(1c) Black, Large Die Essay on
India, Vignette Only (285-E4). Die sunk on 92 x 83mm card with full die
sinkage, Very Fine and choice, scarce essay, only four are recorded, ex
Wood (Image)
2c Black, Frame Only,
Hand-Drawn Essay on Thick Ivory Paper (286-E7A). 55 x 37mm, stamp-size
drawing in black watercolor and inkVERY FINE. THE UNIQUE HAND-DRAWN DETAILED FRAME ESSAY FOR THE 2-CENT TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE.
Scott Catalogue lists three other hand-drawn essays depicting the frame for the 2c Trans-Mississippi Issue. However, none of those others displays the remarkable detail of the example offered here. The label at bottom is left blank, even though the denomination is present. The only other frame-only essay listed in Scott Catalogue is a die essay for the 8c, which was likely made after approval of this design.
Listed but unpriced in Scott. (Image)
2c Black, Trial Color Plate
Proof on Card (286TC4). Large margins all around, Very Fine and choice,
scarce trial color proof, only four singles and a vertical pair were
recorded by Brazer (Image)
2c Blue, Trial Color Plate
Proof on Card (286TC4). Large margins, bright color, Very Fine and
choice, scarce, only three singles and two vertical pairs were recorded by
Brazer (Image)
(4c) Black, Large Die Essay on
India, Vignette Only (287-E3). Die sunk on 92 x 81mm card with full die
sinkage, lacking right forefoot on bison, few toned spots at bottom
leftVERY FINE. AN INCREDIBLY RARE PROGRESSIVE DIE ESSAY OF THE VIGNETTE FOR THE 4-CENT TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE. VERY FEW ARE KNOWN.
Ex Wood. (Image)
(5c) Black, Large Die Essay on
India, Vignette Only (288-E2). Die sunk on 91 x 82mm card with full die
sinkageVERY FINE. THIS IS THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THE VIGNETTE DIE ESSAY SHOWING THIS STATE OF COMPLETION OF THE VIGNETTE.
One earlier vignette essay is known. It does not show the degree of detail shown in the essay offered here.
Ex Atwood and Wood. (Image)
(8c) Black, Cheyenne Warrior,
Large Die Essay on India, Vignette Only (289-E1). Die sunk on 97 x 86mm
card with full die sinkageVERY FINE. THE UNIQUE ESSAY DEPICTING A CHEYENNE WARRIOR. THIS WAS ENGRAVED, BUT NOT USED FOR ANY VALUE OF THE SERIES. A WONDERFUL SHOWPIECE.
According to "The Trans-Mississippi Issue of 1898" by Randy Neil and Jack Rosenthal, the design was taken from Frederick Remington's Cheyenne Warrior. It was originally intended for the 4c denomination, but was replaced by a different design. Both Brazer and Scott Catalogue list this essay under the 8c stamp.
Ex Hollowbush and Wood. (Image)
(10c) Black, Large Die Essay on
India, Vignette Only (290-E1). Die sunk on 90 x 77mm card with full die
sinkage, depicting the earliest known state of the vignette, fresh and Very
Fine, very rare essay, ex Wood (Image)
(50c) Black, Large Die Essay on
India, Vignette Only (291-E3). Die sunk on 89 x 81mm card with full die
sinkage, some portions of design not yet engraved, fresh and Very Fine,
very rare, ex Wood (Image)
($1.00) Black, Large Die Essay
on India, Vignette Only (292-E1). Die sunk on 91 x 78mm card with full
die sinkage, earliest state of the die with all lines lightly
engravedVERY FINE. AN INCREDIBLY RARE EARLY DIE ESSAY FOR THE VIGNETTE OF THE $1.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE, WHICH IS WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL STAMP DESIGNS EVER PRODUCED. POSSIBLY UNIQUE.
Ex Wood. (Image)
($1.00) Black, Large Die Essay
on India, Vignette Only (292-E2). Die sunk on 90 x 78mm card with full
die sinkage, showing stronger engraved lines than in the previous lot, also
with light outline around design which was later removed, small adhesive
mark at bottom left on card only, otherwise Very Fine, incredibly rare and
beautiful progressive essay for the vignette of the $1.00
Trans-Mississippi, possibly unique (Image)