10c Green, Ty. I., Large Die
Proof on India (13P1). Die sunk on 97 x 102mm card, sharp impression
and deep rich color, clearly showing layout lines from the die, natural
inclusions normally associated with India paperEXTREMELY FINE. A RARE ORIGINAL LARGE DIE PROOF OF THE TYPE I 10-CENT 1855 ISSUE.
Neinken notes in his book on the 10c stamp that it is likely that design and production of the 10c 1855 was rushed. The new 10c rate went into effect on April 1, 1855 and the new stamps were not placed into use until May. The die proof shows slips of the engraver's tool, and the overall layout is slightly skewed.
A highly exhibitable item (Image)
10c Black, Ty. I, Large Die
Trial Color Proof on India (13TC1). Die sunk on 62 x 77mm card, showing
layout lines from the die, Very Fine and choice, rare
(Image)
10c Black, Ty. I, Large Die
Trial Color Proof on India (13TC1). 46 x 58mm, on card, showing layout
lines from the die, fresh and Very Fine, rare
(Image)
10c Black, Ty. I, Large Die
Trial Color Proof on India, Cut to Shape (13TC1). Two, both appear to
have been either gummed or have some adhesive used on back, one with
overall toning, some faults incl. thin spots, both appear Very Fine, also
includes additional Large Die Proof (13P1) cut to size, these can be
distinguished as die proofs by the presence of layout lines at top, Scott
Retail as full large die proofs (Image)
12c Black, Large Die Proof on
India (17P1). 40 x 46mm, on card, bright shade and fine impression
clearly showing the detailed background, prominent layout lines from the
die, showing unusual recut or slip of the engraver's tool at bottom
rightEXTREMELY FINE. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE ORIGINAL LARGE DIE PROOF OF THE 12-CENT 1851 ISSUE.
Brookman notes that the right inner frameline of the 12c die was weak at bottom right between the rosette and the bottom frameline. He also notes that 4 out of 5 positions on Plate 1 were subsequently recut in this problem area.
We are able to detect two thin lines in this part of the design. This indicates either that the engraver's tool slipped causing a weak area, or that the original engraving was extremely weak, and the engraver had to be retouch this area on the original die. If the latter explanation is true, then his efforts to strengthen the area apparently were not successful given the many recut positions.
Illustrated in Brookman (Image)
12c Black, Pl. III, Plate
Proof on India (36P3). Large margins all around, slightly mottled
impression, faint horizontal crease at bottom, otherwise Very Fine (Image)
12c Black, Pl. III, Plate
Proof on India (36P3). Horizontal pair, large margins to just in at top
left, intense shade and impression, tiny scrape at top right, otherwise
Fine-Very Fine pair (Image)
24c Lilac, Plate Proof on
India (37P3). Horizontal pair and two singles, pair and one single
ample to large margins, other single three ample to large margins incl.
part imprint at right, just in at bottom, Fine-Very Fine group (Image)
24c Lilac, Imperforate
(37a). Huge margins all around incl. sheet margin at bottom,
deep shade, Extremely Fine and choice
(Image)
24c Black, Large Die Trial
Color Proof on India (37TC1). 46 x 43mm, on card, showing layout lines
from the die, fresh and Very Fine, very rare, unlisted as a large die in
Black in Scott, even the plate proof on wove is unpriced (Image)
24c 1860 Issue, Trial Color
Plate Proof on Wove (37TC5). Eight different colors identified by
Finkelburg as Orange, Light Orange, Red Brown, Claret Brown, Orange Yellow,
Deep Blue, Black and Dull Gray Lilac, all have ample to large margins, few
minor faults, all appear Very Fine, a rare and attractive group (Image)