(12c) Black, Composite Large Die
Essay on India, Cut Close and Mounted on Block Sunk Card (17-E1). 77 x
57mm with full block sinkage area, portrait pasted into place, lacking any
text whatsoever, lightly thinned on back only which is virtually
undetectableVERY FINE. THE UNIQUE ORIGINAL DIE ESSAY FOR THE 12-CENT 1851 ISSUE. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF THE ISSUE AND ONE OF THE MOST DRAMATIC CLASSIC ESSAYS IN EXISTENCE.
This essay was prepared by Toppan, Carpenter, Casilier & Co., the winners of the contract to print stamps to meet requirements due to the rate change of July 1, 1851. This essay is 3mm shorter than the issued stamp, and the background lines are incomplete. The portrait has been pasted into place -- this may have been due to either a change in portrait during the design process, or an element of flexibility built into the design process.
In our opinion and compared with other 1851 Essay realizations, this major classic essay is undervalued in the current Scott Catalogue. (Image)
12c Brown Violet, Large Die
Essay on India, Cut to Shape (17-E2). Clear and even margins all
around, radiant color, differs from issued design in absence of tiny
crosses in center rows of diamonds at top, sides and bottom, Very Fine and
choice, an attractive essay (Image)
(12c) Washington, Large Die
Essays on Proof Paper (69-E1b). Three, approximately 64 x 65mm with
full die sinkage, colors incl. Green, Lilac and Red Violet, Very Fine and
choice, two ex Brazer and hinged on his color identification cards (Image)
(12c) Washington, Large Die
Essay on Green Bond (69-E1c). Complete for all three Scott-listed
colors, approximately 62 x 64mm with full die sinkage, rich colors, fresh
and Very Fine (Image)
(12c) Washington, Dark Carmine,
Large Die Essay on Light Blue Colored Card (69-E1d). 73 x 73mm with
full die sinkage, bright color, small thin spot on back at bottom of card,
appears Very Fine (Image)
12c Washington, Large Die Essay
on Proof Paper (69-E2a). Three, approximately 64 x 64mm with full die
sinkage, colors incl. Green, Lilac and Red Violet, radiant colors, Very
Fine and choice (Image)
12c Black, Die II, Large Die
Essay on Old Proof Paper (69-E2b var). 49 x 51mm, detailed impression
clearly showing the Die II characteristics, shallow thinning across top,
Very Fine appearance, scarce, with 1990 P.F. certificate, Die II shows
blurring around outer oval and more detailed engraving on the face of the
portrait, Scott Catalogue only lists this design as Die I
(Image)
12c Yellow Brown, Washington,
Large Die Essay on Pale Thin Yellow Wove (69-E2d). 65 x 64mm with full
die sinkage, bright color, fresh and Very Fine
(Image)
12c Washington, Large Die Essay
on Colored Card (69-E2e). Complete set of all six colors, approximately
74 x 74mm with full die sinkage, brilliant colors, Very Fine and choice, a
colorful and scarce complete group (Image)
12c Washington, Large Die Essay
on Proof Paper (69-E3a). Four, approximately 60 x 62mm with full die
sinkage, colors incl. Green, Black Blue, Lilac and Red Violet, fresh and
Very Fine, attractive group (Image)
12c Dark Green, Large Die Essay
on Old Proof Paper, 1851 Die with Border Lines Complete, Upper Right
Rosette Blank (69-E3g). 50 x 53mm (the exact area of die sinkage), deep
rich color, Very Fine and choice, scarce, this is the first example in this
color we have offered since keeping computerized records, with 1990 P.F.
certificate (Image)