| Description |
[Bridgeport, CT - Bridgeport Bank] $5 Audubon Grouse Vignette Type of CT-25 G84. Proof. PCGS Choice New 63 Apparent. A second Bridgeport Bank $5 proof, but an essay or partially finished proof primarily for the engraved designs; missing all the titles and obligations across the center. The imprint is different, with only Draper, Underwood, Bald & Spencer at the upper right. However, the running grouse vignette at the base is a beautifully rendered, finished version. An India paper proof, affixed to original paper backing (cut from a four-subject sheet), as originally from the ABN archives. There is a shadow image of a $10 proof on the back of the paper. Originally with all the vignette design elements as the final proof, Bridgeport harbor scene, Plenty left, and Liberty at right (on this example, cut-out and removed). The FIVE and "5" block counters are present, but lack some finishing details. At the base is the final version of the vignette of Audubon's running grouse as engraved initially for Fairman, Draper, Underwood & Co. This example was originally the bottom impression of an essay proof sheet (or "partially finished proofs" as cited in description) in lot 36 in Christie's 1990 Important Early American Bank Notes, 1818-1874: From the Archives of the American Bank Note Company. This note was published in the original Peck and Newman article as Figure 8a. As an essay, it is one of two known. The other is illustrated in the Whitman Encyclopedia, Volume 3 with a penned title. Noted with some "Minor Stains" and "Missing Right End Vignette" by PCGS. The glue spots at the bottom, from original mounting, are confined to the wide margin. The richly detailed running grouse vignette stands out beautifully upon the white India paper. Extremely collectible and pairs well with the previous finished proof. Ex: Christie's Important Early American Bank Notes 1810-1874 from the Archives of the American Bank Note Company, September 14-15, 1990 (part of lot 36); Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
From Newman X (Heritage Auctions, November 2018), lot 20110, realized $4800. |
