Five PHOTOGRAPHIC PRELIMINARY DESIGN ESSAYS for the 1¢, 2¢, 5¢, 10¢ and 15¢ values (other denominations are not known), all missing the commemorative inscription 'IIIe Centenaire de Québec' used on the accepted designs (the vignettes on the 1¢ and the 5¢ vignettes are reversed and the 5¢ vignettes were used for the issued 7¢) and mounted on two stiff pieces of brown paper (cut from the American Bank Note Archives record book page) with manuscript dates above, a UNIQUE SET OF ESSAYS.Ex - American Bank Note Co. Archives, Brigham (Image)

Est. C$2,500

96Pvar: 'Stamp-size' Artist's Model of the Half Cent hand-painted on stiff card (95 x 83mm) with pencilled-in frameline around design, the DENOMINATION, FRAME and BORDER elements rendered in black, brown and 'Chinese White' pigment, with two PHOTOGRAPHIC VIGNETTES at centre, the Princess of Wales bust is repainted below the neck and the Prince of Wales is shown in Civilian Dress. Manuscript notations on card abound including '5/13/08', 'Dates a little larger', 'R.L. P.M.G.' (Honourable Robert Lemieux, PMG), 'Change - see letter of April 30/08' and 'JAM' (designer Jose A. Machado). The original card was then remounted on a larger thick display/approval card (157 x 146mm, (with filing punch-hole) bearing manuscript 'Make dates 1608-1908 a little larger', (die number) 'F199' and (series number) 'F1553'' and May 14 approval datestamp on front, violet 'American Bank Note Co. Order Dept. 24 AUG 1908' time stamp on reverse, a UNIQUE TREASURE suitable for the true connoisseur.Ex - American Bank Note Co. Archives, 'Libra', Brigham (Image)

Est. C$15,000

97Pvar,98Pvar,99Pvar: 'Stamp-size' Artist's Models of the One, Two and Five Cent values, each hand-painted on stiff card (70 x 59mm) with pencilled-in frameline around design, the DENOMINATION, FRAME and BORDER elements rendered in 'colour of issue' paint and watercolours touched-up with 'Chinese White' pigment and ACCEPTED DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHIC VIGNETTES at centre, manuscript notations on card include '4/29/08 JAM' (designer Jose A. Machado)' and 'DEW 5/11/08' (Daniel E. Woodhull, V.P., A.B.N. Co) initials/dates, "R.L. P.M.G.' (Rodolphe Lemieux, Postmaster General) plus (die number) 'F191' (on 1¢) and 'F194' (on 2¢). The three original cards were then remounted in form of a 'triptych' on a larger thick display/approval card (256 x 146mm (with filing punch-hole and substantially intact glassine overlay) bearing manuscript 'Engrave Dies + send to Ottawa', (die number) 'F193' above 5¢ plus stamped series number '01533' and May 12 'Entered' datestamp on front, with violet 'American Bank Note Co. Engraving Dept. May 13' and 'American Bank Note Co. Order Dept. 24 AUG 1908' timestamps and initials/'Returned' on reverse. The left vignette of the 2¢ design (presumably Queen Alexandra) has been missing since the original British American Bank Note, Co. Archives sale in 1990, a wonderful and breath-taking example of the designer's art and an absolute 'must-have' for the serious collector of this issue. Ex - American Bank Note Co. Archives, 'Libra', Brigham (Image)

Est. C$35,000

100Pvar,101Pvar: 'Stamp-size' Artist's Models of the Seven and Ten Cent values, each hand-painted on stiff card (101 x 89mm) with pencilled-in frameline around design, the DENOMINATION, FRAME and BORDER elements rendered in approximate 'colour of issue' paint and watercolours touched-up with 'Chinese White' pigment, the 10¢ with reduced and enhanced 1700 QUEBEC PHOTOGRAPHIC VIGNETTE at centre, the 7¢ vignettes (presumably those of Wolfe and Montcalm) have been missing since the American Bank Note Co. sale in 1990, manuscript notations on 7¢ card include 'Seymour' (possibly G.H. Seymour, frame designer) plus die number 'F197', the 10¢ with 'F195' and both with '4/29/08' and '5/11/08' dates and P.M.G./designer approval initials. The two original cards were then remounted on a larger thick display/approval card (256 x 146mm (with filing punch-hole and glassine overlay) bearing manuscript 'Engrave Dies + send to Ottawa' and stamped number '01553' with May 12 'Entered' datestamp on front, violet '(American Bank Note Co.) Engraving Dept. May 13' timestamp and 'D.E.W.' initials (Daniel E. Woodhull, V.P., A.B.N. Co)/''Sent Out'/Returned' handstamps on reverse. A captivating and appealing example of the printer's craft and an indispensable component for an advanced collection. Ex - American Bank Note Co. Archives, 'Libra', Brigham (Image)

Est. C$25,000

102Pvar: 'Stamp-size' Artist's Model of the Fifteen Cent hand-painted on stiff card (100 x 87mm) with pencilled-in frameline around design, the DENOMINATION, FRAME and BORDER elements rendered in approximate 'colour of issue' with paint, 'watercolour' and 'Chinese White' pigment and with PHOTOGRAPHIC VIGNETTE of Champlain's Departure at centre. Manuscript notations on card include 'JAM 4/29/08 (designer Jose A. Machado), 'R.L. P.M.G. (Rodolphe Lemieux, Postmaster General' and 'DEW 5/11/08' (Daniel E. Woodhull, V.P., A.B.N. Co) initials/dates and 'Engrave die + send to Ottawa' with (die number) 'F196'. The original card was then remounted on a larger thick display/approval card (157 x 146mm, (with filing punch-hole and glassine overlay) bearing manuscript initials, stamped series number '01553' and May 12 approval datestamp on front, violet 'American Bank Note Co. Engraving Dept. May 13 1908' timestamp and boxed 'Returned' handstamp on reverse, a 'one-of-a-kind' rarity, sure to enhance even the most advanced collection. Ex - American Bank Note Co. Archives, 'Libra', Brigham (Image)

Est. C$15,000

103Pvar: 'Stamp-size' Artist's Model of the Twenty Cent hand-painted on stiff card (101 x 89mm) with pencilled-in frameline around design, the DENOMINATION, FRAME and BORDER elements rendered in approximate 'colour of issue' with paint, 'watercolour' and 'Chinese White' pigment and with enhanced PHOTOGRAPHIC VIGNETTE of Cartier's Arrival at centre. Manuscript notations on card include (die number) 'F198', (series number)', 'JAM 5/13/08', 'R.L. P.M.G.' and ''F1553' 'SHL' below 'Entered May 14, 1908' handstamp. A noteworthy Canadian rarity. Ex - American Bank Note Co. Archives, 'Libra', Brigham (Image)

Est. C$15,000

96Pvar-103P: ½¢ to 20¢ complete set of 'stamp-size' DIE PROOFS in BLACK on thin card, the ½¢ value showing the Prince of Wales in CIVILIAN DRESS, each one mounted on separate slightly larger card backing, exceedingly rare, one of only two known complete sets.Ex - Senator Henry Hicks, Brigham (Image)

Est. C$10,000

96Pvar-103P: ½¢ to 20¢ complete set of DIE PROOFS in BLACK printed on thin card, the ½¢ value showing the Prince of Wales in CIVILIAN DRESS, each proof approximately 50 x 44mm and showing appropriate die number (F-191 to F-198) and full AMERICAN BANK NOTE CO. OTTAWA IMPRINT, with small negligible thins on reverse, exceedingly rare, one of only two known complete sets.Ex - R. Nickle, Brigham (Image)

Est. C$17,500

96Pvar-103P: ½¢ to 20¢ complete set of 'stamp-size' COLOUR DIE PROOFS printed on thin card, the ½¢ value showing the Prince of Wales in CIVILIAN DRESS, all mounted and arranged on thick large archival card (106 x 120mm, part of the American Bank Note Co. engraver's ledger), a UNIQUE and breathtaking SHOWPIECE. Ex - McNaught, Brigham (Image)

Est. C$10,000

96Pvar: Half Cent LARGE hardened DIE ESSAY in COLOUR OF ISSUE, showing the Prince of Wales in CIVILIAN DRESS, die sunk on India (75 x 62mm) on large card (190 x 113mm) with (die number) 'F-192' and AMERICAN BANK NOTE CO. OTTAWA IMPRINT, manuscript notation 'not used' lower left, hand-stamped 'INDEX COPY' top right and with typewritten 'Canada Centenary of Quebec F1553 1/2¢' at top, all on front and pencil manuscript 'PEM - Washed up photo reduction of engravings filed F1553' on back, the UNIQUE INDEX PROOF and a significant EXHIBITION ITEM.Ex - R. Nickle, Brigham (Image)

Est. C$12,500

96Pvar: 'Stamp-size' PROGRESSIVE Artist's Model of the Half Cent printed in colour of issue on thin card, the vignette with the Prince of Wales in Civilian Dress has been EXCISED & REPLACED by a touched-up sepia PHOTOGRAPHIC VIGNETTE IN MILTARY UNIFORM, mounted on thick card (146 x 120mm) with filing punch hole top left and intact protective overlay, this is the ENGRAVER'S WORKING MODEL (with mounting pin holes in card, red crayon initials and light staining at bottom) and shows the late CHANGEOVER FROM THE INITIALLY APPROVED DESIGN, a unique and significant display piece. Ex - American Bank Note Co. Archives, Brigham (Image)

Est. C$12,500

96Pvar: Half Cent LARGE hardened DIE ESSAY in COLOUR OF ISSUE, showing the Prince of Wales in CIVILIAN DRESS, die sunk on India (75 x 62mm) on large card (146 x 130mm) with filing punch hole top left, (die number) 'F-192' and AMERICAN BANK NOTE CO. OTTAWA IMPRINT, the design was completed June 16 (ink manuscript 'Engraved by Edwin Gunn June 16, 1908' on back) and approved three days later - manuscript notation 'F192 June 19 - 1908' at top, hand-stamped 'APPROVED BY A.S.M. (A.S. Major, Head of ABN Engraving) JUN 19 1908' lower left and initialed 'OK DEW 6/19/08' lower right, all on front plus the violet 'ENGRAVING DEPT JUN 19, 1908' timestamp on back, the UNIQUE ARCHIVAL 'CIVILIAN DRESS' APPROVED ESSAY.Ex - 'Libra', Brigham (Image)

Est. C$10,000

96Pvar: Half Cent LARGE hardened DIE ESSAY in COLOUR OF ISSUE, showing the Prince of Wales in CIVILIAN DRESS, die sunk on India (75 x 62mm) on large card (190 x 113mm) with two large filing punch holes at left, (die number) 'F-192' and AMERICAN BANK NOTE CO. OTTAWA IMPRINT, the DISCOVERY COPY from the engraver's presentation book and a remarkable rarity. Ex - R. Nickle, Brigham (Image)

Est. C$7,500

96Pvar: Half Cent hardened DIE ESSAY in COLOUR OF ISSUE, showing the Prince of Wales in CIVILIAN DRESS and PRINTED ON WOVE PAPER, trimmed to 'stamp-size' at top and sides but showing (die number) 'F-192' and AMERICAN BANK NOTE CO. OTTAWA IMPRINT at bottom, there has been some significant damage to this proof but it is the UNIQUE EXAMPLE PRINTED ON WOVE PAPER for this initial design. Ex - Brigham (Image)

Est. C$1,500

98Pvar: Two Cent Large PROGRESSIVE DIE PROOF in BLACK, die sunk on untrimmed India paper (76 x 63mm) on large card (205 x 137mm), the SECOND STATE OF THE DESIGN showing additional engraving in portraits only, unfinished left and right scrolls and non-erased engraver's guidelines, a very fine and exceedingly RARE PROGRESSIVE PROOF. Ex - R. Nickle, 'Libra', Brigham (Image)

Est. C$5,000

98Pvar: Two Cent Large PROGRESSIVE DIE PROOF in BLACK, die sunk on untrimmed India paper (76 x 63mm) on large card (209 x 136mm), theTHIRD STATE OF THE DESIGN showing additional engraving in the KING'S EYELIDS but the same unfinished scrolls and non-erased engraver's guidelines as before, a gorgeous and exceptionally RARE PROGRESSIVE DIE PROOF. Ex - R. Nickle, 'Libra', Brigham (Image)

Est. C$5,000

Artist's Model used as the basis for engraving the central vignette of the Ten Cent denomination, measuring approximately 180 x 100mm (rounded top edge) and touched up with watercolour, additional bilingual hand-lettered captions at bottom reading 'QUEBEC IN 1700/QUÉBEC EN 1700' and 'FROM AN OLD PRINT IN SULTE'S/HISTOIRE DES CANADIENS FRANCAIS' (published 1882-84) mounted on large card (256 x 146mm) with protective overlay and pencilled 'used on 10¢ stamp Die No. F195 F1553 (order number) ABN Co. Ottawa' at top, initialed and dated in ink lower left '4/29/08 JAM' by designer Jose A. Machado, markings on reverse include pencil numbers '11546' and '3', plus stamped number '01553', boxed 'RETURNED ...11 1908' and 'D.E.W. APR 24, 1908', the design panel has a horizontal crease which does not detract substantially, still a most attractive and UNIQUE PIECE OF PHILATELIC HISTORY. Ex - American Bank Note Co. Archives, 'Libra', Brigham (Image)

Est. C$5,000

96P-103P: ½¢ to 20¢ complete set of finished DIE PROOFS in COLOUR OF ISSUE on India (70-73mm by 62mm) die sunk on card (1¢, 2¢, 7¢ and 15¢ are approximately 175-180mm x 110-120mm, others are 225 x 152mm) with appropriate die number (F-191, F-193 to F-199) and full AMERICAN BANK NOTE CO. OTTAWA IMPRINT, a RARE COMPLETE SET of DIE PROOFS. Ex - Brigham (Image)

Est. C$15,000

96P,99P-103P: ½¢ plus 5¢ to 20¢ hardened LARGE DIE PROOFS in COLOUR OF ISSUE on India (70-73mm by 62mm) die sunk on card (7¢ is approximately 175 x 110mm, others are 225 x 152mm) with appropriate die number (F-193, F-195 to F-199) and full AMERICAN BANK NOTE CO. OTTAWA IMPRINT, a scarce set of DIE PROOFS, missing only the 1¢ and 2¢ for completeness. Ex - Brigham (Image)

Est. C$12,000

96P-103P: ½¢ to 20¢ complete set of 'stamp-size' DIE PROOFS in COLOUR OF ISSUE on India on card, fresh and very fine. Ex - Brigham (Image)

Est. C$4,000

96P-103P: ½¢ to 20¢ complete in 'stamp-size' DIE PROOFS in COLOUR OF ISSUE on India on card, mounted and 'SHADOW-BOX' matted (framing each value) on two very thick PRESENTATION PANELS (manuscript numbered '3' and '4' in top right corner), each with violet boxed 'C.B.N. Co. OTTAWA Engraving Dept. FEB 8 - 1927' datestamp on reverse, a UNIQUE PRESENTATION and DISPLAY ITEM. Ex - Brigham (Image)

Est. C$10,000

96P: Half Cent hardened TRIAL COLOUR DIE PROOF in BLACK, PRINTED ON WOVE PAPER, trimmed to 'stamp-size' at top and sides but showing (die number) 'F-199' and AMERICAN BANK NOTE CO. OTTAWA IMPRINT at bottom, light wrinkle and a bit of black ink offset on front, the UNIQUE EXAMPLE PRINTED ON WOVE PAPER. Ex - Brigham (Image)

Est. C$2,000

96P: Half Cent hardened TRIAL COLOUR DIE PROOF in COLOUR OF ISSUE, PRINTED ON WOVE PAPER, trimmed to 'stamp-size' at top and sides but showing (die number) 'F-199' and AMERICAN BANK NOTE CO. OTTAWA IMPRINT at bottom, some surface and back damage, still a rarity, the UNIQUE EXAMPLE PRINTED ON WOVE PAPER. Ex - Brigham (Image)

Est. C$2,000

96P: Half Cent LARGE hardened DIE PROOF in COLOUR OF ISSUE, die sunk on India (74 x 63mm) on large card (156 x 130mm) with (die number) 'F-199' and AMERICAN BANK NOTE CO. OTTAWA IMPRINT, filing punch hole top left and blue crayon manuscript notation 'OK for Ottawa DEW 7/10-08' at bottom, with 'clock' type JUL 11 'ENGRAVING DEPT.' timestamp and ink notation 'Engraved by Edwin Gunn July 6, 1908' (referring to his engraving of the new design for the Prince of Wales vignette in uniform) on back, light bend in lower left corner, an ideal and significant DISPLAY PIECE.Ex - 'Libra', Brigham (Image)

Est. C$4,000

96P: Half Cent LARGE hardened DIE PROOF in COLOUR OF ISSUE, die sunk on India (74 x 63mm) on large card (175 x 122mm) with (die number) 'F-199' and AMERICAN BANK NOTE CO. OTTAWA IMPRINT, manuscript ink notation 'Approved July 1908' at top, extremely fine and VERY RARE. Ex - Brigham (Image)

Est. C$3,000