Lot 1775 E
Swaim, Jas., 6¢ Model Essay, on two attached pieces of card (174x61mm), of engraved central oval and dragons and inscriptions penciled in, manuscript "Approved, Dec 9, 1862, Geo. S. Bloutwell, Commissioner" approval signature and date at bottom left, accompanied by the original Jas. Swaim entry from Butler & Carpenter order book, Very Fine, ex-Joyce.Scott No. RS231E Estimate $4,000 - 6,000.
A MAGNIFICENT APPROVAL MODEL ESSAY FOR THE JAMES SWAIM 6¢ MEDICINE ISSUE.
This model shows one type of siderographic shortcut utilized by Butler & Carpenter to save time when engraving the multitude of new dies required by the Revenue Act of 1862. The left-hand 40% of the frame was rotated 180% and mated to the original 60% of the design (and the reason for the break in the card). Thus every engraved line in the upper left dragons is identical to its corresponding line in the lower right dragons.
Realized: $4,250