Sale 2Completed: June 8, 2024

The NAPEX Sale

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Lots 1454—1505

Essays and Proofs

  • Lot 1454

    1847-1893 Plate Proof Set, complete four margin set comprising 3P4-4P4, 40P4-47P4 + Lol & L02P4, 63P4-78P4 complete set of 12, 112P4-129P4, 156P4-166P4, 183P4, 185P4, 205P4-209P4, 210P4-211P4, 213P-218P4, 219P4, 219DP4, 220P4-229P4, and 230P4-245P4 Columbians complete, a Very Fine complete set.

    Scott No. 1P4//245P4   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $7,525.
  • Lot 1455

    1847, 5¢ red brown, large die proof on white bond paper, 43 x 50mm with full cross-hatching, intense color, stray printer's ink well outside the design; some wrinkling, otherwise Very Fine.

    Scott No. 1P1a   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $800.

    Realized: $160

  • Lot 1456

    1847, 5¢ red brown, large die proof on pink bond paper, 33 x 43mm with cross-hatching partly trimmed away at left, bold watermark at left, rich color on Pink paper, F.-V.F., ex-"Chesapeake", Gross .

    Scott No. 1P1b   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $1,250.
  • Lot 1457

    1847, 5¢ red brown, large die proof on yellowish wove paper, 30 x 44mm with cross-hatching, beautiful complementary impression and paper color, F.-V.F.

    Scott No. 1P1e   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $800.
  • Lot 1458

    1847, 5¢ red brown, plate proof on India paper, full to large margins, dark shade; slight toning and crease, otherwise Very Fine.

    Scott No. 1P3S   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $600.
  • Lot 1459

    1856, 5¢ deep red brown, trial color plate proof on wove, large margins, intense shade and impression, Very Fine and scarce proof; with 1984 P.F. certificate.

    Scott No. 12TC5c   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $1,500.

    Realized: $300

  • Lot 1460

    1¢ blue & 3¢ rose Wyckoff Patent, Plate Proofs on Surface Starched Paper, Perforated, blocks of four, o.g., 1¢ with h.r., issued colors, lower right corner of 3¢ block show ink removed to confirm patent, Fine and exceptionally rare in issued colors, Only two 3¢ blocks are recorded .

    Scott No. 63E, 65E   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  Estimate $750 - 1,000.

    Realized: $500

  • Lot 1461

    1865, 1¢ Franklin, Bowlsby coupon essay, in red, plate on white paper, perf. all around, imperf between stamp and coupon, block of four, o.g., never hinged, rich color, F.-V.F. and scarce block.

    Scott No. 63-E13g   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $800+.

    Realized: $475

  • Lot 1462

    1861, 5¢ black, trial color large die proof on India paper, die sunk on 71 x 88mm card with full die sinkage showing "Die 442" and "National Bank Note Co. N.Y." imprint at bottom, Very Fine and scarce large die trial color proof.

    Scott No. 67TC1ae   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $2,500.
  • Lot 1463

    1861, 3¢ scarlet, trial color plate proof on India paper, block of four, bright color, large margins, layout lines near bottom, trivial translucencies, fresh and Very Fine, a scarce block.

    Scott No. 74TC3   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $725.

    Realized: $350

  • Lot 1464

    1863, 5¢ brown, large die proof on India paper, mounted on 139 x 217mm card with black "SPECIMEN" overprint across stamp and full imprint in blue at bottom, from a National Bank Note Co. sample book, Very Fine and rare.

    Scott No. 76P1 var.   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.

    ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED 5¢ BROWN LARGE DIE PROOFS WITH BLACK "SPECIMEN" OVERPRINT.
  • Lot 1465

    1866, 3¢ Loewenberg Decalcomania Essays, three exhibit page collection showing various Loewenberg decal essays including singles, blocks, 79-E8a violet complete sheet of 25, printing on gum error, etc.; some typical flaws, Very Fine collection.

    Scott Nos. 79-E8, E9   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  Estimate $500 - 750.

    Realized: $400

  • Lot 1466

    National Bank Note Co., 3¢ Typographic and Lithographic Plate Essays, wonderful collection mounted on four exhibit pages of 70 essays in singles and multiples, 79-E23 essays comprise 11 essays with two hybrid die proofs, singles and two pairs, 79-E25 represent the various paper types, patents of Loewenberg, MacDonough and Wyckoff, and the "C" Grill, typical centering on the perforated examples, overall condition excellent, fresh and Very Fine group.

    Scott No. 79-E23, 79-E25   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.

    Printed using lithography rather than steel engraved plates -- the goal being a reduction in the cost of printing the stamps while producing a product that could not be reused.

    Realized: $1,500

  • Lot 1467

    1864, 2¢/90¢, Loewenberg Decalcomania Plate Essays, plate proofs on goldbeater's skin paper, imperf, collection mounted on two pages comprising 3¢ rose (block of four), 3¢ brown, 3¢ lake pair, 3¢ blue, 2¢ black (single and irregular imprint block), 2¢ black on pale rose, 3¢ lake on pale green (pair), 5¢ brown (single, and imprint strip of three), 10¢ green on pale rose, 24¢ lilac, 12¢ black (single and plate 46 strip), 24¢ lilac (plate 6 block of four), 90¢ blue (pair and block of four); nice condition for this extremely fragile paper, Very Fine and beautiful collection.

    Scott No. 79-E65P5a//79-E73P5   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.

    Realized: $1,400

  • Lot 1468

    1867, 3¢ N.B.N.C. colorless embossed shield-design grill essays, on white wove stamp paper, perf'd and gummed, two different size shields, E18j single with tiny thin speck, and E18k single no gum and horizontal pair with top right corner selvage with a few tone specks in selvage, Very Fine and desirable group with position piece.

    Scott No. 79-E18j, E18k   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $1,500.

    Realized: $400

  • Lot 1469

    1867, National Bank Note Co., 3¢ black, Engraved Shield Die Essay on India, strip of three, 114 x 42mm, with "One Thousand Dollars" and "1570" imprints at bottom, Very Fine.

    Scott No. 79-E19a var.   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $3,000 as normal.

    ONE OF TWO RECORDED BLACK IMPRINT EXAMPLES OF THIS 1861 ISSUE SHIELD ESSAY PRINTED BY NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY.

    This essay depicts the 3¢ 1861 Issue frame design surrounding a shield with a central "3". The inside designs progressively diminish from left to right on all examples, but they are far more visible on the engraved examples. In addition, there is extra lathework around the shield on the right two essays that only shows on engraved examples.

    Realized: $1,200

  • Lot 1470

    1867, National Bank Note Co., 3¢ brown, Engraved Shield Die Essay on India, strip of three, die sunk on 150 x 58mm card with full die sinkage, intense impression and with "One Thousand Dollars" and "1570" imprint at bottom, few toned spots, Very Fine, ex-Lake Shore .

    Scott No. 79-E19a var.   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $3,000 as normal.

    THE ONLY RECORDED BROWN IMPRINT EXAMPLE OF THIS 1861 ISSUE SHIELD ESSAY PRINTED BY NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY.

    This essay depicts the 3¢ 1861 Issue frame design surrounding a shield with a central "3". The inside designs progressively diminish from left to right on all examples, but they are far more visible on the engraved examples. In addition, there is extra lathework around the shield on the right two essays that only shows on engraved examples.

    Realized: $1,200

  • Lot 1471

    1867, National Bank Note Co., 3¢ green, Engraved Shield Die Essay on India, strip of three, die sunk on 150 x 58mm card with full die sinkage, intense impression and with "One Thousand Dollars" and "1570" imprint at bottom, few toned spots, Very Fine, ex-Lake Shore .

    Scott No. 79-E19a   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $3,000.

    THE ONLY RECORDED GREEN IMPRINT EXAMPLE OF THIS 1861 ISSUE SHIELD ESSAY PRINTED BY NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY.

    This essay depicts the 3¢ 1861 Issue frame design surrounding a shield with a central "3". The inside designs progressively diminish from left to right on all examples, but they are far more visible on the engraved examples. In addition, there is extra lathework around the shield on the right two essays that only shows on engraved examples.

    Realized: $1,200

  • Lot 1472

    1867, 3¢ dark red brown, Typographed Shield Die Essay on Thin Card, colored and colorless parts interchanged, strip of three showing progressively lighter impressions, 122 x 36mm, fresh and Very Fine, ex-Finkleburg, Lake Shore .

    Scott No. 79-E19c var.   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $2,750 as normal.
  • Lot 1473

    1867, 3¢ blue green, Typographed Shield Die Essay on India, colored and colorless parts interchanged, strip of three showing progressively lighter impressions, 119 x 37mm, fresh and Very Fine.

    Scott No. 79-E19c va   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $2,750 as normal.
  • Lot 1474

    1867, 3¢ N.B.N.C. blue shield-design grill essay on pink lilac paper, stamp size; tiny thin spot and corner nick, Fine and rare essay, ex-Lake Shore .

    Scott No. 79-E22   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $3,000.

    Realized: $500

  • Lot 1475

    1867, 3¢ Washington, N.B.N.C. lithographed essay, in red violet, vignette only, face dotted, solid background, 81 x 46mm with showing die sinkage, minor top right corner thin, otherwise Very Fine and scarce.

    Scott No. 79-E24a   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $750.
  • Lot 1476

    1867, 3¢ Numeral, N.B.N.C. black essay, untrimmed die on stiff Ivory paper, 63 x 43mm, intense impression, fresh and Very Fine, ex-Lake Shore .

    Scott No. 79-E28a   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $700.

    Realized: $550

  • Lot 1477

    1867, 3¢ A.B.N.C. "Experiment" black frame-only model essay, die on wove affixed on 29x49mm tan card, "EXPERIMENT" in top label, colors reversed from normal with black lettering and a black outer frame, abrasion spot, otherwise Very Fine.

    Scott No. 79-E29Xa   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $2,500.

    THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THIS 3¢ AMERICAN BANK NOTE CO. FRAME-ONLY MODEL ESSAY.

    Realized: $1,600

  • Lot 1478

    1867, 3¢ Liberty, N.B.N.C. albino vignette only essay, die sunk on 67x77mm white card showing smaller die size, Very Fine.

    Scott No. 79-E30b var.   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  Estimate $300 - 400.

    This Liberty head is slightly different than the 79-E30 finished design lacking the "Liberty" head band, hair placement, etc.
  • Lot 1479

    1867, 3¢ Liberty, N.B.N.C. albino vignette only essay, on 28x33mm white card, faint traces of vignette also shows, Very Fine and rare.

    Scott No. 79-E30r   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  Estimate $300 - 400.

    Realized: $300

  • Lot 1480

    1867, 3¢ Liberty, N.B.N.C. Vignette Only Typographed Die Essays on Proof Paper, 46x53mm or larger, set of three Scott listed colors comprising blue, blue green and black, small typical flaws including some light thins and two with trivial pinholes, Very Fine appearing.

    Scott No. 79-E30b   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $2,250.

    Realized: $800

  • Lot 1481

    1867, 3¢ Liberty, N.B.N.C. Vignette Only Typographed Die Essays on Proof Paper, 66x100mm or larger, "National Bank Note Co. N.Y." imprint at bottom, set of three Scott listed colors comprising blue, blue green and black, small typical flaws including some light thins and two with trivial pinholes, Very Fine and choice complete set.

    Scott No. 79-E30c   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $1,800.

    Realized: $1,000

  • Lot 1482

    1867, 3¢ Liberty, N.B.N.C. die essays on white wove stamp paper, with imprint and gummed, o.g., some hinge remnants, group of 5 different colors comprising dim orange-red, scarlet, dull olive-green, brown and dull yellow-orange, small flaws including couple with small tears, Very Fine group.

    Scott No. 79-E30i   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $750.

    Realized: $450

  • Lot 1483

    1867, 3¢ Liberty, N.B.N.C. die essays on white wove stamp paper, with imprint, perf 12, vignette oval perf 16 and gummed, o.g., some hinge remnants, group of 5 different colors comprising light yellow-green, dull brown-orange, brownish-grey, pale violet and yellow-brown, some small flaws, Very Fine group.

    Scott No. 79-E30k   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $750.

    The center of the design is surrounded by perforations as required by the patent. But contrary to the Bierce-Spencer patent, it is gummed.

    Realized: $450

  • Lot 1484

    3¢ Liberty, N.B.N.C. imperforate plate essays on stiff ivory paper, group comprising carmine single and block of four, pairs of dark blue-green, rose-violet and yellow, and strip of four with dark violet, orange, dark green and dull yellow-green, fresh and Very Fine group.

    Scott No. 79-E30   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $1,650.

    Realized: $800

  • Lot 1485

    1867, 3¢ Liberty, N.B.N.C. "Rainbow" imperforate plate essays on white wove, color blend, complete set of 14 Scott-listed color combinations comprising 16 total with one block of four, five vertical pairs and two singles originally forming vertical pair, Very Fine and rare complete set.

    Scott No. 79-E30l   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $2,400.

    This complete set proved an uncataloged color combination of dull carmine to brown-olive that has now been listed in Scott. Brazer lists all the colors, but not in their correct color combinations.

    Realized: $1,500

  • Lot 1486

    1867, 3¢ Liberty, N.B.N.C. "Rainbow" imperforate plate essays on transparent wove paper, color blend block of eight, large margins, showing all Scott-listed color combinations including red violet-deep violet to blue green-dark violet red, Extremely Fine.

    Scott No. 79-E30m   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $1,200.

    ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED 3¢ LIBERTY HEAD ESSAY RAINBOW BLOCKS OF EIGHT.

    Realized: $750

  • Lot 1487

    1867, 3¢ Liberty, N.B.N.C. "Rainbow" imperforate plate essays on stiff yellowish wove paper, complete set of 8 Scott listed colors, couple with small flaws, a Very Fine and scarce complete set.

    Scott No. 79-E30n   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $1,200.

    Realized: $750

  • Lot 1488

    1867, 3¢ Liberty, N.B.N.C. "Rainbow" plate essays on gummed stamp paper, outside edge perf 12, color blend, complete set of 10 Scott-listed color combinations in vertical pairs, Very Fine and rare complete set.

    Scott No. 79-E30o   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $1,500.

    This complete set proved an uncataloged color combination of brown-red to brown-olive.

    Realized: $1,500

  • Lot 1489

    1867, 3¢ Liberty, N.B.N.C. imperforate plate essays on transparent wove paper, large margins, group comprising strip of four with purple, pale gold, blue-green and dull green; and three blocks of four: pinkish-red, pale gold, blue-green/gold, few typical flaws, Very Fine and scarce group.

    Scott No. 79-E30p var.   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $2,400.

    Realized: $1,600

  • Lot 1490

    1868, 5¢ N.B.N.C. black frame-only lithograph die essay on ivory paper, large untrimmed margins measuring 62 x 75mm, Very Fine and choice example of this exceptionally rare essay, ex-Lake Shore, Drews .

    Scott No. 79-E35c   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $2,000.

    Realized: $1,100

  • Lot 1491

    1869 (1880 Re-issue), 1¢ dark buff, plate proof on India, pos. 89R, extra large margins, mounted on card, fresh and Extremely Fine; with photocopy of 2018 P.F. certificate for block of 32.

    Scott No. 133P3   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $100.

    Realized: $120

  • Lot 1492

    1870, N.B.N.C. Issue, 1¢ to 90¢ complete, plate proofs on India paper, large margins, bright and fresh, a Very Fine premium set.

    Scott No. 145P3-155P3   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $310.

    Realized: $275

  • Lot 1493

    1879, 30¢ full black, A.B.N.C. printing, plate proof on card, pos. 62, large margins, fresh and Extremely Fine; signed J. Lee in pencil.

    Scott No. 190P4   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $400.

    Realized: $450

  • Lot 1494

    1880, 2¢ black brown, A.B.N.C. "Soft Paper" Special Printing, plate proof on card, pos. 74, large even margins, blue J.E. Lee backstamp, fresh and Extremely Fine; with photocopy of 2001 P.F. certificate for pane.

    Scott No. 193P4   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $400.

    Realized: $250

  • Lot 1495

    1894, 1¢//$5 First Bureau Issue plate proofs on card, each large margins, Very Fine and scarce set.

    Scott No. 247-248P4, 256P4, 262-263P4   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $1,550.

    Realized: $450

  • Lot 1496

    1893, Columbians complete, large die proofs, printed directly on card, printed directly on approximately 220x142mm cards, fresh beautiful colors, each with "American Bank Note Co. New-York." imprint at bottom, Very Fine.

    Scott Nos. 230P1-245P1   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $7,000.

    A RARE COMPLETE SET OF 1893 COLUMBIAN ISSUE LARGE DIE PROOFS PRINTED DIRECTLY ON CARD.

    The Columbian Issue large die proofs come printed directly on card and on India paper die sunk on card.

    Realized: $2,000

  • Lot 1497

    1894, 2¢ carmine, type III, "Fat George" Large Die Essay on India, die sunk on 60 x 87mm card, bright color, Very Fine and rare.

    Scott No. 252-E3   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $2,000.

    ONE OF ONLY THREE RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THIS DISCARDED DIE, WHICH SHOWS A HEAVIER GEORGE WASHINGTON.

    This "Fat George" essay was pulled from the discarded die that has significant differences from the final Type III die and was never used for stamp production. The design shows a puffy-faced, heavier George Washington.
  • Lot 1498

    Special Delivery, 1885-93, 3 different, plate proofs on card, each four large margins.

    Scott No. E1P4-E3P4   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $130.

    Realized: $150

  • Lot 1499

    Registry Seal, 1872, black, die essay on India, removed from card and reduced to stamp size; small tear and thins, Fine appearance, a rare intaglio die essay .

    Scott No. OXF1-E1   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $1,500.

    Realized: $450

  • Lot 1500

    Registry Seal, 1872, blue, die essay on card, die sunk on 112 x 69mm card, brilliant rich color; faint tone spot, still Very Fine.

    Scott No. OXF1-E2a   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $1,000.

    Realized: $550

  • Lot 1501

    Registry Seal, 1872, blue, die essay on Ivory paper, colored border, die on 106 x 61mm paper, brilliant color; couple minor thins, still fresh and Very Fine, ex-Christiansen, "Chesapeake" .

    Scott No. OXF1-E3d   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $1,000.

    Realized: $600

  • Lot 1502

    Registry Seal, 1872, blue, die essay on Ivory paper, colored border, die sunk on 113 x 69mm paper, brilliant rich color; minor hinge thin, still fresh and Very Fine.

    Scott No. OXF1-E3d   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $1,000.

    Realized: $750

  • Lot 1503

    Official Seal - Registry, 1872, brown, trial color die proof on card, colored border, 121 X 72 mm, fresh and Very Fine, ex-Christiansen, "Chesapeake" .

    Scott No. OXF1TC2f   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $1,000.

    Realized: $800

  • Lot 1504

    2¢ Bank Check, Loewenberg Decalcomania Essays (Turner Essay 42), perfed and gummed, mounted exhibit page with two singles, three pairs and two margin blocks, range of colors, few flaws as usual, faults as often associated with this fragile paper, Very Fine and colorful group.

    Estimate  ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $300 - 400.

    Realized: $240

  • Lot 1505

    Revenue, 1862-71, 10¢ Bicolored Essays, four pairs in different colors, large to huge margins, Very Fine and scarce group.

    Scott No. R32E var.   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  Estimate $400 - 600.