Lot 199 Ca. 1869-70 Louis Riel Essay in Green, imperforate with four margins and part of original gum remaining, on vertical wove paper, reading “Republique Canadienne / Canadian Republic”, with no denomination. Much has been written about this essay, including that it might have been produced by Henry Robinson, of the New Nation newspaper for the Provisional Government PM, A. Bannatyne, or even printed by the foreman of the “Norwester”, a newspaper in Fort Garry. A rare and possibly unique early Canadian essay in this colour, small black spot on front, still very fine. Accompanied by articles published on the subject, as well as very interesting personal correspondence with the previous owner about the existing copies of these essays and their possible provenance, etc. Estimate C$6,500.
essay
Lot 312, Sir Sanford Fleming’s Essay for rejected three cent stamp
Lot 312 Canada Rejected Three Cent Essay by Sir Sandford Fleming, being one of two original cabinet card photographs submitted by Sir Sandford Fleming to William Mulock (see letter thanking him for it in this lot). The other card is in the National Archives of Canada. It reads “Design for a British Empire Postage Stamp / by S.F. Ottawa June 21st 1898”. The card is also initialed by Fleming on the back. Note the 3 cent rate instead of the eventual two cent rate. This is in line with Mulock’s earlier failed attempt to lower the rate to three cents. The design was submitted prior to the July 1898 London conference where the lower two cent rate was advocated by Mulock. Ultimately Mulock would select the design he assisted Mr. Warren Green with designing. One of four different essays for the Penny Postage stamp in the National Archives of Canada. Also includes an August 1898 Signed Letter From PMG William Mulock to Sir Sandford Fleming, written on Office of the High Commissioner for Canada letterhead, Mulock thanks Fleming for the sketch submitted for the Empire Penny Post scheme. An important historical document between two of Canada’s greatest philatelic personalities. Both items are ex. Fawn. Rsv. Estimate C$2,000.
Lot 438, Great Britain 1901 line engraved essay, “Canadian Head”
Lot 438 Great Britain Circa 1901 Unadopted Bradbury and Wilkinson Line Engraved Essay of King Edward VII, in brown, on ungummed and unwatermarked wove paper, denominated at 1d. This is also called the “Canadian Head,” as it is identical to Canada’s 1903-1908 King Edward VII definitive issue head design. A block of four of this essay (in blue) sold at a large auction house in England in 2006 for £600. We have not otherwise seen this in any of the important GB or Canadian King Edward VII exhibits or literature. Very fine and rare. Estimate $250.