DIETZ PRODUCED ESSAY FOR THE PRINTING TERCENTENARY ISSUE, Scott #857 signed Rare

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

857

Stamp Type

Back of Book (Other) - Proofs & Essays - Essays

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Topic

Organizations - Other

Year of Issue

1937

Item Description

AUGUST DIETZ Designed & Produced ESSAY: prepared for the Printing Tercentenary issue, (Scott #857E), printed on 3.5" x 5" glazed card, depicts a design similar to the one issued (it lacks the names around the edge and has more shading, United States Postage in a different location, etc), genuine Aug Dietz signature at bottom right, printed on the same press as the Dietz Die proofs, trifling wrinkle, VF+

The individual stamp says Dietz below the design (see the third scan).

August Dietz, Sr. (born in Prussia 1869) was a philatelist, dealer, writer, club organizer, editor and publisher, who specialized in the study of the postal history of the Confederate States of America. In 1901, he formed the Dietz Printing Company (later the Southern Publishing Company). It was both a business and a pleasure for him. When he began work on The Postal Service of the Confederate States of America in 1918 (and later, other works), he decided a little financial help was in order. So, both to finance and to publicize his work, Dietz used his printing skills to issue something we call today the Dietz Die Proofs. Dietz called them Fac-simile Die Proofs. But there were many other interesting items that were made in the Dietz print shop. From 1935-1939 Dietz tried his hand at designing United States postage stamps. To my knowledge he did this four times. Twice he changed his mind and never submitted the essays. However the other two times he submitted and, while rejected, his influence on the finished designs is obvious if you have seen his essays and the issued stamps. The Printing Tercentenary issue would have been very important to Dietz, a printer himself. Not many of these essays were made (perhaps 100?). It is unlisted. The closest essay in Scott is 856E and is priced at $3000. A photo essay is on the other site for $600. This is an opportunity.

The atmosphere in the 1930s made virtually everyone interested in stamp collecting. That extended to the designing and critiquing of stamps themselves. Dietz saw stamps as a source of education (which they are) and tried his hand at it. He was more successful than many people suspect. Supposedly, this drawing was from a book on Stephen Daye. The stamp is credited to William K. Schrage, but you only have to open your Scott catalog to see the influence Dietz had (even if he didn't sketch the actual original art).

I will combine shipping. Just ask.

Please no cash or stamps.

3490

Seller Information

Seller

OddityMan (3065)

Registered Since

12/16/2008

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

Pennsylvania, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

Yes

Returns Policy

14 days. Email first, please.