2003 Rarities of the World continued...

EXTREMELY FINE. A REMARKABLY PRISTINE SET OF THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI BI-COLOR ESSAYS.

Of the 166 sets printed in these colors, many were hybrids. The set offered here is die sunk and in exceptionally fresh condition. (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB PLATE BLOCK OF THE 8-CENT TRANS-MISSISSIPPI -- ARGUABLY THE FINEST EXTANT.

With 2002 P.F. certificate. (Image)

VERY FINE. A RARE FRAMED PRINT OF "THE VANGUARD", WHICH BECAME THE SUBJECT FOR THE $1.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE.

The $1.00 stamp issued for the Trans-Mississippi exposition was based on an image of cattle in a storm in an engraving by C. O. Murray, a copy of which was loaned to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing by Mrs. C. Bottom Johnson. The engraving was used as a trademark by an American cattle company, but the image originated in an oil painting by J. A. MacWhirter entitled "The Vanguard", which depicts cattle in the West Highlands of Scotland. The Post Office Department was embarrassed when the painting was identified as the property of the Lord Blyworth, who was sent a formal apology and philatelic memento through the British Ambassador. The memento, a proof item, was donated to the Royal Philatelic Society by Lord Blysworth and hangs today on the walls of the Royal. (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE. AN INCREDIBLY RARE USED BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE $1.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE. VERY FEW BLOCKS IN THIS GRADE REMAIN.

Given the demand for high-quality singles, most of the used blocks in this grade have been broken. This is truly a rare survivor. (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE. A SCARCE STAMP WITH SUCH SUPERB CENTERING.

With 1991 P.F. certificate (Image)