CARRIERS

EXTREMELY FINE. THE ORANGE TRIAL COLOR PROOF IS RARE -- THIS IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE OF THE PLATE CRACK IN THIS COLOR KNOWN TO US.

The 1851 Franklin Carrier plate prepared by Toppan, Carpenter, Casilear & Co. was marred by a large, nearly horizontal crack across six stamps in the second row from the top (Positions 18-20L and 11-13R), as the plate wore, the crack extended further into the two adjoining positions at left and right (17L and 14R). It is significant that the crack on this Orange proof is from the early state, which settles the question of whether the Orange trial color impressions were early (as Perry thought) or late (as Luff stated).

The plate crack is found on original proofs, issued stamps and reprint proofs. The Orange trial color proof is not listed with the plate crack (as is the Blue plate proof). We do not know if more than one Orange sheet was released, duplicate examples of any one position would indicate more than one sheet reached collectors, but the great rarity of the Orange proof suggests otherwise. With only six plate-crack positions present in the early state of the plate, from which the Orange impressions were made, it is possible that no more than six examples of the Orange trial color ever existed with the crack. The example offered here is the first we have seen, and we would welcome the report of additional examples (or of duplicate Orange proofs from the same position).

Ex Crocker. (Image)