901

Lot 901: Proof Vignette Sheet, 1841

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Lot  901: Proof Vignette Sheet, 1841
<b>Security Printing History</b><hr><b>Superb Presentation Proof Vignette Sheet</b>

<b>A. Vattemare, 1841, Rawdon, Wright, & Hatch Bank Note Engravers India Paper Proof on Card Presentation Sheet, Choice Extremely Fine.</b>
This is a proof item that a photo does no justice to as its overall presentation in person overwhelms a scan or description. This proof sheet, overall size of image area 19.5” by 13.25”, was created in 1841 by RW&H as the frontis of some presentation albums of obsolete banknote proofs that were being given to Alexander Vattemare. Mr. Vattemare was an exchange specialist with many connections and in this time period he seems to have used his influence to obtain proof notes from RW&H. They created this maginificent sheet with his collaboration. The lettering work was done by Wellstood and he gets a credit line along the bottom. At the bottom center is an advertising note for RW&H. This is the first we have handled and we can’t recall seeing one on the market for many years. The Vattemare sales were conducted by Robson Lowe (Christie’s) in 1982 and the example in that sale (Lot 1537) brought $880.00. Although that pedigree was stronger, the condition on this might be finer. There is a natural fold vertically as printed and distributed, otherwise the condition for such a large proof sheet is strong. For display and history of obsolete currency-just about unmatched!