Lot 1063 P
1851, 1¢ black, type I, trial color large die proof on India, mounted on card (41 x 40mm), fresh with deep color, reverse with pencil notation "From J. E. Ralph." and signed J. M. Bartels, Very Fine, listed but unpriced in the Scott catalog, ex-Wagshal.Scott No. 5TC1ae Estimate $7,500 - 10,000.
ONE OF TWO KNOWN EXAMPLES OF THE 1851 1¢ TYPE I TRIAL COLOR LARGE DIE PROOF IN BLACK.
In Neinken "U.S. One Cent Stamp of 1851 to 1861", he notes that it his opinion that this rare proof came into existence after 1857 and believes that this die was especially made for the 1875 reprint issue. The notation on reverse refers to a Bureau of Engraving and Printing employee who was known to have distributed a number of die proofs back in 1910.