| Description |
BEP Portrait, Vignette & Design Specimen ScrapbookSpine title cited. Scrapbook of finely engraved portraits, vignettes, and bank note design elements, assembled for the use of Bureau of Engraving and Printing Chief Henry C. Jewell, possibly by BEP Chief Engraver George W. Casilear, c. 1876-1877. Oblong 4to, original brown half morocco, gilt; spine with four raised bands, ruled and lettered in gilt, with H.C. JEWELL impressed in gilt at the base of the spine. Approximately 60 leaves, interleaved with ruled paper. Of these, 25 leaves have various finely engraved portraits, vignettes, bank note elements, and related designs affixed to them. There is a total of 11 portraits, 8 vignettes, and 143 design elements. No text accompanies the engravings. An intriguing scrapbook with some exceptionally well-rendered engraved design elements, many of them made for bank notes and bonds. Beyond the spine lettering, there is no text to assist us in determining the context in which this book was assembled. A very interesting letter from Raphael Ellenbogen to Eric P. Newman, dated October 28, 1996, attempts to shed some light on the matter, and speculates that the book was compiled by George W. Casilear between 1865 and 1870, but this is not entirely accurate. At least two of the engravings make reference to committees planning for the U.S. Centennial in 1876, and one is dated 1872, giving us the earliest date at which it was likely to have been made. Given that Jewett served as Chief of the BEP only in 1876 and 1877, it seems safe to assign the production of this volume to those years. It was clearly not intended for special presentation, as the binding is fairly ordinary and the spine lettering points to a purely practical function. While the binding is rubbed and worn at the extremities, the engravings are clean and crisp. A lovely book. Estimate $1,000. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Auctions 11/2018 (Newman XI), lot15323 (realized $720).
Heritage link: http://www.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1283&lotIdNo=11084 |
