Lot
4331 E
1892, 1¢+1¢ Black, Essay, essay on 142 x 90 mm white pelure paper showing the completed stamp design, border and various inscriptions but with much of the background and outside ornamental border unrouted, Very Fine. Scott No. UY1E. USPCC No. MR1mE-Z $4,000.
THE ONLY RECORDED ESSAY FOR THE FIRST REPLY POSTAL CARD ISSUE.
This was made from Miscellaneous Die number 3874 used to produce the Message half of the domestic Reply Card. This essay was produced after all the essential portions had been assembled on the die, including the completed stamp, border, and various inscriptions, but prior to the removal of excess metal from the blank portions of the die, of the ornamentation which was part of Miscellaneous Die number 3639 (the inscription as used on S12), and also prior to the removal of the originally intended border around "Detach Annexed Card / For Answer.".
Realized: $4,750