Lot 312, Sir Sanford Fleming’s Essay for rejected three cent stamp

Lot 312, Sir Sanford Fleming's Essay for rejected three cent stampLot 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 An important historical document between two of Canada’s greatest philatelic personalities.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.