Type of Friedberg 268-270 (W-799-801). 1897 $5 Silver Certificate. PCGS Currency Very Choice New 64. Face Progressive Essay Proof.Hessler-SCE20. The Hessler Plate Note. Black on India paper, mounted on original wide margin card. A second, more advanced version of the modified Shirlaw vignette design. Central vignette, Electricity Presenting Light to the World. Additional details added at the left side of the vignette. Like the last, with significant modifications to the drapery details, border flourishes and upper corner counters. Lower left corner pencil annotation "17 May 1897." Exceedingly rare and perhaps unique in private hands. Very important and an impressive essay proof. The India paper is bold and bright. Some minor foxing on the card perimeter. One of the most actively pursued lots in our sale of the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection when it realized $20,700 in 2011.<p>Similar to the previous essay proof, though featuring a more advanced design stage. The central device now seems complete, or nearly so. However, the embellishments immediately surrounding the central device are simplified, offering more open field areas. Most notably, the background shading has been removed and the architectural feature at the viewers right has been removed. This design would be more conducive to banknote production, as the seals and serial numbers would be more immediately apparent. In addition to the noted differences in the central device, the border design shows major design differences when compared to the issued note of 1896. While this Essay has for some time been associated with three progressive die proofs discussed in this sale (HBCC-5029, 5031, 5033), this is technically not appropriate, as these previous pieces bear the vignette style of the issued notes of 1896. The style represented on this essay is intended for the redesigned issue of 1897 and is significantly different.From our Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection Sale, Part V, August 17, 2011, lot 5034; William P. Donlons sale of November 15, 1974, lot 928; purchased through Dennis Forgue; formerly from the estate of Thomas F. Morris.
