Numeral 3 -- Following Richard's lead earlier, I'll offer THIS example. Can you see how it is stamp related? The VIGNETTE in the lower right corner bears a striking resemblance to the one at lower left HERE, albeit in mirror image. While not exact, they seem too similar not to be derivative of a common source.
Another 3 is the prominent denomination of a stamp I have devoted a specialized collection to, the 3¢ 1869, seen HERE in one of my nicer proof items. Among my goals has been to find covers from each state or territory. I have found a link to my bridge topic for this design, as the locomotive was derived from an 1861 Smillie engraving called ''The CROSSING, depicting that same locomotive on a small stone bridge. Although the vignette was re-engraved for the stamp, a careful comparison leaves no doubt this is the source of the design. I have also tried to collect examples of The Crossing, which was a popular banknote company stock engraving that has appeared on many stock certificates, banknotes, checks, etc over the years, including a very scarce CSA $500 note! (I have a cheap replica.) I also own a die proof, which I understand only 3 or 4 exist.
If one accepts that the locomotive on the 3¢ stamp is established to be on a bridge, a tiny unidentifiable piece of which can be seen on either side of the top of the ''3'', this might justifiably qualify it as the earliest bridge stamp, predating the 50¢ Columbian of 1893 by 24 years!
Bob in WA
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on Apr-08-07
at 05:09:12 PDT
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on Apr-07-07
at 07:08:18 PDT
