Page last updated: 1-21-10
 

Most of the airmail essay and proof material show below comes from the collection of W. Curtis Livingston. Many of the items were previously in the collections of G. H. Davis and Bernard "Bud" Hennig. Other than the die proofs of C4-6 and C7-9 these essays and proofs are the only examples in private hands.

  C4-C6P1
Complete full size set of die proofs printed on india paper (except for the 8c value which is printed on wove paper) and die sunk on card. Each is signed by then Postmaster General Harry s. New. This set being one of the presentations sets prepared at News's direction and given to members of the Coolidge administration during their last weeks in office. There is a bureau control number on the back of each card: 154047 (8c), 123085 (16c), and 123348 (24c). A scarce set in beautiful condition. (Ex-Livingston) $12,000.00

  C7-C9P1
Complete set of full size die proofs printed on wove paper and die sunk on card. Each is signed by then Postmaster General Harry s. New. This set being one of the presentations sets prepared at News's direction and given to members of the Coolidge administration during their last weeks in office. There is a bureau control number on the back of each card: 1369980 (10c), 5787 (15c), and 31553 (20c) Ex-Livingston) $9,000.00

C20-22 Small die proof set - which is thought to be unique!

C20-22P2
Complete set of small die proof pulled on wove paper and in superb condition. This set last appeared in public auction at lot no. 537 in the 1978 (almost 32 years ago) Sotheby, Parke, Bernet Stamp Auction Co., Inc (Sale No. S-27) which included United States essays, proofs and specimens. The lot hammered for $8,500.00. We know of one other small die proof of C20. However, as a set it is thought to be unique. $10,000.00

C20P2 – Variety
Blue small die proof pulled on yellowish wove paper. PF certificate reads: “it is genuine but thinned”. Probably unique! (EP54-38) $2,250.00

  C45P2
Small die proof printed on yellowish wove bond. An extremely rare proof which does not have the typical Bureau "C" punch. The only known small die proof of this issue in public hands. There is also a 1994 PF certificate. (Ex-Livingston) $5,000.00

  CE1-2 
Seal of the President of the United States die proof printed on india paper and mounted on card. A variant of this design was used for the central design for CE1 and 2 air post special delivery stamps. The Bureau control number on the back is: 751316. $750.00