Is this real?

[airbornestamps]

Found this in the back of an old stock book.  At first I thought it was a Postal Card cut square, but the more I look at it the more I think its more of a cartoonish knockoff of something.....  thoughts??!!

[msgtdavid]

Hi

For what ever its worth, no idea exactly what this item is.

But, looks like a lot of work went into making it, that assuming its from the mid 19th century.

Dave

[airbornestamps]

My thoughts exactly, its very detailed, and someone took the time to cut it out very carefully and mount it...its a puzzle for sure!

[thecoverseller]

It's a Taylor.

[msgtdavid]

Sorry, I do not understand "Its a Taylor".

It appears to be George Washington to me.

Dave T.

[dbenson]

Try,

Samuel Allen Taylor,

David B.

[redwoodrandy8]

A notorius producer of bogus issues. Known as the "Master Grafter."  Leader of the "Boston Gang." Fascinating history. A must read.

[airbornestamps]

Not sure that it is a Taylor, didn't he shy away from using the phrase "US POSTAGE" ?

[redwoodrandy8]

Worth looking into. He generally just used "Postage." Still quite a story.

[antonius-ra]

No, I very much doubt that it is "real"  It most resembles Essay No. 11-E12.  It is however very crude compared to the essay noted,  Missing all of the fine  fine detail.  Perhaps it is a rough draft but there is no mention of any such thing in U.S. Scott specialized.   Even though I can't remember any essay being forged, it is my guess that this piece is surely that, a forgery of 11-E12.