Lot 1316
P
Revenue, 1862-71 First Issue, Plate Proofs, Presentation set (R1P4//R101P4, R102P3), 91 different comprising all the card proofs produced, less the 10¢ Foreign Exchange and the 15¢ Inland Exchange, plus the $200 on India. All bear one or two strikes of the datestamp "Butler & Carpenter, Philad'a, Apr 12, 1865" except the $200, which is dated Aug 12. Virtually all have large margins and all are bright and fresh. the whole being neatly mounted and written-up on 16 exhibition pages. A unique set with a total Scott value as normal proofs of $9,330.
Estimate 10,000 - 15,000
Accompanying the set are photocopies of three 1865 letters from the Butler & Carpenter archives documenting the origin of the set. The first, dated April 1, is from B & C to Joseph L. Lewis, Commissioner of the Internal Revenue, on behalf of one Jonathan C. Browne of Philadelphia, a member of the Pa. Historical Society, "…who has been for years engaged in the meritorious object of collecting for preservation, every specimen of currency or stamps issued by the Government, corporations or individuals since we became a nation…Mr. Brown is very solicitous to obtain a set of Revenue stamps ere they pass out of existence….(and) we beg your permission to furnish him with a set of proofs duly cancelled"
The second letter, again to Lewis and dated April 12, was apparently sent along with the cancelled proofs for Lewis’ approval. The third letter, April 18, is from B & C to Browne and was accompanied by the proofs, "duly cancelled and approved by the Secretary of the Treasury" and "We hope in a short order to be able to send you a cancelled proof of the Two Hundred Dollar General Stamp."
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| Realized $6,750 |
