Friedberg Unlisted (W-Unlisted). ND (1897) $10 Silver Certificate. PCGS Currency Choice New 63. Sepia Photo of Wash Drawing.Hessler-SCE21. The Hessler Plate. Sepia photograph, reduced to banknote size, created from larger wash drawing, on wide margin Bristol board card. Image of a proposed essay design from original art. Central vignette, Agriculture and Forestry as designed by Walter Shirlaw, which features these two allegorical figures standing, facing, and in a half embrace. Two unidentified figures are seated at the left and right of the standing central figures. Beyond the central vignette on each side is a large numerical denomination marker in an ornamental circular frame. On the cards lower margin is the handwritten note, "Engraved by Chas. Schlecht-but a change in administration led to adoption of a new act of designs, by Lyman Gage, Secty Treasy. Walter Shirlaw - designer This group was utilized on the new series of govt. bonds. circa 1899." The upper left corner tip has a bald patch that matches. As a production piece, likely unique and the only example encountered by us. Gene Hessler was supplied the image in his book by the Friedbergs who saved a photograph of it after selling this to Mr. Schermerhorn. The only "1896 Educational Ten Dollars" in private hands we believe. This item sailed beyond the high estimate in our Bass Collection sale ultimately realizing $6,325.<p>While beautiful and superbly executed, it is quite clear why this design was not utilized. The complexity of the design allows essentially no space for the Treasury seal or serial numbers. However, it should be noted that the denomination markers are quite bold, as opposed to the ones and fives of the issue which attracted numerous complaints. Regarding the proposed back design, this is not known to exist, but it is recorded that Thomas F. Morris did some of the design work.From our Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection Sale, Part V, August 17, 2011, lot 5037; purchased from Mrs. Louise Entriken, December 16, 1971; formerly in the collection of Robert F. Schermerhorn.
