| Description |
Bridgeport, CT - Bridgeport Bank $5 Audubon Running Grouse Vignette 18__ CT-25 G84. Proof. PCGS Very Choice New 64. Another exciting and very rare offering of a historic Obsolete note type. This proof also features the running grouse adapted after Audubon, using the original Fairman, Draper, Underwood & Co. die, but with a slightly later successor imprint. An India paper proof, affixed to new card. With the dual imprint of N. & S. S. Jocelyn, N. York & N. Haven/Draper, Underwood, Bald & Spencer. The period of this short-lived imprint combination indicates the plates were prepared in approximately 1840 or so (the first imprint printed the Territory of Florida notes for example, all hand-dated 1830), using the original Fairman, Draper, Underwood & Co. running grouse die at the base. A superbly rendered design with a custom top central vignette of Bridgeport harbor. A couple in the foreground takes in the scene across the tranquil waters, viewing the buildings across the way. A ship appears anchored in the center and a small steamboat at the left is churning water as it prepares to pass. Flanking the vignette are "5" square dies on shaded lathe work. Plenty is seated at the left end and Liberty at the right end; each corner has FIVE on lathe work. The vignette of Audubon's running grouse is at the base. This has an uncertain earlier pedigree (that is, before the American Bank Note Company archives sales) and possibly is the Haxby plate note (if that illustrated a photocopy). Published in the original Peck and Newman article as Figure 8b. A choice example, and a showpiece. The most recent Whitman Encyclopedia, volume 3 illustrates only a partially finished proof of this type. This might be unique as a finished proof, and it is unknown issued. Like all of these Audubon grouse-vignetted items, a key opportunity. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
From Newman X (Heritage Auctions, November 2018), lot 20109, realized $6000. |
