Lot 2317 E
Special Delivery, 1908, 10¢ essay, in dusky green-blue-green-blue, engraved die essay on white wove paper die sunk on card; 2¢ shield #319 affixed to right with pencil markings indicating vertical dimensions of E7 die should match; some minor creasing away from die, Very Fine.Scott No. E7-E5a var. Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
A UNIQUE DESIGN ESSAY FOR THE 10¢ MERRY WIDOW SPECIAL DELIVERY STAMP.
This is apparently BEP die #425, which is engraved rather than a woodblock (typography) as in previous design essays. This design has similar elements to the issued design but differs in many details (the woodblock is much closer to what was issued).