THIAN CONFEDERATE NOTE ALBUM

 

Thian, Raphael P. CONFEDERATE NOTE ALBUM. FOR A COMPLETE COLLECTION (WITH DESCRIPTIVE LETTER-PRESS) OF THE VARIOUS DESIGNS FOR FACE AND BACK SELECTED BY THE CONFEDERATE TREASURY AUTHORITIES FOR THE CURRENCY OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, 1861–1865. Washington, D.C.: Thian, 1876. Oblong 8vo [23.5 by 12. 5 cm], original plan card covers. 4 blank leaves; 45, (1) pages of descriptive text; 44 leaves (hand-numbered 1–88) with a decorative printed border; 4 blank leaves. Six original Confederate Treasury Notes are affixed to their relevant album pages: Thian Nos. 7, 31, 33, 72, 78 and 82 in his numbering system [see comments for descriptions]. Signs throughout that other notes used to be present. Front cover reattached; somewhat wrinkled with moderate general wear. Very good or so. Very rare, one of only a few examples we have handled in over half a century.

Raphael Prosper Thian (1830–1911) is best remembered today for compiling a series of groundbreaking publications on the paper money and finances of the Confederate States of America, all of which were published in very small numbers. This is his first such publication. The work's raison d'être is stated on the leaf following the title: "A desire to afford Collectors of Confederate Currency a tasteful repository for their Notes, and at the same time furnish them an accurate and exhaustive description of the varieties comprising a full set, has resulted in this Album, which is respectively dedicated to them."

 

 

The text describes in great detail the 88 notes comprising a set, and provides space for them to be mounted within. This is the only album we recall having handled that still includes a small number of the notes that at one point were held within. Present are: Thian Nos. 7 (the September 2, 1861 $100), 31 (September 2, 1861 $20 by B. Duncan), 33 (September 2, 1861 $20 by Hoyer & Ludwig in black), 72 (April 6, 1863 $5), 78 (June 2, 1862 $2 in black and green), and 82 (June 2, 1862 $1 in black). While most of these are rather worn, their presence is distinctly unusual.

Remarkably, given the rarity of the present version, deluxe printings are known, with the note borders printed in green (or in black but on blue stock), and bound in either full or half morocco. This testifies to Thian's tendency to print his publications in very small batches, with numerous modifications and variations. This 1876 album can rightfully be regarded as a predecessor of the famous Master Albums produced by Thian to include comprehensive collections of CSA currency. Unrecorded in Davis. Ex Wayne Homren Library.

To read the complete lot description, see:
With Several Original Notes Still Present (https://bid.numislit.com/lots/view/1-7XX358/with-several-original-notes-still-present)

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