Issue printing. Die I (Type I) has background lines added to the space, and Die II (Type II) has the diamond-shaped ornament added to the top, as seen in the design of this proof.
National Bank Note Co., 30c Burgoyne, Plate Essay on Thin Surface-Tinted Paper (121-E1p). Black on Orange Buff paper, bottom left corner margin block of eight, huge margins other sides, few creases mostly in sheet margin, Extremely Fine appearance, a rare large multiple, SCV $2,200 as singles
(Image Magnifier)1c-90c 1869 Pictorial Issue, Atlanta Trial Color Plate Proofs on Card (123TC4-132TC4). Complete set (less the one recently listed unique 90c color combination), large margins, deep rich colors
VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE COMPLETE SET OF 1869 PICTORIAL ATLANTA TRIAL COLOR PLATE PROOFS.
The Atlanta trial color plate proofs on card were prepared for display at the 1881 International Cotton Exposition in Atlanta. Only one sheet in each color was printed. The sheets were somehow acquired by James A. Petrie of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, at the close of the exposition (along with the 1869 invert card proof sheets). Petrie claimed that he rescued the proofs just before they were to be burned. They were cut up into one set of blocks of eight, two sets of blocks of four, pairs and singles. These are often offered either by denomination or in other smaller groupings.
(Image Magnifier)1c Ultramarine, Plate Proof on India (145P3). Top imprint, plate no. 16 and half arrow block of 14, large margins, few thin spots mostly in top sheet margin, Extremely Fine appearance
10c Brown, Panama-Pacific Small Die Proof on Wove (209P2a). Deep rich color, Very Fine example of this rare proof, only 3-5 were produced, ex Finkelburg
(Image Magnifier)1c-90c American Bank Note Company Issue, Large Die Trial Color Proofs on India (212TC1a, 210TC1a, 205TC1a, 209TC1a, 190TC1a, 191TC1a). On approximately 150 x 227mm card with full die sinkage, including six 90c, six 30c, four 10c, six 5c, four 2c (one is P1) and five 1c all in different colors, imprints vary from none on the 90c except for the Carmine with National Bank Note Co. imprint, 30c with no imprints, 10c with "Duplicate Die C-56 American Bank Note Co. N.Y." imprints, 5c with "Garfield U.S. 5c Stamp C-28 American Bank Note Co. N.Y." imprint, 2c with "C-95 American Bank Note Co. N.Y." imprint, 1c with "C-178 American Bank Note Co. N.Y. imprint, each with red control number at top center, 1c with nos. 1-2 and 4-6, 2c with nos. 7-9 and 11, 5c with nos. 25-30, 10c with nos. 37-39 and 41, 30c with nos. 49-54, 90c with nos. 55-60, a few have slight oxidation but it is very minor
EXTREMELY FINE. A PHENOMENAL ASSEMBLAGE OF LARGE DIE TRIAL COLOR PROOFS DIE SUNK ON INDIA, WITH CONTROL NUMBERS. WE HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED ANOTHER GROUP QUITE LIKE THIS.
We offered the 2c in Pale Ultramarine, with control no. 9, in our Sale 872. It was part of the Finkelburg collection. That is the only example from this group that we have ever offered. Scott value as TC1a with one 210 as 210P1. It is possible another could be a P1 (90c is listed and priced as Carmine Scott 191TC1 but this is issued color). Each with light pencil on back identifying shade and noting "ex Morris".
1c-90c 1890-93 Issue, Large Die Proofs on India (219P1-229P1). On approximately 73 x 73mm cards with full die sinkage, including the rare 219DP1, each with die no. and imprint, including a second 1c with just imprint and no die no.
VERY FINE COMPLETE SET OF LARGE DIE PROOFS ON INDIA OF THE 1890 ISSUE, INCLUDING THE RARE LAKE SHADE.
These are easily displayable on album pages.
1c-90c 1890-93 Issue, Small Die Proofs on Wove (219P2, 220P2-229P2). Complete set of 11, removed from original gray card backing, lacking only the 2c Lake to be complete (this shade was not on the original page), Very Fine
1c-90c 1890-93 Issue, Plate Proofs on India (219P3-229P3). Complete set of blocks of four with both 2c, large margins, brilliant colors, 30c with bottom left corner sheet margins, 90c with top left corner sheet margins, couple lower values with top or bottom sheet margin
VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND SCARCE SET OF BLOCKS OF FOUR OF THE 1890-93 ISSUE PLATE PR0OFS ON INDIA PAPER.
Rare with such large margins.
(Image Magnifier)3c Purple, Plate Proof on Card (221P4). Bottom imprint and plate no. 21 block of twelve, large margins, rich color, Extremely Fine
4c Dark Brown, Plate Proof on India (222P1). On 75 x 75mm card with full die sinkage, showing imprint at bottom but no die number, Very Fine
6c Deep Orange Red, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (224TC1). On 76 x 80mm card with full die sinkage, couple small toned spots on card, still Very Fine
6c Brown Red, Trial Color Proofs on Stamp Paper (224TC, 224a). Fourteen blocks of four including all twelve Scott-listed Trial Colors and two shades of the issued color, original gum, most stamps Mint N.H., full to large margins, few with small faults
VERY FINE. A RARE COMPLETE SET OF ALL TWELVE TRIAL COLORS FOR THE 6-CENT 1890 ISSUE IN BLOCKS OF FOUR, PLUS TWO BLOCKS OF FOUR IN THE ISSUED COLOR.
Blocks are unlisted in Scott. Scott value as hinged singles for the trial colors and pairs for the issued color.
6c Brown Red, Plate Proof on India (224P3). Top imprint and plate no. 23 block of twelve, large margins, rich color, Extremely Fine
10c Green, Plate Proof on India (226P3). Top imprint, plate no. 30 and letter "E" block of twelve, large margins all around, rich color, Extremely Fine
30c Black, Plate Proof on India (228P3). Top imprint and plate no. 24 block of twelve, large margins, small thin spot in top right sheet margin, Extremely Fine appearance
3c Light Red Violet, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (253TC1). 55 x 60mm, brilliant color, Very Fine, scarce, ex "Lake Shore", accompanied by 253AP1 on 71 x 71mm card with full die sinkage
6c Dim Dusky Red, Die Essay on India (256-E2). 60 x 62mm, crisp impression, design is almost complete except for some shading lines on coat and diagonal lines on beard, Fine, ex "Lake Shore", Scott value as die sunk on card
6c Chestnut Brown, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India, 6c Brown, Large Die Proof on India (256TC1, 256P1). On 72 x 71mm and 68 x 71mm card respectively and showing full die sinkage, first with pencil "4" and "July 6" at bottom, second with toned spots, otherwise Very Fine, the only Trial Color proof listed in Scott is Dark Brown, both ex "Lake Shore"
8c Violet Brown, Large Die Essay on India (257-E1). 43 x 46mm, rich color, small thin spots and tiny translucency at top from removal from card, appears Fine, scarce, ex Brazer and "Lake Shore", this color is unlisted in Scott
10c Green, Large Die Essay on India (258-E1 var). On 84 x 84mm card with full die sinkage, showing incomplete engraving on cheek and ear, few toned spots, otherwise Very Fine, this color unlisted in Scott, Scott value as listed Dark Brown color
50c Deep Orange, Large Die Essay on India (Unlisted in Scott, nominally 260-Eb). 42 x 48mm and mounted on 101 x 120mm card, deep shade, Very Fine, 1991 P.F. certificate no longer accompanies, ex "Lake Shore", unlisted in Scott
$1.00 Black, Large Die Essay on India (261-E6 var). 45 x 50mm and mounted on 113 x 127mm card, crisp impression, showing circular lines extending into oval at lower left, Very Fine, scarce, ex "Lake Shore", Scott value as die sunk on card
5c Dark Blue, Large Die Proof on India (281P1). On 66 x 78mm card and barely showing full die sinkage area, Very Fine
10c Orange Brown, Ty. II, Large Die Proof on India (283P1). On 80 x 80mm card with full die sinkage, radiant color, Very Fine and attractive
1c-$2.00 Trans-Mississippi, Large Die Proofs on India (285P1-293P1). On approximately 105 x 90mm cards showing 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.
(Image Magnifier)1c-10c Pan-American, Large Die Proofs on India (294P1-299P1). On approximately 204 x 152mm cards with full die sinkage, blue control numbers on back (15995, 16069, 16456, 16611, 17035 and 17097), rich colors, 1c card with some very minor scattered toned specks, 10c card toned only on back, Very Fine a beautiful and desirable set of large die proofs for the Pan-American Exposition Issue, especially desirable with the blue Bureau control numbers on back
(Image Magnifier)2c Carmine, Alaska-Yukon, Small Die Proof on Wove (370P2). Brilliant color on pristine paper, Extremely Fine and very scarce, in 1903, 85 Roosevelt presentation albums were prepared and 75 were initially given away, the Alaska-Yukon issue was not released until 1909 and so was not included in the album production, ten albums were initially retained and several years after the first albums were released, some of those ten were updated with stamp issues that came after 1903, we do not know for certain how many were updated, or how many post-1903 proofs were printed and not affixed to albums, suffice it to say that Roosevelt proofs of post-1903 issues are significantly rarer than proofs of the earlier issues, with 2025 P.F. certificate
(Image Magnifier)10c Ultramarine, Special Delivery, Panama-Pacific Small Die Proof on Wove (E6P2a). Large margins, deep rich color, fresh and Extremely Fine, perhaps 3-5 were printed, with 1977 P.F. certificate
(Image Magnifier)1c-50c Claret, 1894 Postage Due, Panama-Pacific Small Die Proofs (J31P2a-J37P2a). Complete set of seven denominations, usual faint overall toning as usually seen on these issues, Very Fine set
(Image Magnifier)1c-50c Claret, 1894 Postage Due, Panama-Pacific Small Die Proofs (J31P2a-J37P2a). Complete set of seven denominations, ample margins, characteristic light toning as usually seen on these issues, few with small thin spots or translucencies, 10c clipped corner at bottom left outside of design, Fine set
(Image Magnifier)1c-90c Official, Plate Proofs on Card (O1P4-O93P4). Complete set of all departments, large margins, Extremely Fine and attractive
(Image Magnifier)10c Green, Ty. V, 24c Gray Lilac (35, 37). Two of first, each with magenta crossed pen lines, few short perfs, otherwise Very Fine example of this Specimen variety, last with 2003 P.S.E. certificate
7c Orange Vermilion, Specimen Ovpt. Ty. B (160S-B). Original gum, clear blue "Specimen" handstamped overprint at bottom, Very Fine and extremely rare
2c-30c 1887-88 American Bank Note Issue, "Sample." Ovpts. (210S-K to 190S-K). Imprint and plate no. strips of five or six, including all four shades of 2c, 4c, 5c, 10c and 30c, all are strips of five except two 2c strips of six, the 4c, 5c and 10c unused (no gum), others original gum, h.r., some perf separations reinforced including pair of one 2c reattached, few small faults, 30c left stamp nicked at top left
FINE-VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE ASSEMBLAGE OF IMPRINT AND PLATE NUMBER STRIPS OF THE 1887-88 AMERICAN BANK NOTE ISSUE WITH "SAMPLE." OVERPRINT.
Scott value $3,150 as singles without premium for the rare multiples.
1c-5c, 10c-90c 1879-1888 Sample A. Specimen Ovpts. (212S-L to 191S-L). Imprint and plate no. strips of five or larger, lacking only the 6c to be complete, the 4c, 10c and 90c of five, others of six except 15c strip of seven, also including single 2c without overprint and matching the color of the strip (listed but unpriced in Scott), rich colors, 4c unused (no gum), others original gum with some Mint N.H., 1c and 10c one stamp of each reattached with hinge
FINE-VERY FINE. AN IMPRESSIVE GROUP OF IMPRINT AND PLATE NUMBER STRIPS OF THE 1879-88 "SAMPLE A." OVERPRINT.
Scott value as singles $3,975 (not counting the unpriced single without overprint) does not adequately convey the rarity of this group.
Specimens Balance. Stock pages containing 29 items from a range of issues, including few Bank Notes with "Sample A." or other, some Officials, one Newspaper, some faults, overall Fine
1890 Issue Proofs Balance. Five items, mostly imperforate on stamp paper including pairs of 4c and 10c, imprint and plate no. strip of five of 5c and imprint and plate no. strip of six of 6c, last is 223P4 imprint and plate no. strip of six, overall fresh and Very Fine, Scott value not taking the imprint strips into consideration
Roosevelt Small Die Proofs Balance. 24, virtually all on original gray card, including Nos. 59P2 (ex Vogel), 77P2, 43P2, 46P2 (oxidized), 61P2, 78P2 (2), 112P2-113P2, 115P2, 121P2, 281P2, 284P2 (2), overall Fine-Very Fine, only approximately 85 of each were produced
Essays, Proofs and Specimens Balance. Old-time stockbook containing a wide range of issues, including 3P4-4P4, 77P4 block of four, 113-E3e block of twelve, 205-E2, 220P5 pair, nice group of Newspapers and Periodicals, some Atlantas especially for Officials, some plate proofs on India or card not part of sets such as 122P3 and 122P4, some Schernikows, some faults, many Fine-Very Fine, a diverse group