1857 1p Heraldic A very rare engraved Die Proof printed in black on card mounted india paper, large even margins, no more than five can exist according to leading researcher and collector of the past Robert H. Pratt, VF

Provenance: Dr. Chan Chin Cheung, Christie's (New York), September 1995; Lot 2
Sir Gawaine Baillie, Sotheby's, May 2006; Lot 281
St. Aylott, Eastern Auctions, August 2010; Lot 2 (Image)

Estimate 6000 $

1857 2p Heraldic Engraved Die Proof (stamp size) printed in black on india paper, mounted on thick card, VF

Expertization: 1980 BPA certificate

A VERY RARE DIE PROOF OF THE TWO PENCE HERALDIC - PERHAPS 3 OR 4 OTHERS ARE KNOWN TO EXIST. (Image)

Estimate 5000 $

1857 4p Heraldic Engraved Die Proof (stamp size) printed in black on india paper mounted on thick card; slightly yellowed but a very rare proof - perhaps 3 or 4 others exist, Fine; 1980 BPA cert. (Image)

Estimate 4000 $

1857 5p Heraldic Engraved Die Proof (stamp size) printed in black on india paper mounted on thick card; a very rare proof - the first we recall offering, VF; 1980 BPA certificate (Image)

Estimate 6000 $

1857 6½p Heraldic Engraved Die Proof in superb condition, printed in black on india paper, brilliant fresh on pristine paper, showing characteristic features of the die proof such as continuance of the arc guideline joining SIX PENCE and HALFPENNY into a complete circle in left margin, also shows extension of the framelines in both directions at all four corners, etc. According to Pratt about five examples exist. A fabulous showpiece proof ideal for an advanced collection, XF

Provenance: Dr. Chan Chin Cheung, Christie's (New York), September 1995; Lot 12
St. Aylott, Eastern Auctions, August 2010; Lot 16 (Image)

Estimate 6000 $

1857 8p Heraldic Engraved Die Proof printed in black on india paper, very large margins all around, fresh and in sound condition; showing die proof characteristics such as extension of guidelines at the four corners, also extension of the oval design into the "HT P" of "EIGHT PENCE", etc. Very rarely offered, perfect for a serious collection, VF

Expertization: 2007 BPA certificate

Provenance: Dr. Chan Chin Cheung, Christie's (New York), September 1995; Lot 15 (Image)

Estimate 6000 $

1857 1sh Heraldic Engraved Die Proof in choice condition, printed in black on india paper, showing the approved flower ornaments in all corners. A very rare and appealing die proof, VF (Image)

Estimate 5000 $

1865 Harp Seal Large Die Essay in black on india paper, engraved by C.H. Jeens (Perkins Bacon Company) with oval engine-turned surrounding border, die sunk on card measuring 75 x 50mm; a rarely seen and most appealing essay, VF (Minuse & Pratt 25E-Ab) (Image)

Estimate 750 $

1868 (circa.) 5c Harp Seal American Bank Note Trade Sample Proofs, an impressive assembly of nine different coloured proofs, all engraved and on wove paper, couple with typical thins as often seen, the others are unusually sound, nearly all have the characteristic "circular" marking at top left - a trait only found on the ABNC trade samples. Also two different coloured plate proofs on india. An appealing and difficult group to assemble, VF (Image)

Estimate 1500 $

1868 1c Prince of Wales (First Engraving) An extraordinary Large Die Proof in blackish violet grey - somewhat resembling the issued colour, printed on india paper 50 x 60mm and die sunk on larger card 69 x 81mm; showing National Bank Note Co. N.Y. imprint below design; a fabulous and very rare die proof ideal for exhibition, VF

Provenance: Neville Clifford-Jones, Christie's (New York), March 1993; Lot 1085
St. Aylott, Eastern Auctions, August 2010; Lot 177 (Image)

Estimate 2500 $