Lot 2025
E
1847, 5¢ & 10¢ Models (1-E1, 2-E1), the original frame design mockups in black. The frames are on thin card, hand-drawn in pencil and black ink with a light black India wash. The vignettes are original Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson currency engravings that have been removed and mounted on thin card to showcase the essays. Very Fine and choice.
Estimate 100,000 - 150,000
THE MAGNIFICIENT SET OF THE FIRST ESSAYS FOR OUR VERY FIRST POSTAGE STAMPS
THESE NOW WELL DOCUMENTED ESSAYS ARE INDISPENSIBLE IN TELLING THE FIRST PART OF THE 1847 ISSUE.
Provenance: Major (head of engraving and purported modeler of these essays), Brazer, Dick, Pope, Bierman
The original submittal letter by Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson, dated March 20, 1847 [which is not present but is reproduced here through the courtesy of the National Postal Museum] reads in part, "We beg to submit for your approval, the enclosed designs, which we have prepared for the new stamps for the Post Office Department. In accordance with your suggestion, we have substituted the head of Franklin for that of Genl. Jackson, which Mr. Rawdon was requested to use by the Post Master General…These designs, being mere sketches in India ink and pencil, do not of course appear as perfect as they will when engraved." These essays are discussed in a lengthy article published in the 1997 Congress Book, entitled "Updating the U.S. 1847’s on the 150th anniversary: Beginning, Production, Ending," by the highly respected postal historian, George W. Brett.
These essays were on display in the Court of Honor at Pacific '97.
|
| |
| Realized $175,000 |
