1861 3c brown on white wove paper pf 12

Trial Color Proofs

These were made at various times for many different reasons. The normal purpose of the proofs was to choose the color for the finished stamp. Since trial color proofs served as examples of the engravers work, they were very carefully made. Ink was applied to a steel die or plate with the proof being taken on a piece of dampened India paper to which often was added soft cardboard. The final product left the India paper impressed into the card. The proof may subsequently be soaked off its cardboard backing.