Abraham Lincoln portrait large die proof by Charles Schlecht 1894

Full-size Large Die Proof of a bust of Lincoln, signed by engraver Charles Schlecht. Black on India, die sunk on card approx. 9 1/2″ x 7 1/2″. Examples of this engraving are known on smaller sized card, likely cut down from this large size format. XF to Superb condition. Noted for accuracy: barely-noticeable soiling on small portion of card well away from the design, slight soiling around edge of die sinkage (typical), and barely noticeable impression of a paper clip on upper left edge. Charles Schlecht was an engraver who worked for the BEP and in later years as a freelancer. He apparently had a fondness for Lincoln, this being one of several of Schelcht’s Lincoln engravings. The style of engraving is unusual. Instead of creating depth and definition with individual short  lines and dots, the contours of this Lincoln bust are formed with long continuous lines. Offerings of similar examples in philatelic auctions over the years have noted the similarity to US essay 206-E5.

Born in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1843, Charles Schlecht came to New York City in 1852. In 1859 the young Schlecht was apprenticed as an engraver at the American Bank Note Company under Charles Burt and the banknote engraver Alfred Jones. Schlecht also specialized in the engraving of banknotes.