Sunday, June 17, 2012

The Non-denominated Chancellerie Essay (or Proof) – Where is it now?

 

Chancellerie_proof

Serge Ungeheuer’s Banque du Timbre held its 141st auction on December 13, 1986.  Auction lot 839 was described as:

ESSAI de timbre fiscal sans denomination de valeur, en noir sur petit Feuillet, épreuve d’artiste et épreuve de luxe. PROBABLEMENT UNIQUE.  Photo [shown above].

Since 1986, various proofs of this beautiful Chancellerie issue have emerged, including those shown below from a Christie’s auction, but they are denominated proofs.  The non-denominated essay (or proof) has never been seen again to my knowledge!

Chancellerie Color Proofs

001a

001b

001c

 

Used on a Passport

002