Lot 2312 E
1908, 10¢ blue, die essay of woodblock only on yellowish wove, woodblock die impression of the original design, very similar to what was issued by the Bureau of Engraving and printing, measuring 57x50mm showing the design and a portion the uncleared woodblock surround outside the border, otherwise Very Fine.Scott No. E7-E4a var. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED SIGNED EXAMPLES, THIS EXAMPLE HAVING THE FULL UNCLEARED WOODBLOCK SURROUND.
The listings by Scott, which were taken from Brazer, is confusing. The E4 essays come in two distinct versions, first is a strike of the woodblock die impression only. The second version is a strike of an underlying moire print in addition to the woodblock die impression, which adds more shading throughout the the design to the inner frame (such as light vertical lines in the inscription tablet). The intensity and color of the two impressions causes the listed color varieties. This signed single die impression should receive a different listing and is far rarer than what is listed by Scott. The woodblock die was turned over to the Bureau by Whitney and given die #446.