Is Anyone Collecting US Essays And Proofs?

Rogdcam mentioned the Siegle Saturday auction coming up tomorrow:



He's right, but actually the sale title fwiw is "Essays, Proofs, and Stamps".

I have never participated in one of those "Saturday Sales", so not sure how or how well it works. Anybody here know?

But since the essays being offered are not in full sets, there should be a good chance to get some really fine material at good prices. Some of those Goodalls are still on the card backing which was original for them, and the die items on "ivory" paper are from the ABNCo "Director's Books" prepared by Mandel in about 1894. Originally they were tipped onto mounting pages with a dab of glue in two or more corners. They're a nice representative sampling of the Continental BNCo "Open design" essays of 1876-77. Most folks don't even know they exist (no album for them).

Anyway, we'll see.

If you have ever participated on Siegel's new platform (BidBaller) versus SAN, the process is virtually identical, except that it is an automated computer voice calling the auction rather than an actual human. Otherwise it looks just the same. Each bid automatically bumps the countdown clock by 10 or 15 seconds until last call. It seems to run a bit faster than the usual live auctions. Try it out. No cost unless you bid and win something.

Well, the Siegel sale came and went. There were a number of passed lots in the essays and proofs lots and the ones that did sell went for anywhere from 10% to 30% of catalog save for one or two.

Do you suppose that these numbers are true for essays and proofs generally, or are they perhaps like this for Banknote material in particular? Much of what was offered was material few collectors would know much about unless they were pretty far into the Banknote issues.

What kind of publishing would be needed to keep collectors aware of things like this?

Looking back through Siegel Power Search it seems that in general these things achieve lower percentages of catalog although that is also true for many regular issue items as well.

The upcoming Siegel Rarities of the World sale on 25 June has many actually rare and high dollar US proofs and it will be interesting to see what happens. Likely not a good indicator of general trends since the items are truly in class of their own. Pan-Pacific's (1861-6 small die proofs), 1869 inverts (three complete separate sets), largest known multiples (1887-8 banknotes blocks of 12 with plate blocks contained ex: Lilly) etc.

Something readily available to those interested, and easy to find.

Right now, and correct me wherever I may be wrong - the main general reference, for essays-proofs of all types is the Scott Essay-Proof catalog. I like it, its a pretty good overview of what's out there for the most part.

It seems like, historically, more in-depth specialized items are better covered in reference material for the period or stamp-issue in question. For example, Ashbrook & Neinken cover a lot concerning 1851 issue related essay-proof material in their books on stamps of the period. Things like the 6c essay in the 1c 1851 stamp design, for example.

What would interest me, if it exists, would be a more in-depth book focused on essays and proofs per se, and the different known printings - for example of all the card-proof printings from the 19th century, including the Atlanta's. Then talk about Roosevelt small die proofs, Panama Pacifics, etc... With depth behind the topics - giving background and interesting information to help us better understand what all of these are and why they were printed.

Is there a single book like that - that also covers the 20th century essay/proof material?
(or) are there a couple, that, together cover everything?

I don't want to have to buy the essay-proof journal and read all issues. I just want a nice somewhat in-depth reference for all of this stuff - 19th and 20th century.

I am aware of a Postage Due essay/proof book, but I don't have it. Jim Lee touts it as having good general coverage, but I don't know what that means or what time periods are covered. There is much 20th century stuff with seemingly little documentation anywhere ....?

So I am essentially, answering your question by asking what is out there, and what would you recommend for a general essay-proof collector?

The closest thing to a comprehensive work on the topic of essays and proofs that I could find in search of Phil Bansner's website (109 results for US proofs) but unfortunately confined to revenues:




Imagine this work as a part of a complete survey of US essays and proofs. Now THAT would rock!

Perhaps you would consider compiling a complete survey and publishing it? Could have a positive impact.

The Turner book is great, although the prices were obsolete even when it was published.

I've been told in the past that the Brazer essay-proof book is basically a catalog, and that the Scott catalog, as it is now, is much better. For that reason, I've never bothered to get a copy of Brazer.

Is there any reason (other than just collecting books ) that I should need Brazer in addition to Scott?

Is there any reason (other than just collecting books ) that I should need Brazer in addition to Scott?

From the look at the one on ebay, there is significant additional information:

It depends on what you are looking for. If all you need is the latest listings and current prices, then Scott is great. But Brazer gives you additional information and research that may be helpful depending on your needs and interests.

Here is the basic Scott Specialized listing for 326E1 for example,

Now see that Brazer also gives you the dimensions, designer, engraver, additional details in the description, as well as the belief that it is "unique".


Here is another example. (Apologies for the bad photo, my scanner doesn't go edge to edge). Scott does list the design size for this one, as well as individual prices for each variety and color.


Brazer provides additional details such as the believed creation dates when known (e.g. Nov 4, 1869, Dec 1869, Jan 1870, etc). Brazer does not have prices, just "scarce", "unique", "rare", etc.


Caveat: my scans are from the regular Scott Specialized. If someone has the standalone Scott Proofs & Essays book, does it have any additional details not in the regular Specialized? If so, could you post a photo or scan?

The Johl books discuss the proofs and essays of 20th century stamps. They are online on the Siegel website and on Stampsmarter.

I don't collect them specifically, but like a few others have mentioned, I've planned on getting proofs to fill some very expensive holes in my collection. For example, I know I will never be able to find or afford a 164--the Continental 24c--but I can pick up a proof for less than $50.

Thanks for all of the good information on reference material.

I will pick up a copy of Brazer with my next book order.

I checked the Johl books, and you are certainly correct, that they have some great information on essays & proofs for 20th century stamps.

So, for a general essay/proof collector, to summarize, some good references, without going too deep, seem to be:

Scott Essay Proof Catalog
Brazer Essay Proof book
Johl - United States Postage Stamps of the 20th Century

And since its easy to access on stampsmarter, here is a blog by Jim Lee:

https://stampsmarter.org/learning/H...amesLee.html

edit: I am somewhat surprised that the US Philatelic Classics Society didn't digitize the Brazer book for their online library, but I guess essay/proof stuff is largely out of their domain; belonging in the US Stamp Society now. Someone should digitize Brazer at some point. Just a thought.