1c-$5.00 1902-03 Issue, Large
Die Proofs on India (300P1-313P1). Each die sunk on 5-3/4 x 7-3/4 in.
card, fresh and bright, slight abrasion along left edge of each card
(probably from removal of protective tissue), a few cards with mounting
scuffs or remnants on back, several have transparent scotch-tape remnants
that have not stained the card but should be removed for conservation
purposesVERY FINE. ONE OF THREE RECORDED COMPLETE SETS OF 1902-03 ISSUE LARGE DIE PROOFS.
The Bureau control number backstamps (in blue) are as follows: 1c--348932, 2c--348953, 3c--349943, 4c--349070, 5c--349738, 6c--349099, 8c--349130, 10c--349153, 13c--349179, 15c--349196, 50c--349219, $1.00--349243, $2.00--349259 and $5.00--349279.
According to Lewis Kaufman, a highly-regarded dealer and Bureau specialist, there are three recorded sets of 1902-03 Issue large die proofs: Set 1) full cards, ex Franklin D. Roosevelt collection, Set 2) full cards, the set offered here, and Set 3) full cards with approval signatures, which realized $30,000 hammer in the Shreve sale of the Brody collection. We do not know of another complete set, although a partial set of ten is recorded. (Image)
1c-$5.00 1902-03 Issue, Small
Die Proofs (300P2-313P2). Complete set of 14 values mounted on original
full gray card from Roosevelt presentation album, rich colors, minor toned
spots affect 4c, 50c and $2.00, otherwise Very Fine, Scott Retail for
normal cut-down proofs (Image)
$1.00 Black, Panama-Pacific
Small Die Proof (311P2a). 24 x 27mm, intense shade on unusually bright
paper for a Panama-Pacific proof, faint translucent spot in lower right
margin mentioned only for total accuracyEXTREMELY FINE. ONLY THREE TO FIVE SETS OF 1915 PANAMA-PACIFIC SMALL DIE PROOFS ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN MADE.
This is possibly the finest example of the $1.00 1902 Issue Panama-Pacific small die proof in existence. (Image)
$2.00 Dark Blue,
Panama-Pacific Small Die Proof (312P2a). 24 x 27mm, very faint overall
toning as usual for a Panama-Pacific proof, tiny nick in right
marginVERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE $2.00 1902 ISSUE PROOF MADE FOR DISPLAY AT THE 1915 PANAMA-PACIFIC EXPOSITION. ONLY THREE TO FIVE OF EACH VALUE ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN PRODUCED.
The $2.00 in the set of 1902-03 Issue Panama-Pacific proofs sold for $26,000 hammer (vs. $16,800 Scott value) in the Brody sale held by Shreves was notably more toned than the example offered here. (Image)
$5.00 Dark Green,
Panama-Pacific Small Die Proof (313P2a). 24 x 27mm, rich color on
yellowish wove paper but free of usual toningEXTREMELY FINE. THE FINEST KNOWN EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 1915 PANAMA-PACIFIC SMALL DIE PROOF OF THE $5.00 1902 ISSUE. ONLY THREE TO FIVE SETS ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN PREPARED.
This extraordinary $5.00 1902 proof is superior to the proof contained in the ex-Brody set. It has only the faintest hint of toning and appears much brighter than the usual Panama-Pacific proof. (Image)
2c Carmine, Type II, Small
Die Proof (319iP2). Full margins, bright and fresh, Extremely Fine, a
rare 2c Shield die proof (Image)
10c Special Delivery, Rose
Red Trial Color Large Die Proof on Card (E6TC1). Die sunk directly on
107 x 93mm card (without India paper), intense shade, bright and fresh
cardEXTREMELY FINE. ONLY TWO EXAMPLES OF THE ROSE RED TRIAL COLOR PROOF OF THE 1902 10-CENT SPECIAL DELIVERY ISSUE ARE REPORTED TO EXIST. A SPECTACULAR PROOF AND OF INTEREST TO BOTH THE 1902 AND SPECIAL DELIVERY COLLECTOR.
The 1902 Special Delivery design changed from a messenger running on foot to a bicycle messenger. The engraved image is based on a photograph of the designer, R. Ostrander Smith, riding a bicycle (see The Speedy, Henry M. Gobie, p. 119). The stamp was issued in 1902 and re-issued in 1909 from new plates. It is likely that this die proof was prepared in 1902. (Image)