L.A. Times Problem No. 77 by W.A. Shinkman, Good Companions, February, 1919. White mates in two.
FEN 2n1Q3/2k5/K7/2BB4/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1
Key: B-Q4/Bd4
Two-move miniatures (having seven pieces or less) ar enot easy to compose.
L.A. Times Problem No. 78 by E. Ferber, Forbach, France. L'Echiquier, December 1928. White mates in three.
FEN 8/2b5/1p1p4/kp1p4/p2N4/8/2Q5/1K6 w - - 0 1
Key: 1. Q-KB5. If K-N5; 2. N-B6ch, etc. If K-R3; 2. Q-B8ch, etc. If P-R6; 2. N-B6ch. If P-N5; 2. QxPch or Q-Q3, a harmless duel. 1. Q-B6 defeated by K-N5.