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Treasury Competition and Later Essays: John Dickinson: 1837 London District Post essay 1d. envelope essay in yellow-buff on Dickinson's special silk thread paper, very fine and much above average for this. Huggins E1a. Photo.These essays were recommended by The Commissioners of The Post Office in 1837 and resubmitted for the Treasury Competition in 1839.

Treasury Competition and Later Essays: John Dickinson: 1837 London District Post essay 2d. letter sheet essay in green on Dickinson's special silk thread paper, some imperfections but fine appearance. Huggins E1b. Photo.

Treasury Competition and Later Essays: Charles Whiting Congreve Method Essays: 1d. essays (P.P.C. nos. 6 and 8) in red and blue and in green and red with small to good margins, black and red (no. 10) cut close or touching, and 1d. essay (no. 12) in black and red (outer frame line touched or cut into), each affixed to small piece, attractive. (4). Photo.Examples of the above and the following four lots were submitted as part of Treasury entry No. 22,864 by Charles Whiting

Treasury Competition and Later Essays: Charles Whiting Congreve Method Essays: 1d. essay (P.P.C. number 7) printed in blue and red on wove paper, exceptionally fine. Photo.

Treasury Competition and Later Essays: Charles Whiting Congreve Method Essays: 1d. essay (P.P.C. number 10) printed in black and red on wove paper, very fine. Photo.

Treasury Competition and Later Essays: Charles Whiting Congreve Method Essays: 1d. essay (P.P.C. number 12) printed in black and red on wove paper, fine with clear to good margins, the black printing a little overinked, unusual. Photo.

Treasury Competition and Later Essays: Charles Whiting Congreve Method Essays: Square essays P.P.C. numbers 25 in red and blue and 26 in blue, printed together on soft wove paper, very fine. These essays together with the larger ''VR'' design, were later reprinted in different colours as the obverse side of the 1848 Art Union Journal page. Photo.

Treasury Competition and Later Essays: Charles Whiting Congreve Method Essays: Square essays P.P.C. number 25 in red and blue, exceptionally fine. This essay was later reprinted on the obverse side of the 1848 Art Union Journal page. Photo.

Treasury Competition and Later Essays: Charles Whiting Embossed Essays: 1840 undenominated embossed oval essay (Huggins E7, P.P.C. type D) with a blank tablet above the head, in black on white wove paper, trivial thin spots otherwise very fine. Photo.

Treasury Competition and Later Essays: Charles Whiting Embossed Essays: Embossed oval ''V R'' 1d. essay (Huggins E10, P.P.C. type G) in blue and colourless relief on wove paper, possible tiny (natural?) thin spots otherwise very fine. Photo.

Parliamentary Envelopes: House of Commons: ''ONE PENNY'' envelope printed in black on unwatermarked wove paper, used from London to Southwell, Notts., with red crowned ''PAID/13MR13/1840'' circular datestamp, exceptional exhibition quality. S.G. Spec. PE5, cat. from £2,750 (2006). Photo.

1840 Mulready 1d. letter sheet (stereo removed on opening), a very fine crisp impression, exceptionally fine used 1840 (Jan. 5th) from London to Spilsby with neat red Maltese Cross, most attractive. Photo.

1840 Mulready 1d. letter sheet A8 (forme 1) used 1843 (Sept. 27th) from London to Jersey with a clear large part strike of the number ''3'' in Maltese Cross with ''T•P/Piccadilly'' alongside, fine red ''JERSEY/OC 1/1843'' receiving circular datestamp on reverse, a very scarce use and destination. S.G. Spec. ME1, cat. £2,000 (2006). Photo.

1840 Mulready 1d. letter sheet A21 (forme 2) very fine used 1840 (May 27th) from London to Newcastle, Staffs., neat bright red Maltese Cross and with fine ''D/MY–27/1840'' London Chief Office evening duty circular datestamp on reverse, most attractive. Photo.

1840 Mulready 1d. letter sheet A23 (forme 2) used 1842 (May 4th) from Edinburgh to Melrose with a superb strike of the Edinburgh Special type 1 Maltese Cross (see Rockoff & Jackson) in black, central vertical filing fold, otherwise exceptionally fine and clean. S.G. Spec. ME1, cat. £1,000 (2006, as Scots Maltese Cross). Photo.

1840 Mulready 1d. letter sheet A23 (forme 2) with 'Westminster Review' advert (S.G. Spec. MA489c), used 1840 (June 17th) from London to Oxford with neat red Maltese Cross largely clear of Britannia, some cover imperfections but a scarce advert. Photo.

1840 Mulready 1d. letter sheet A26 (forme 2) used 1841 (May 16th) locally in Oxford, addressed simply to 'Edgell Esq, Oriel Coll' with black Maltese Cross, fine ''OXFORD/MY 16/1841'' circular datestamp on reverse, usual minor cover imperfections, very fine appearance. Photo.

1840 Mulready 1d. letter sheet A30 (forme 2) used 1840 (Nov. 26th) within London with a superb strike of the experimental black Maltese Cross, red ''8 NT 8/NO26/1840'' shield datestamp and black ''T•P/Chief Office'' handstamp on reverse, a few minor edge splits, otherwise fine and most attractive. Photo.

1840 Mulready 1d. letter sheet A47 (forme 1, substitued stereo) used 1844 (Aug. 26th) from London to Guernsey with London Inland Section ''17'' numeral almost completely clear of Britannia, endorsed 'Per Private Steamer, via Southampton' and with oval ''PAID SHIP LETTER/LONDON/26 AU 26/1844'' datestamp in red on front, ''GUERNSEY/AU28/1844'' arrival circular datestamp on reverse, some imperfections but a very scarce useage. S.G. Spec. ME1e. Photo.

1840 Mulready 1d. letter sheet A47 (forme 1, substitued stereo) attractive used 1840 (May 30th) from Croft to North Shields with light neat red Maltese Cross and ''Croft/Penny Post'' in black on front and superb ''DARLINGTON/MY30/1840'' double arc circular datestamp on reverse, small cover faults mainly on reverse, otherwise fine. S.G. Spec. ME1e. Photo.

1840 Mulready 1d. envelope A131 (forme 1) used 1840 (June 2nd) from Newick to Hamsey via Uckfield with neat red-brown Maltese Cross and light clear ''Newick/Penny Post'' in black on front and ''UCKFIELD'' circular datestamp on reverse with faint but legible date ''JU 2/1840'', attractive. Photo.

1840 Mulready 1d. envelope A141 (forme 1) used 1840 (May 8th, the third day of official use) from London with neat red Maltese Cross and clear ''G/MY–8/1840'' London Chief Office evening duty circular datestamp on reverse, a little soiled, otherwise fine. S.G. Spec. ME2, cat. £2,000 (2006). Photo.

1840 Mulready 1d. envelope A141 (forme 1) used 1840 (June 23rd) from London to Eastbourne, cancelled contrary to regulations with neat upright strike of a red Maltese Cross clear of Britannia, some thinning on reverse, otherwise fine and attractive. Photo.

1840 Mulready 1d. envelope A143 (forme 2) fine used 1840 (July 28th) from Bakewell to Kingsbridge with a clear neat Maltese Cross in a distinct pinkish-red shade and a ''BAKEWELL/JY 28/1840'' circular datestamp in the same colour on front, most attractive. Photo.

1840 Mulready 1d. envelope A14_ (partly obscured by wax seal) used 1840 (May 9th, the fourth day of official use) from London to Balliol College, Oxford with red Maltese Cross and clear ''J/MY–8/1840'' London Chief Office evening duty circular datestamp on reverse, minor opening damage on reverse, otherwise good to fine. S.G. Spec. ME2, cat. £2,000 (2006). Photo.

1840 Mulready 2d. envelope a203 used 1840 (Dec. 15th) from Reading to Bath with red Maltese Cross , redirected on Dec. 27th from Bath to Brighton with neat upright ''BATH/DE 27/1840'' circular datestamp datestamp in black and red manuscript '2' on front, some soiling and edge faults but full of character. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2005). Photo.

1840 Mulready Caricatures: Thomas White: Letter sheet format ''THE NEW POST-OFFICE ENVELOPE'' used 1842 (June 4th) from from Dublin to Fort William, initially accepted as a prepaid Mulready with Britannia cancelled by a neat black Maltese Cross but then handstruck ''2'' postage due applied, small splits at edges repaired with hinges, otherwise fine and rare, attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2005). Photo.

Essays and Trials: Perkins Fairman and Heath: A proof in purple on wove paper (140 x 216mm) of the design, made for covering the reverse side of a specimen banknote, submitted to the Bank of England in 1822, the centre band shows the engine-turned background finally selected for the 1840 1d. and 2d., very fine. S.G. Spec. DP 9, cat. from £3,500 (2006). Photo.

Essays and Trials: Perkins Fairman and Heath: A proof in red on wove paper (140 x 216mm) of the design, made for covering the reverse side of a specimen banknote, submitted to the Bank of England in 1822, the centre band shows the engine-turned background finally selected for the 1840 1d. and 2d., very fine. S.G. Spec. DP 9, cat. from £3,500 (2006). Photo.

Essays and Trials: Perkins Fairman and Heath: A proof in blue on wove paper (140 x 216mm) of the design, made for covering the reverse side of a specimen banknote, submitted to the Bank of England in 1822, the centre band shows the engine-turned background finally selected for the 1840 1d. and 2d., very fine. S.G. Spec. DP 9, cat. from £3,500 (2006). Photo.

1840 Rainbow Colour Trials: Second trial plate, state 2 single in lilac-rose on unwatermarked, ungummed, wove paper, deeply blued by prussiate of potash, very fine. S.G. Spec. DP20(2)a, cat. £4,000+. Photo.

1840 Rainbow Colour Trials: Second trial plate, state 2 [R2/4] marginal single in lilac-rose on unwatermarked, ungummed, wove paper, deeply blued by prussiate of potash (slightly lighter than the previous lot), very fine. S.G. Spec. DP20(2)a, cat. £4,000. Photo.

1865 (Sept.) Royal Reprint: Die II, alphabet III, LC 1d. plate 66 DG in black with watermark inverted, very fine and fresh with part original gum, good to large margins. S.G. Spec. DP35(a), cat. £2,000 (2006). Photo.

1865 (Sept.) Royal Reprint: Die II, alphabet III, LC 1d. plate 66 DL in black with watermark inverted, a very fine and fresh marginal example large to very large margins other sides, almost full original gum, small gum blemish and slight thinning at edge of sheet margin at right. S.G. Spec. DP35(a), cat. £2,000+ (2006). Photo.

1865 (Sept.) Royal Reprint: Die II, alphabet III, LC 1d. plate 66 SK in carmine-rose, very fine and fresh with part original gum. S.G. Spec. DP35(b), cat. £1,600 (2006). Photo.

1872 South Kensington Exhibition Proof: Die II, alphabet III, 1d. plate 27 FF imperforate plate proof in black on thick white card, very fine. S.G. Spec. DP36, cat. £800 (2006). Photo.

1867 Paris Exhbition Proofs: 1864–79 1d. plate 103 JE imperforate plate proof in rose on soft white card, very fine. S.G. Spec. DP38, cat. £1,600 (2006). Photo.

1867 Paris Exhbition Proofs: 1864–79 1d. plate 103 JE imperforate plate proof in black on soft white card, slight imperfections on reverse, otherwise fine. S.G. Spec. DP38, cat. £1,600 (2006). Photo.

1867 Paris Exhbition Proofs: 1858–76 2d. plate 9 GJ imperforate plate proof in black on thick white card, very fine. S.G. Spec. DP49a, cat. £2,000 (2006). Photo.

1867 Paris Exhbition Proofs: 1858–76 2d. plate 9 PJ imperforate plate proof in black on thick white card, very fine. S.G. Spec. DP49a, cat. £2,000 (2006). Photo.

1867 Paris Exhbition Proofs: 1858–76 2d. plate 9 IK imperforate plate proof in blue on thick white card, very fine. S.G. Spec. DP49a, cat. £2,500 (2006). Photo.

1841 2d. blue proof from small trial plate of 12 without corner letters, [R1/2] top marginal single, very fine. S.G. Spec. DP43, cat. £1,500 (2006). Photo.

1841 2d. blue proof from small trial plate of 12 without corner letters, a pair [R2/3–4], just a slight trace of soiling, otherwise fine with good margins. S.G. Spec. DP43, cat. £3,000 (2006). Photo.

1850 Prince Consort 1d. essay FJ imperforate finished example in black, very fine without gum. S.G. Spec. DP71(b), cat. £2,000 (2006). Photo.

1850 Prince Consort 1d. essay FJ imperforate finished example in brown, tiny natural paper inclusion, otherwise fine without gum. S.G. Spec. DP71(b), cat. £2,000 (2006). Photo.

1850 Prince Consort 1d. essay FJ imperforate finished example in red-brown, tiny imperfection on reverse, otherwise fine without gum. S.G. Spec. DP71(b), cat. £2,000 (2006). Photo.

1840 1d. black plates 1a to 11, the mainly fresh unused or mint set, all with full margins except plates 9 KL and 10 LG each just clipped at one corner, some small faults or repairs/cleaning but mostly of fine appearance, plate 1a CI has R.P.S. certificate (2006) stating 'paper whitened'. (12). S.G. cat. £144,500 (as mint). Photo.

1840 1d. black plates 1a to 10 set in horizontal pairs with red Maltese Crosses, mainly of fine to very fine appearance with full margins, a few imperfections or small repairs not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine and a remarkable assembly. S.G. Spec. cat. £16,350 (2006). Photo.

1840 1d. black, a selection of six most attractive marginal examples with part top full sheet margins showing inscription, comprising plates 1b LA, 2 IA, 3 AH (with 2004 R.P.S. certificate stating 'horizontal crease'), 7 AD and 8 JA with red Maltese Crosses, and plate 6 AK with black Maltese Cross, all of fine to very fine appearance, some imperfections or repairs. Photo.

1840 1d. grey-black (moderate wear) plate 1a AE-AF pair (AE double ''E''), very fine used with good to huge margins and light red Maltese Crosses, part sheet margin at top showing portion of inscription. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. AS2/d. Photo.

1840 1d. grey-black plate 1a BB showing slight wear, very fine used with good to large margins and light neat red Maltese Cross on 1840 (May 21st) entire letter to London with superb ''Yealand Conyers/Penny Post'' in black and ''LANCASTER/MY 21/1840'' c.d.s. in magenta on reverse, part London arrival c.d.s. for May 22nd in red, filing folds well clear of adhesive. S.G. Spec. AS2th. Photo.

1840 1d. grey-black plate 1a BG-BH scarce vertical pair, very fine used with good margins and neat separate strikes of red-brown shade Maltese Crosses. R.P.S. certificate ((2005). S.G. Spec. AS2. Photo.

1840 1d. grey-black (moderate wear) plate 1a CL (no ray flaw, intruding impression), an exceptionally fine used marginal example from the right of the sheet with full 'deckle edge' sheet margin and good to large margins other sides, light neat red Maltese Cross, most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. AS2aa. Photo.

1840 1d. grey-black plate 1a EG-EH pair, a quite intense impression, fine used with good to large margins and neat red-brown shade Maltese Crosses. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. AS2. Photo.

1840 1d. grey-black (quite worn) plate 1a GA (constant smudge in ''A'' square) very fine used with good to large margins and red Maltese Cross on clean and uncreased 1840 (June 19th) entire letter from Yapton to Storington with fine upriight strike of ''ARUNDEL/JU 20/1840'' c.d.s. on front. S.G. Spec. AS3e. Photo.

1840 1d. grey-black (very worn) plate 1a HB (re-entry) very fine used with good to large margins and a virtually complete central strike of a red Maltese Cross leaving corner squares completely clear and an excellent example of the re-entry. S.G. Spec. AS3b. Photo.

1840 1d. grey-black (moderate wear) plate 1a MF (double ''M'') exceptionally fine used with good to large margins and an almost complete strike of a vivid red Maltese Cross, most attractive. S.G. Spec. AS2d. Photo.

1840 1d. grey-black (very worn) plate 1a NG on bleuté paper, exceptionally fine used with large margins and neat red-brown shade Maltese Cross, an outstanding example of bleuté paper, very scarce. S.G. Spec. AS3h. Photo.

1840 1d. grey-black (quite worn) plate 1a SA very fine used with good to huge margins (part sheet margin at left) and a neat almost complete strike of a slightly oily bright red Maltese Cross, most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. AS2. Photo.

1840 1d. grey-black (moderate wear) plate 1a SD with ample to large margins and red Maltese Cross on 1840 (Oct. 17th) entire letter sent within London, redirected with red tombstone ''PAID/21 OC 21/1840'' datestamp, the cover thus showing both methods of prepayment available, pressed filing folds well clear of adhesive which is crossed by a light bend. S.G. Spec. AS2. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 1a SJ, a crisp early impression showing just slight traces of wear, exceptionally fine used with good to wide margins and a superb virtually complete centrally struck red Maltese Cross. Photo.

1840 1d. intense black plate 1a SJ an exceptionally fine used early impression, with good to large margins and a neat upright strike of a most attractive red Maltese Cross. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. AS1. Photo.

1840 1d. intense black plate 1a TC, early impression, exceptionally fine used with good to huge margins (part sheet margin at foot), tied by neat red-brown shade Maltese Cross to 1840 (May 13th) local London entire letter, clear London Chief Office octagonal ''PD/MY 13/1840/8 NT'' datestamp on reverse, minor cover imperfections well clear of adhesive. S.G. Spec. AS1tf, cat. from £2,500 (2006). Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 1b KA (showing strong guide-line in ''A'' square), a greyish shade showing slight plate wear, very fine and fresh mint with good to large margins and large part original gum. Brandon certificate (2002). S.G. 2, Spec. AS5, cat. £8,500. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 1b BD very fine used with good to large margins, tied to 1840 (Aug. 7th) letter from Hailsham to London by ''HAILSHAM'' undated circle in black, presumably used as primary cancellation and with a further fine strike at lower left of cover, the adhesive additionally tied by red Maltese Cross probably applied in London, cover folds and minor staining well clear, London arrival c.d.s. for Aug. 8th on reverse. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. AS5va/xa. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 1b CA, a greyish shade, exceptionally fine used with good to huge margins (part sheet margin at left) and light neat almost complete orange-red shade Maltese Cross. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. AS5. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 1b DL, a most attractive marginal example with full sheet margin at right and superb red Maltese Cross, small marginal reapir at top otherwise fine. S.G. Spec. AS5. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 1b EC exceptionally fine used and most attractive with good to very large margins and red Maltese Cross leaving profile clear. R.P.S. certificate ((2005). S.G. Spec. AS5. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 1b FE, an intense shade, exceptionally fine used with good to large margins and light neat red Maltese Cross on clean and uncreased 1840 (Dec. 9th) envelope to London with fine ''MATLOCK BATH/1840/DE 9'' circular datestamp (dates inverted) on front, most attractive. S.G. Spec. AS5. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 1b IL (non coincident re-entry showing recut and enlarged letters), of superb appearance with very large margins and neat upright strike of a red Maltese Cross, shows marginal watermark line at right, faintest trace of a pressed crease not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. Spec. AS5c. Photo.

1840 1d. intense black plate 1b JC (non coincident re-entry showing recut and enlarged letters), exceptionally fine used with good to very large margins and neat upright strike of a bright red Maltese Cross, very fresh and most attractive. S.G. Spec. AS4c. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 1b KA-KD strip of four (KA with strong guide-line in ''A'' square and KD with recut left side-line) fine used with good even margins and neat non-overlapping strikes of a red Maltese Cross, slight trace of folds in margins between clear of stamps and KD with minor stain, a most attractive multiple. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. AS5/h. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 1b PH-PI pair on thin paper, most attractive with full margins and neat non-overlapping red Maltese Crosses, PI with light creasing not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. AS5. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 1b QI-QL strip of four (QL non-coincident re-entry), most attractive with good to huge margins and red Maltese Crosses, QK with small fault at top and pressed vertical crease, not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. AS5/b. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 2 GF, a fine unused example with good to large margins, fresh. S.G. 2, Spec. AS15, cat. £8,500. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 2 DD on bleuté paper, exceptionally fine used with good to huge margins and neat black Maltese Cross leaving profile clear, very scarce. S.G. Spec. AS15m,n. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 2 HK fine used with good margins and light red Maltese Cross on neat uncreased cover to Crewkerne, the adhesive unusually placed contrary to regulations at lower left corner, ''No. 11'' Receiving House handstamp in black where the stamp would normally be placed and with framed ''Dorchester/Py Post'' in red alongside, minor cover imperfections on reverse. S.G. Spec. AS15. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 2 JF exceptionally fine used with good margins and light red Maltese Cross leaving profile clear on 1840 (May 18th) cover from Edinburgh to Dunfermline with part Edinburgh ''MAY/18/1840'' c.d.s. on reverse, most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. AS15th, cat. £2,000 (2006). Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 2 LK-LL pair very fine used with good to huge margins (part sheet margin at right) and three neat strikes of a red Maltese Cross, exceptional. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. AS15. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 2 PB-PC pair (PB recut letter squares) most attractive with ample to good margins and neat non-overlapping strikes of a red Maltese Cross, PC with faint trace of a light vertical crease not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. AS15/d. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 2 QD (non constant burr rubs at right), very fine used with ample to good margins and a superb large part strike of a red Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. AS15. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 2 TB state 2 (first repair) showing strong recut frame-line at right, an exceptionally fine used example of this scarce stamp with good to huge margins and neat red Maltese Cross. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. AS17. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 3 AG exceptionally fine used with good to very large margins and neat upright large part strike of a red Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. AS20. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 3 FB superb used with good even margins and lovely strike of a red Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. AS20. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 3 GH, an intense shade showing slight plate wear, superb used with good to very large margins and a light neat almost complete red Maltese Cross in a most attractive shade. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 3 JL, a greyish shade, superb used with large even margins and an almost complete bright red Maltese Cross. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. AS20. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 3 KD, a greyish shade, superb used with good to very large margins showing part of LD at foot, stunning complete upright strike of a red Maltese Cross, most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2007). S.G. Spec. AS20. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 3 MC exceptionally fine used with good to large even margins and light centrally struck brownish-orange shade Maltese Cross on clean and uncreased 1840 (May) cover to London with framed ''No. 2'' Receiving House handstamp in black together with ''Dorchester/Py Post'' in very similar colour to the Maltese Cross on front, fine London ''28MY28/1840'' c.d.s. on reverse, adhesive tied by slight indentation of Maltese Cross 'through' the cover. S.G. Spec. AS20tj, cat. £1,500 (2006). Photo.

1840 1d. intense black plate 4 BA, fine used with ample to good margins and a superb deep red Maltese Cross on small 1840 (July 24th) cover (lacking side-flaps) from Crieff to Blairgowrie with fine boxed ''CRIEFF/JUL 24/1840'' datestamp on reverse in same colour as Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. AS22. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 4 DE very fine used with good margins and a crisp upright strike of a red Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. AS23. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 4 FK-FL pair on bleuté paper, exceptionally fine used with good margins and neat red Maltese Crosses, most attractive and an excellent example of bleuté paper. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. AS23f. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 4 GG-GL strip of six on bleuté paper, with good to large margins and neat red Maltese Crosses, GG with faint vertical crease not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine and a remarkable and rare multiple which originally adjoined lot ?6049? (FK-FL pair). Clear R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. AS23f. Photo.

1840 1d. intense black plate 4 HH, exceptionally fine used with good even margins and neat deep red Maltese Cross, most attractive. S.G. Spec. AS22. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 4 LA on bleuté paper, very fine used with good to large even margins and an exceptional upright central strike of a crimson-red shade Maltese Cross, most attractive. S.G. Spec. AS23f. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 4 NG very fine used with clear to very large margins and neat orange-red shade Maltese Cross on 1841 (Jan. 29th) entire letter from Hawkshead to Kendal with ''Hawkshead/Penny Post'' in black on front at upper left and blue ''AMBLESIDE/JA 30/1840'' circular datestamp on reverse, filing fold well clear. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. AS23. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 4 RA very fine used with wide to large margins and neat red Maltese Cross on clean and uncreased 1840 (July 2nd) local Edinburgh entire letter (an invoice for Boots and Shoes with attractive printed letterhead for 'Main & Shanks/Boot and Shoe Makers', letter with slight clipping to one edge on reverse. S.G. Spec. AS23. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 4 RL of stunning appearance with large to huge even margins (part sheet margin at right) and full strike of a deep red Maltese Cross (slighly oily on reverse), light bend not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. AS23. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 4 TB fine used with good to large margins and brownish-orange shade Maltese Cross on clean 1840 (Sept. 26th) entire letter from Shillingford to Banbury with ''Wallingford/Penny Post'' in black on front at upper left, and ''WALLINGFORD/SP 26/1840'' circular datestamp on reverse. S.G. Spec. AS23. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 4 TG very fine used with good even margins and neat red Maltese Cross leaving profile virtually clear. S.G. Spec. AS23. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 5 DG of very fine used appearance with good to large margins and a virtually complete strike of a Maltese Cross in a most attractive carmine-red shade, slight corner crease at lower left not readily apparent and barely detracting. S.G. Spec. AS25. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 5 EB (double ''E'') state 1, superb used with good to large margins and exceptional almost complete red Maltese Cross with a pinkish tinge, light bend, most attractive. S.G. Spec. AS25. Photo.

1840 1d. intense black plate 5 FE exceptionally fine used with good margins and neat deep red Maltese Cross (a trifle oily on reverse) leaving profile clear, a striking stamp. S.G. Spec. AS24. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 5 GE exceptionally fine used with full margins and superb red Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. AS25. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 5 JD very fine used with good to very large margins and red Maltese Cross on clean neat 1840 (Nov. 11th) entire letter from Stoke Ferry to Wymondham with superb ''STOKE-FERRY'' undated circle in black on front, most attractive. S.G. Spec. AS25. Photo.

1840 1d. intense black plate 5 KA exceptionally fine used with ample to large margins and superb deep red Maltese Cross on clean 1840 (July 3rd) entire letter from Settle to Whittlesey with blue ''SETTLE'' undated circle on reverse, most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. AS24. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 5 KD exceptionally fine used with good to very large margins and superb red Maltese Cross on clean neat and uncreased 1840 (Nov. 9th) mourning entire letter from Romford to Bolton. S.G. Spec. AS25. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 5 SJ-SL strip of three, very fine used with good to large margins and red Maltese Crosses, shows marginal watermark line at right. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. AS25. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 6 FL, a greyish shade showing plate wear, superb used with wide to huge margins (part sheet margin at right) and clear neat black Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. AS41. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 6 GH-HH scarce vertical pair in a greyish shade on bleuté paper, clear to good margins, black Maltese Crosses of a distinctive apearance (Greenock?), small imperfections not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. Spec. AS41e.

1840 1d. black plate 6 IL, an exceptionally fine used example with large to huge margins and almost complete red Maltese Cross. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. AS41. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 6 KA exceptionally fine used with wide to very large margins and neat upright strike of a red Maltese Cross, most attractive. S.G. Spec. AS41. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 6 MD-ME state 1 pair in an intense shade, very fine used with good margins and neat red Maltese Crosses leaving profiles virtually clear on both stamps. R.P.S. certificate (1984). S.G. Spec. AS41. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 6 RC-RD pair, very fine used with ample to large margins and neat red Maltese Crosses, sold with 1840 (July 11th) piece from which the pair has been lifted. S.G. Spec. AS41, cat. £1,000 (2006). Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 6 SC-SE strip of three (SE state 2) in a distinct greyish shade showing plate wear, most attractive with full margins and neat non-overlapping red Maltese Crosses, some small imperfections not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine and a scarce multiple. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. AS41/42. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 6 TE-TF pair on quite thin paper, good to large margins and with 'water-based' blackish-brown Maltese Crosses, TF with tiny surface flaw or filled pinhole, otherwise fine. S.G. Spec. AS41. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 7 HE on experimental thin paper, very fine used with good even margins and neat red Maltese Cross. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. AS44c, cat. £400 (2006). Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 7 JA, a fine used marginal example showing '.ards the RIGHT HAN.' inscription, clear to good margins other sides, red Maltese Cross, scarce. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. AS44. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 7 KI-KJ pair on experimental thin paper, very fine used with good margins and red Maltese Crosses leaving KJ with clear profile. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. AS44c, cat. £1,900+ (2006). Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 7 QE fine used with clear to good margins and red Maltese Cross on 1840 (Nov. 11th) cover from London to Hampton Court Palace, redirected to Portman Square with handstruck ''1'' in black, the addressees name obliterated, otherwise fine. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. AS44. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 7 RK very fine used with good to large margins and attractive vermilion-red shade Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. AS44. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 7 SC-SD pair, very fine used with good margins and neat red Maltese Crosses. S.G. Spec. AS44, cat. £1,900 (2006). Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 7 SC exceptionally fine used with good margins and a superb carmine-red shade Maltese Cross, most attractive. S.G. Spec. AS44. Photo.

1840 1d. intense black plate 8 BK on quite thin paper, exceptionally fine used with good margins and clear neat red Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. AS46 (intense black not listed for this plate). Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 8 CE-FE vertical strip of four, very fine used with clear to large margins and light red Maltese Crosses, a very scarce multiple. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. AS46, cat. £4,200+ (2006) as two pairs. Photo.

1840 1d. intense black plate 8 DG-DH pair very fine used with good to large margins and neat black Maltese Crosses. S.G. Spec. AS46, cat. £2,100 (2006). Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 9 MF superb used with good to large even margins and a stunning complete upright strike of a black Maltese Cross, rare in this quality. S.G. Spec. AS56. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 9 SJ-SK pair very fine used with full margins and neat non-overlapping strikes of a black Maltese Cross, SJ with faintest trace of a vertical bend. Clear R.P.S. certificate ((2005). S.G. Spec. AS56, cat. £2,100 (2006). Photo.

1840 1d. grey-black plate 10 FA very fine used with good to very large margins and neat black Maltese Cross. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. AS67. Photo.

1840 1d. grey-black plate 10 GA fine used with clear to wide margins and black Maltese Cross on 1841 (March 26th) cover (lacking letter sheet) from Maidstone to London with ''MAIDSTONE/MA26/1841'' alongside adhesive. S.G. Spec. AS66, cat. £1,600 (2006). Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 10 GJ (double ''J'') superb used with wide even margins and a bold almost complete black Maltese Cross, very scarce in this quality. S.G. Spec. AS66f. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 10 KC very fine used with good to large margins and red Maltese Cross, scarce. S.G. Spec. AS66h, cat. £1,000 (2006). Photo.

1840 1d. grey-black plate 10 LE exceptionally fine used with good to large even margins and neat black Maltese Cross on piece with ''Overseal/Penny Post'' struck alongside, most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. AS67. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 10 ML exceptionally fine used with wide even margins and neat black Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. AS66. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 10 QC exceptionally fine used with good to large margins and light black Maltese Cross leaving profile completely clear on clean and neat cover to Banbury, very scarce. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. AS66, cat. £3,000. Photo.

1840 1d. grey-black plate 10 SI (re-entry) showing plate wear, very fine used with good to large margins and with an upright almost central strike of a black Maltese Cross leaving corner squares completely clear with the re-entry very apparent. S.G. Spec. AS67b. Photo.

1840 1d. greyish-black plate 11 BA exceptionally fine used with good to very large margins (part of AA at top) and neat almost complete centrally struck black Maltese Cross, most attractive. Brandon certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. AS72, cat. £4,000. Photo.

1840 1d. greyish-black plate 11 CE very fine used with good even margins and neat black Maltese Cross. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. AS72. Photo.

1840 1d. greyish-black plate 11 CI exceptionally fine used with good to wide margins and light neat almost complete black Maltese Cross, most attractive and extremely scarce in this quality. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. AS72. Photo.

1840 1d. greyish-black plate 11 DJ superb used with good to very large margins and a stunning complete upright strike of a black Maltese Cross, exhibition quality. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. AS72. Photo.

1840 1d. greyish-black plate 11 SA-SC strip of three (each clearly showing the roller flaw in the NE corner square), attractive with light black Maltese Crosses, a trifle rubbed, SA with marginal repair at left and SC touched at upper right, otherwise fine and a very rare multiple. S.G. Spec. AS72c. Photo.

1840 1d. greyish-black plate 11 SE (clearly showing the roller flaw in the NE corner square), very fine used with good margins and exceptional neat bold strike of a black Maltese Cross. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. AS72c. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 1b IB (non coincident re-entry) with watermark inverted, fine used with good to large margins and neat red Maltese Cross. R.P.S. certificate (2004) states 'toned', which seems rather harsh. S.G. Spec. AS5b,l, cat. £2,000. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 1b LE with watermark inverted, very fine used with ample to large margins and neat red Maltese Cross. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. AS5l, cat. £2,000. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 2 HD with watermark inverted, fine used with good margins and red Maltese Cross. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. AS15l, cat. £2,000+. Photo.

1840 1d. black plate 8 LE with watermark inverted, very fine used with good to large margins and neat black Maltese Cross, very scarce. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. AS46d, cat. £3,000 (2006). Photo.

Blue Maltese Cross: 1840 1d. grey-black plate 10 DD with clear to large margins, tied by blue Maltese Cross to 1841 (Sept.) cover from Blackburn to Manchester with matching blue ''BLACKBURN/SP24/1841'' c.d.s. on reverse, some cleaned staining and adhesive crossed by pressed filing crease. Brandon certificate (2006) S.G. AS66vc, cat. £20,000 (2006). Photo.

Pinkish-Red Maltese Cross: 1840 1d. black plate 7 QC very fine used with clear to good margins and tied by clear light strike of a distinct pinkish-red Maltese Cross to piece with ''Southport/Penny Post'' in the same colour. Brandon certificate (2003). S.G. Spec. AS44

Red and Black Maltese Crosses: 1840 1d. black plate 10 JL fine used with ample to large margins and clear strikes of both red and black Maltese Crosses, very scarce. Karl-Albert Louis certificate (1999). S.G. Spec. AS66vk, cat. £2,000+ (2006).

Ruby Maltese Cross: 1840 1d. black plate 5 LK very fine used with good to very large margins and a neat strike of a ruby Maltese Cross. R.P.S. certificate (1990). S.G. Spec. AS24ve, cat. £800 (2006). Photo.

Vermilion Maltese Cross: 1840 1d. black plate 1b QC-QE strip of three (QD showing burr rub) with good to very large margins and vivid bright vermilion Maltese Crosses, QC with faint vertical crease not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine and not mentioned on R.P.S. certificate (2004) which does state 'washed to remove soiling'. Outstanding appearance. S.G. Spec. AS4vh/g. Photo.

Violet Maltese Cross: 1840 1d. greyish-black (slight wear) plate 1a HH, very fine used with a clear light strike of a distinct violet Maltese Cross (possibly Market Street), ample to wide margins, very scarce. R.P.S. certificate (2001) erroneously states 'plate 5'. S.G. Spec. AS2vf, cat. £6,000 (2006). Photo.

London (Broken Points): 1840 1d. black plate 6 OF, a greyish shade, exceptionally fine used with good to large margins and an excellent virtually complete bold strike of the London 'broken points' Maltese Cross in black. S.G. Spec. AS41. Photo.

London (Broken Points): 1840 1d. black plate 10 TD very fine used with a ample to good margins and a neat strike of the London 'broken points' Maltese Cross in black. S.G. Spec. AS66. Photo.

Stonehaven (Double Lined): 1840 1d. black plate 5 NJ fine used with good margins and a clear large part strike of the distinctive double lined Maltese Cross of Stonehaven in red. R.P.S. certificate (2002). S.G. Spec. AS25uf, cat. £2,500 (2006). Photo.

Amlwch Penny Post: 1840 1d. black plate 6 SE, a greyish shade showing plate wear, with good margins, tied by a clear neat strike of ''Amlwch/Penny Post'' in red, rare used as a primary cancellation and additional red Maltese Cross applied at Bangor, on 1840 (Nov. 26th) entire letter from Amlwch to Dudley, light filing fold crosses adhesive but not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine and most attractive. S.G. Spec. AS41ya, cat. £5,000 (2006). Photo

Camelford: 1840 1d. grey-black (very worn) plate 2 SL (upper fransfer shift) fine used with clear to very large margins and a part strike of the ''CAMELFORD'' undated circle in red leaving profile completely clear, very scarce. Brandon certificate (2006). S.G. 3j, Spec. AS15b/j/xb, cat. £12,000. Photo.

Numeral Cancellation (English): 1840 1d. black plate 5 ME very fine used with good even margins and English 1844-type numeral cancellation in black. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. 2k, Spec. AS25za, cat. £1,500. Photo.

Numeral Cancellation (English): 1840 1d. black plate 8 NI very fine used with clear to good margins and English 1844-type numeral cancellation in black. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 2k, Spec. AS46za, cat. £1,500. Photo.

Numeral Cancellation (Scottish): 1840 1d. black plate 1b DG (roller flaw in NE corner), very fine used with good to large margins and light neat Scots 1844-type numeral in black. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. 2k, Spec. AS5k/za, cat. £1,500. Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 1IK-IL and plate 2 GJ-GK pairs with neat red Maltese Crosses, and plate 1 HK-HL (marginal showing part inscription) and 2 AK-AL pairs with neat black Maltese Crosses, all most attractive but some small faults or repairs. (8). S.G. Spec. DS5 & 8, cat. £6,500+ (2006). Photo.

1840 2d. bright blue plate 1 AC of superb appearance with good to very large margins and a stunning upright strike of a bright scarlet shade Maltese Cross, trace of a crease at foot not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. Brandon certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. DS6A. Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 1 CE exceptionally fine used with good to very large margins (showing frame line of DE at foot) and almost complete black Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. DS5. Photo.

1840 2d. violet-blue plate 1 DD, a most attractive rich shade, very fine used with good margins and light indistinct red Maltese Cross. Brandon certificate (2002). S.G. Spec. DS2, cat. £4,000 (2006). Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 1 DJ state 1 without re-entry, very fine used with clear to good margins and almost complete upright strike of a black Maltese Cross, very scarce. R.P.S. certificate (2001). S.G. Spec. DS5h, cat. £2,800 (2006). Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 1 FC (double ''F'') exceptionally fine used with good to large margins and superb virtually complete red Maltese Cross. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. DS5j. Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 1 GC superb used with good to large margins and stunning almost complete red Maltese Cross, most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. DS5. Photo.

1840 2d. bright blue plate 1 KA, superb used with good to very large margins showing part of KB at right, crisp red Maltese Cross leaving profile clear, outstanding. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. DS6A. Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 1 KD, a beautiful rich shade, superb used with good to large margins and neat deep red Maltese Cross, lovely contrast. R.P.S. certificate (2001). S.G. Spec. DS5. Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 1 KL-NL, a very scarce vertical strip of four, fine used with clear to large margins and red Maltese Crosses, NL with slight trace of crease not detracting from appearance. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. DS5. Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 1 LA, an attractive paler shade showing slight plate wear, exceptionally fine used with wide even margins and light neat upright central strike of a black Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. DS5. Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 1 MF-MI strip of four in an attractive full blue, with ample to large margins and black Maltese Crosses, faint traces of creasing not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. DS5. Photo.

1840 2d. pale blue plate 1 PI-PL strip of four (PI lower left corner lines recut, PL constant variety), a most attractive shade with a tinge of green, very fine used with ample to large margins and exceptional neat separate non-overlapping strikes of a black Maltese Cross. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. DS6/g/k. Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 1 PL superb used with good to very large margins and most attractive bright red Maltese Cross, just a trace of a light bend. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. DS5. Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 1 QD-QE pair in a most attractive rich shade, exceptionally fine used with good even margins and neat black Maltese Crosses leaving QE with completely clear profile. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. DS5, cat. £1,500 (2006). Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 1 QF, a most attractive paler shade, superb used with good to large margins and stunning red Maltese Cross, watermark is misplaced to ''Q'' square. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. DS5. Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 1 TL, a most attractive pale shade, of superb used appearance with good even margins and stunning red Maltese Cross, faint bend not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. Spec. DS5. Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 1 BL (double ''L'') with watermark inverted, exceptionally fine used with ample to very large margins (part sheet margin at right) and red Maltese Cross leaving profile largely clear, shows marginal watermark line at right, most attractive and rare. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. 5Wi/a, Spec. DS5a/j, cat. £4,000+. Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 1 CI with watermark inverted, fine used with clear to good margins and most unusually cancelled by part ''(LONDO)N E.C./OC 29/91'' circular datestamp, a very late use. Brandon certificate (2002). S.G. 5Wi, Spec. DS5a/var., cat. £4,000+. Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 2 DH-DI pair, superb used with good to large margins and neat separate non-overlapping strikes of a black Maltese Cross, most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. DS8, cat. £1,750+ (2006). Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 2 DJ very fine used with good to very large margins and neat almost complete red Maltese Cross. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. DS8f, cat. £1,000 (2006). Photo.

1840 2d. pale blue plate 2 FG, a most attractive shade, exceptionally fine used with wide to very large margins showing parts of three adjoining stamps, black Maltese Cross leaving profile clear. R.P.S. certificate (2007). S.G. Spec. DS9. Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 2 JK-JL pair (JK contant variety in NW square), exceptionally fine used with good to very large margins and black Maltese Crosses. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. DS8, cat. £1,750 (2006). Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 2 KD-KF strip of three very fine used with clear to large margins and light red Maltese Crosses, KF with natural vertical paper wrinkle not detracting, a very scarce multiple. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. DS8f, cat. £3,000+ as singles (2006). Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 2 PH fine used with good to large margins and tied by black Maltese Cross to uncreased 1842 (Feb. 24th) entire from London to Congleton. S.G. 5, Spec. DS8, cat. £2,250. Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 2 RE showing slight plate wear, exceptionally fine used with good to wide margins and superb almost complete red Maltese Cross, most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. DS8f, cat. £1,000 (2006). Photo.

1840 2d. blue plate 2 TI-TJ pair in an attracive full blue shade, very fine used with wide even margins and red Maltese Crosses, just a slight trace of soiling in top margin. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. DS8f, cat. £2,000+ as singles (2006). Photo.

Dublin Maltese Cross: 1840 2d. blue plate 1 PF with full margins and a neat large part strike of the distinctive Dublin Maltese Cross, faint trace of a pressed out crease not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. Spec. DS5vj, cat. £1,800 (2006). Photo.

Kelso Maltese Cross: 1840 2d. blue plate 2 TF very fine used with good to large margins and two clear strikes of the distinctive Kelso Maltese Cross, attractive. R.P.S. certificate (1943). S.G. Spec. DS8vb, cat. £2,500 (2006). Photo.

Manchester Maltese Cross: 1840 2d. blue plate 1 DJ state 1 without re-entry, fine used with ample to good margins and a large part strike of the distinctive Manchester 'fishtail' Maltese Cross, very scarce. R.P.S. certificate (1971). S.G. Spec. DS5h/ve, cat. £2,800+ (2006). Photo.

Number 10 in Maltese Cross: 1840 2d. blue plate 2 QL with ample to good margins and a good strike of the number ''10'' in Maltese Cross leaving profile virtually clear, small imperfections/repairs not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine and very scarce. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. 5f, Spec. DS8wj, cat. from £9,500. Photo.

Number 12 in Maltese Cross: 1840 2d. blue plate 1 LL fine used with clear to large margins and a clear neat light strike of the number ''12'' in Maltese Cross, very scarce. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. 5f, Spec. DS8wj, cat. from £9,500. Photo.

Bedale: 1840 2d. blue plate 2 CI very fine used with good to large margins and tied by ''60'' numeral of Bedale to small neat 1846 (Dec. 6th) cover from Leyburn to Bedale with 'LEYBURN'' undated circle in blue and ''BEDALE/DE 6/1846'' circular datestamp in green on reverse, attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. DS8xc, cat. £3,000 (2006). Photo.

London: 1840 2d. blue plate 2 GD fine used with good margins and a fine neat strike of the London Inland Section ''11'' numeral. Brandon certificate (2002). S.G. 5i, Spec. DS8xc, cat. £1,700. Photo.

Maldon: 1840 2d. blue plate 2 EH fine used with ample to good margins and a very fine neat strike of the ''494'' numeral of Maldon in black. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. 5i, Spec. DS8xc, cat, from £1,700. Photo.

Plymouth: 1840 2d. blue plate 1 LE fine used with ample to good margins and neat strike of the ''620'' numeral of Plymouth on clean 1845 (Aug. 30th) entire letter written from Saltash to London, boxed ''No. 2'' Receiving House handstamp alongside adhesive, backstamped unframed ''PLYMOUTH/PY POST'', ''PLYMOUTH/AU 31/1845'' c.d.s. in black and London arrival for Sept 1st in red, very scarce. S.G. Spec. DS5xc, cat. £3,000 (2006). Photo.

Scotland: 1840 2d. pale blue plate 1 EK (double ''K'') with full margins and light Scots numeral (probably Edinburgh ''131''), tiny corner crease at upper left not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. 5i, Spec. DS6xc, cat. from £1,700. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plates 1b to 11 set, comprising plates 1b DF, 2 FK, 5 FE, 8 GC, 9 MB, 10 GK and 11 SC, all very fine to superb with good to very large margins and neat black Maltese Crosses. S.G. 7, cat. £1,385+. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 1b AF exceptionally fine used with good to large margins and neat black Maltese Cross, most attractive. S.G. 7, Spec. AS6, cat. £300. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 1b DF (burr rub and roller flaw) superb used with wide even margins and an exceptional central upright strike of a black Maltese Cross on small neat 1841 (May 29th) envelope from Tenterden to Maidstone with ''TENTERDEN/MY 29/1841'' and ''MAIDSTONE/MY 30/1841'' circular datestamps on reverse. R.P.S. certificate (2007). S.G. Spec. AS6g/k. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 1b DG (roller flaw) superb used with good to large margins and neat black Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. AS6k, cat. £300 (2006). Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 1b DH superb used with wide to very large margins and neat black Maltese Cross, outstanding. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. AS6. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 1b JD exceptionally fine used with good to large margins and black Maltese Cross with almost 'hollow' centre leaving profile clear. S.G. Spec. AS6. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 1b JH exceptionally fine used with large to very large margins, neat black Maltese Cross leaves profile virtually clear. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. AS6. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 1b QG-QH pair (QG recut left side-line) in a pale shade showing plate wear, cancelled contrary to regulations with single central black Maltese Cross, very fine with good to very large margins, rare. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. AS6/h. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 5 MI superb used with good to very large margins and exceptional virtually complete black Maltese Cross, most attractive. S.G. Spec. AS26. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 5 PJ (double ''P'') exceptionally fine and most attractive with good margins and virtually complete black Maltese Cross on clean and neat 1841 (June 21st) entire letter from Cowbridge to Neath. S.G. Spec. AS26b. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 10 FH exceptionally fine used with large to huge margins showing part of FI at right, tied by full upright strike of a black Maltese Cross on clean and uncreased 1841 (March 27th) entire letter written from Kirkton to Tongue with boxed ''GOLSPIE/MR 28/1841'' datestamp on reverse. S.G. Spec. AS69. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 11 HL, a fresh and very rare unused marginal example with full sheet margin showing inscription, clear to large margins other sides, minor imperfections not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. 7, Spec. AS74, cat. £6,000+. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 11 NL exceptionally fine used with clear to large margins and light neat black Maltese Cross on clean and neat 1841 (Aug. 4th) entire letter from Bedale to Kirkby Stephen. S.G. Spec. AS74. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 11 RK fine used with ample to large margins and tied to small piece by distinctive Manchester 'fishtail' Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. AS74ub, cat. £750 (2006). Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 11 TA superb used with massive margins and an almost complete bold upright strike of the London 'broken points' Maltese Cross, outstanding. R.P.S. certificate (2005, not mentioning the M.C.). S.G. Spec. AS74. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 11, four examples, GL, KL, SC and TD, used on clean 1841 (Aug. 12th) entire letter (197 x 113mm, originally enclosing a receipt) from Manchester to Wakefield, GL and KL very fine with good to massive margins, SC (roller flaw) with good margins on three side, TD (re-entry) with clear to large margins but crossed by filing fold. S.G. Spec. AS74/a/c. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown DC very fine and fresh mint with large to very large margins, two tiny surface specks. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 17 EA in a lovely deep rich red-brown shade, superb used with large margins and exceptional upright black Maltese Cross, most attractive. S.G. Spec. BS6. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 25 IE-JF block of four, exceptionally fine used with good to large even margins and neat separate non-overlapping strikes of a black Maltese Cross, shows 'mid-stage ivory heads', slight bends at right in no way detracting from the superb appearance and very difficult to find in this quality. S.G. Spec. BS14. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 29 DA with watermark inverted, fine used with ample to good margins and black Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. BS18c, cat. £300+ (2006). Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 33 QE (double ''E'') exceptionally fine used with wide even margins and light black Maltese Cross on small neat 1843 (July 8th) envelope from Nottingham to Tor, Torquay, the adhesive additionally just tied by ''TORQUAY/JY 10/1843'' arrival circular datestamp, the envelope turned and resused from Tor to Chudleighwith 1d. plate 31 LB (just touched at foot) with ''TOR'' undated circle and Torquay and Chudleigh c.d.s's on front, small cover imperfections well clear of both adhesives. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2006). Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 54 GA-GE marginal strip of five with full sheet margin at left showing 'Back be careful' inscription, clear to good margins other sides, minor imperfections not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine and attractive with neat ''236'' numerals of Dartford. S.G. Spec. BS27. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 64 GG imprimatur, very fine. S.G. Spec. BS28. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 70 LG-MI fresh mint block of six in an attractive 'soft' shade, clear to good margins except LI touched at lower right, LG-MG with light bends at left and LG with closed tear at top, not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine with MH-MI very fine unmounted mint. S.G. Spec. BS28. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 70 NH-OI block of four exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint, a few tiny gum skips, excellent margins. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. BS28, cat. £2,200+ (2006). Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 75 LK 'Union Jack' re-entry, exceptionally fine used with good to very large margins and neat London Inland Section ''9'' numeral well clear of corner squares. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. 8d, Spec. BS28c, cat. £2,700. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 75 LK 'Union Jack' re-entry, fine used with ample to large margins, cancelled well clear of corner squares. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. 8d, Spec. BS28c, cat. £2,700. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 77 BA the ''B-blank'' error corrected, a very fine used example with good even margins and neat ''700'' numeral of Sheffield, unsually the ''A'' square rather weakly printed. R.P.S. certificate (2003). S.G. Spec. BS29b, cat. £1,500 (2006). Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 77 BA the ''B-blank'' error corrected, a fine used example with good margins and Scottish numeral. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. BS29b, cat. £1,500 (2006). Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 77 BA the ''B-blank'' error corrected, a fine used example with clear to good margins and light neat ''179'' Irish numeral of Drogheda. Karl-Albert Louis certificate (2002). S.G. Spec. BS29b, cat. £1,500 (2006). Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 84 HL imprimatur, very fine marginal showing inscription. S.G. Spec. BS29. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 92 NA-OB, a superb unmounted mint left marginal block of four with full sheet margin showing 'ICE 1d. Per Label. 1/- Per Row of 12. £1' inscription, good to large margins other sides, exceptionally fresh block from the 'Archer' group of plates. B.P.A. certificate (1975). S.G. Spec. BS31. Photo.

1841 1d. orange-brown plate 112 HF-HG pair with watermark inverted, clear to massive margins except HF with frame line just touched at left, otherwise very fine used with London Inland Section ''20'' numerals. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. BS32(6)c. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 122 TK-TL pair with watermark inverted, cancelled contrary to regulations with single Irish ''345'' numeral of Mullingar leaving TK with head completely clear, an outstanding pair with huge margins. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. BS32c. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 125 DF on thicker, lavender tinted paper, a very fine and fresh mint original gum example. Brandon certificate (2002) states 'plate 122'. S.G. Spec. BS32l, cat. from £1,000 (2006). Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 127 TF imprimatur showing excellent ivory head and with part marginal watermark at foot, very fine. S.G. Spec. BS32. Photo.

1852–53 alphabet II 1d. red-brown plate 135 AA on thicker lavender tinted paper, a very fine used example with large to massive margins with part corner margins showing part marginal plate number and inscription, clear strikes of Irish ''410'' numerals of Sligo. S.G. B2k. Photo.

1852–53 alphabet II 1d. red-brown plate 135 JL on lavender tinted paper, very fine used with large to huge margins (part sheet margin at right showing part marginal ornament), neat ''162'' numeral of Cardiff. S.G. Spec. B2k. Photo.

1852–53 alphabet II 1d. lake-red plate 142 QI exceptionally fine used with good to very large margins and completely clear profile on clean and neat 1852 (Aug. 31st) entire letter from London to Warwick. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 11, Spec. B2(2), cat. £750 off cover. Photo.

1852–53 alphabet II 1d. red-brown plate 148 AE top marginal imprimatur showing inscription, very fine. S.G. Spec. B2. Photo.

1852–53 alphabet II 1d. red-brown plate 153 AE-BF block of four fine and fresh mint with large to very large margins and large part original gum, AE shows constant variety. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. B2(1), cat. £2,500 (2006). Photo.

1852–53 alphabet II 1d. red-brown plate 160 EK with watermark inverted, exceptionally fine used with large even margins. S.G. Spec. B2c, cat. £300 (2006). Photo.

1852–53 alphabet II 1d. red-brown plate 164 RK used in combination with 1854 SC16 plate 175 GI on 1854 (June 12th) envelope from to Drem with ''890'' numerals of Windsor, backstamped ''ETON'' u.d.c. and ''WINDSOR/JU 12/1854'' c.d.s. in blue, London transit for June 12th in red and ''DREM/JN 13/1854'' c.d.s. in yellow, RK with clear to good margins almost all around, scarce. B.P.A. certificate (2007). Photo.

1852–53 alphabet II 1d. red-brown plate 167 IG imprimatur, very fine. S.G. Spec. B2. Photo.

1852–53 alphabet II 1d. red-brown plate 167 NA (constant variety) fine unmounted mint, good even margins, usual gum wrinkles. S.G. Spec. B2(1)l. Photo.

1852–53 alphabet II 1d. red-brown plate 174 HH-HI pair with watermark inverted, indistinctly cancelled, 3mm scissor cut along left frame line of ''H'' square of HI, otherwise fine and rare with large to huge margins. S.G. Spec. B2c. Photo.

1852–53 alphabet II 1d. red-brown plate 176 MJ, a fine used example with large margins, very scarce. R.P.S. certificate (1992). S.G. Spec. B2(1), cat. £1,900 (2006). Photo.

1852–53 alphabet II 1d. red-brown plate 176 NC, a fine used example with good to large margins, very scarce. R.P.S. certificate (2007) states 'orange-brown'. Photo.

Late Fee: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 26 OG fine used with good even margins and cancelled solely by neat Liverpool diamond ''L/FE 3/F'' in black, most unusual and rare. S.G. Spec. BS15. Photo.

Receiving Office Cancellation: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 53 EA (''POST'' spread) very fine used with good to large margins and neat large part strike of boxed ''No. 1'' Receiving House handstamp in black, attractive. S.G. Spec. BS27k. Photo.

Tombstone ''PAID'' in Red: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 14 NF with full margins and a large part strike of ''PAID/1841'' tombstone datestamp in red. Brandon certificate (2002) states 'filled thin'. S.G. Spec. BS3. Photo.

Blue Maltese Cross: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 24 HG very fine used with good to large margins and a superb almost complete strike of a deep blue Maltese Cross, most attractive. S.G. 8l, Spec. BS13sc, cat. £500. Photo.

Green Maltese Cross: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 34 HE fine used with good margins and distinct green Maltese Cross of Derby on piece with two impressions of ''DERBY/DE 27/1843'' circular datestamp also in green. B.P.A. certificate (1989). S.G. Spec. BS23sd, cat. £5,000 (2006, £15,000 on full cover). Photo.

Red Maltese Cross: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 5 OG with clear to good margins and neat upright strike of a red Maltese Cross, small imperfections not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. R.P.S. certificate (2001) states 'small marginal thin'. S.G. 7l, Spec. AS26va, cat. £4,500 (2006). Photo.

Red Maltese Cross: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 8 HJ fine used with close to good margins and light neat centrally struck red Maltese Cross. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. 7l, Spec. AS47va, cat. £4,500 (2006). Photo.

Manchester 'Fishtail': 1841 1d. red-brown plate 11 ED fine used with ample to large margins and a fine strike of the distinctive Cross. S.G. Spec. AS74ub, cat. £750. Photo.

Manchester 'Fishtail': 1841 1d. red-brown plate 11 OG fine used with ample to large margins and a good strike of the distinctive Cross. S.G. Spec. AS74ub, cat. £750. Photo.

Wotton-under-Edge: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 14 HL fine used with good to large margins and a fine upright strike of the distinctive Maltese Cross of Wotton-Under-Edge in black clearly showing the cuts to the Cross. R.P.S. certificate (2001). S.G. Spec. BS3tw, cat. £3,250 (2006). Photo.

Number 2: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 31 NA superb used with large to huge margins and an exceptional upright strike of the number ''2'' in Maltese Cross. S.G. 8m, Spec. BS20ub. Photo.

Number 3: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 29 RI cancelled neat number ''3'' on Maltese Cross on 1843 (March 29th) entire letter from London to Dublin, redirected from Dublin on March 31st to Castle Pollard with 1d. plate 33 FL cancelled distinctive Dublin Maltese Cross, both adhesives fine with full margins and RI additionally just tied by ''CASTLEPOLLARD/AP 1/1843'' arrival circular datestamp, an unusual combination and a most attractive cover. R.P.S. certificate (2001). Photo.

Number 3: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 30 IJ very fine used with good to very large margins and an excellent strike of the number ''3'' in Maltese Cross on clean neat 1843 (March 23rd) entire letter to Appleby. S.G. Spec. BS19uc, cat. £425 (2006). Photo.

Number 3: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 35 SI exceptionally fine used with ample to large margins and neat strike of the number ''3'' in Maltese Cross leaving profile clear. S.G. 8m, Spec. BS25uc. Photo.

Number 3: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 43 NE-NF pair exceptionally fine used with good to huge margins and neat strikes of the number ''3'' in Maltese Cross. S.G. 8m, Spec. BS26F/uc. Photo.

Number 6: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 33 OA, a pale shade showing slight plate wear, exceptionally fine used with large margins and a superb number ''6'' in Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. BS22uf. Photo.

Number 8: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 27 FH exceptionally fine used with good to huge margins and light neat strike of the number ''8'' in Maltese Cross on clean 1843 (Nov. 22nd) envelope to Broadway with handstruck ''Pall-Mall'' alongside stamp., most attractive. S.G. Spec. BS16uh, cat. £325 (2006). Photo.

Number 8: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 35 QK-QL pair very fine used with good to very large margins and tied by very fine strikes of the number ''8'' in Maltese Cross to 1843 (Aug. 15th) entire letter to Hull. S.G. Spec. BS24uh. Photo.

Number 9: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 37 BK and DK both very fine with good to large margins and placed unusually at lower right of 1844 (Jan. 1st) cover to Stourbridge with very fine inverted strikes of the number ''9'' in Maltese Cross, attractive. S.G. Spec. BS26ui. Photo.

Number 12: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 29 IH exceptionally fine used with large to huge margins showing parts of four adjoining stamps and with an excellent single strike of the number ''12'' in Maltese Cross. S.G. 8m, Spec. BS18ul, cat. £250+. Photo.

Number 12: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 37 HC-HD pair very fine used with good to large margins and fine upright strikes of the number ''12'' in Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. 8m, BS26ul, cat. £500+. Photo.

A selection on full margined 1841 1ds. (5), comprising BE on piece with Totness (light crease), ND with Lyme, DB with Kingsbridge (indistinct), AK probably with ''(HONI)TON'' and RL probably with ''(WARWIC)K'', mainly good to fine. Photo.

Dorchester: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 19 TB (basal shift) exceptionally fine used with very large to huge margins and neat large part ''(DORC)HESTER/AU 18/1842'' small type circular datestamp. S.G. 8o, Spec. BS8b/va, cat. £650+. Photo.

Honiton: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 21 SH exceptionally fine used with good to very large margins and crisp part ''H(ONITO)N/AU 2/1842'' circular datestamp, fresh and most attractive. S.G. 8o, Spec. BS10va, cat. £650. Photo.

Northampton: 1841 1d. red-brown IJ very fine used with good to large margins and neat large part Northampton circular datestamp for ''JY 5/1848'', very scarce. S.G. 8o, cat. £650. Photo.

1852–53 alphabet II 1d. red-brown AH with good to large margins and several strikes of ''..AVERTHORPE'' undated circle in blue, small faults not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. 8o, cat. £1,800. Photo.

1841 1d. red-brown plate 65 LC with ample to large margins and neat part large undated circle in deep blue including ''HAUGH'' (possibly Haughley or Shaugh Bridge Prior), faint trace of a pressed vertical crease not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine and rare. S.G. 8o, Spec. BS28vb, cat. £1,800. Photo.

Wolsingham: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 76 SI very fine used with good margins and two strikes of the ''WOLSINGHAM'' undated circle in blue. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 8o, Spec. BS29vb, cat. £1,800. Photo.

Poulton: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 12 IB fine used with clear to good margins and cancelled solely by fine clear part strike of the ''(P)oulton/(Pe)nny Po(st)'' handstamp in black. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 8n, Spec. BS1wb, cat. £650. Photo.

Blue: 1841 1d. orange-brown plate 63 HB-HD strip of three (each showing shortened long upper rays in NW squares) very fine used with good to huge margins, cancelled neat ''319'' numerals of Goole in deep blue, HB-HC also with additional part ''LEEDS'' circular datestamp in blue at foot. S.G. 8p, Spec. BS28xb, cat. £525+. Photo.

Green: 1852–53 aphabet II 1d. red-brown plate 142 JE fine used with good to large margins and part ''46.'' (probably ''466'' of Liverpool) numeral in a distinct green ink, very scarce. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. 8p, Spec. B2(1)xc, cat. £2,500. Photo.

Red: 1841 1d. red-brown plate 24 PI fine used with clear to large margins and a part strike of 1844-type numeral in red leaving profile completely clear. Rare. B.P.A. certificate (1989). S.G. 8p, Spec. BS13xd, cat. £7,500. Photo.

Killaloe ''271'': 1841 1d. red-brown plate 125 GE-GF exceptionally fine used pair with ample to large margins and neat single Irish ''271'' numeral of Killaloe. S.G. Spec. BS32. Photo.See also lots ????

Torquay ''805'': 1841 1d. red-brown plate 61 AC-AD pair with clear light single central strike of the ''805'' numeral of Torquay, very fine used with ample to good margins. S.G. Spec. BS28. Photo.

1841 2d. blue plate 3 BE, an attractive 'soft' shade, fresh mint with good margins and almost full original gum, just a slight trace of toning in places not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. 14, Spec. ES11, cat. £4,250. Photo.

1841 2d. deep full blue plate 3 EA, a fresh mint marginal example with full sheet margin at left showing 'ment' inscription, small marginal repair at upper right and light creases in sheet margin, not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine with large part original gum, shows corrosion blemish on Queen's cheek. S.G. 15, Spec. ES12, cat. £6,000. Photo.

1841 2d. deep full blue plate 3 IH fine and fresh mint with ample to good margins and large part original gum. Brandon certificate (2006). S.G. 14, Spec. ES11, cat. £4,250. Photo.

1841 2d. blue plate 3 DA-DD strip of four with good to large margins and separate non-overlapping strikes of a black Maltese Cross, DD with light creasing not detracting from appearance. S.G. 14, Spec. ES11, cat. £900+ as singles. Photo.

1841 2d. blue plate 3 DE with clear to good margins except just touched at right side of ''E'' square, fine used with large part ''NOTTING(HAM)/OC 16/1847'' circular datestamp in a deep bluish-black. R.P.S. certificate (2005) states 'mixed inks'. S.G. 14g, Spec. ES11we, cat. from £2,250. Photo.

1841 2d. blue plate 3 JH-JL strip of five (JJ double letter and ''J'' flaw, JH, JI & JL ''J'' flaw), very fine used with large to huge margins and London Inland Section ''8'' numerals, JJ also with additional part red ''PAID'' handstamp at foot. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. ES11/h/i. Photo.

1841 2d. blue plate 3 LE-LF pair (LE state 1 clearly showing strong corrosion blemish on eyebrow and in margin between extending into the NW corner square of LF), very fine used with good to large margins and very fine strikes of the distinctive Dublin type II Maltese Cross. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. ES11ul. Photo.

1841 2d. deep full blue plate 3 PB (shifted transfer) state 1, exceptionally fine used with wide to large margins and excellent black Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. ES12d. Photo.

1841 2d. blue plate 3 TA exceptionally fine used with good to huge margins (part sheet margin at foot) and full strike of a black Maltese Cross. S.G. Spec. ES11. Photo.

1841 2d. blue plate 4 HJ, a fine and fresh mint example with good to wide margins and large part original gum. R.P.S. certificate (2001). S.G. 14, Spec. ES14, cat. £5,000. Photo.

1841 2d. blue plate 4 HK (re-entry), a fine and fresh mint example with good to wide margins and large part original gum, rare. R.P.S. certificate (2001). S.G. 14be, Spec. ES14b, cat. £6,000. Photo.

1841 2d. blue plate 4 KI-KJ pair, fine fresh mint with good margins and large part original gum, fold in margin between stamps, most attractive. S.G. 14, Spec. ES14, cat. £10,000+. Photo.

1841 2d. blue plate 4 BH with 'Spectacle' variety very fine used with good to very large margins, placed sideways on 1854 (Feb. 25th) entire from London to Manchester. R.P.S. certificate (1988). S.G. Spec. ES14o, cat. £650 off cover (2006). Photo.

1841 2d. blue plate 4 CB-DC block of four on very thin (almost pelure) paper, fine used with good to very large margins. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. ES14q, cat. £1,100+ (2006). Photo.

1841 2d. blue plate 4 HE of superb used appearance with exceptional margins and crisp ''FALKIRK/MY 29/72'' circular datestamp portion of duplex and small parts of bars at right, a rare and outstanding late use, small fault at upper right not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 14g, Spec. ES14we, cat. from £2,200. Photo.

1841 2d. blue plate 4 IG-II strip of three on thin paper, showing the 'stepped' misalignment of the plate, fine used with clear to very large margins and light neat ''959'' numerals of Clifton, traces of some slight soiling. S.G. Spec. ES14q. Photo.

1841 2d. blue plate 4 IH on very thin paper with watermark inverted, good to large margins and neat ''159'' numeral of Glasgow, small crease at lower left corner not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. Spec. ES14a/q, cat. £600+. Photo.

1841 2d. blue plate 4 RA very late use with large part ''LIVERPOOL/MY 18/82'' c.d.s., clear to good margins, on thicker paper with marked ivory head showing slight sign of lavender tint, tiny imperfections not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. 14g, cat. from £2,200. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1855–61, the Donald Forbes-Smith private collection of LC 1d. stars with circular datestamps (or similar) or town cancellations, assembled for quality/c.d.s. aspect, all plated (the majority by Dr. Wiggins) and contained in a small stockbook, comprising 119 examples, mostly LC14 on white paper incl. plates 34 (10), 42 (9), 43 (4), 44 (6), 46 (11), 47 (6), 48 (7), 55 (3), 56 (7), 57 (6), 58 (5), 59 (5), 60 (4) and 61 (3) etc., mostly fine to very fine with some superb, a few small imperfections. There is also a further selection of 55 inferior examples and a further 30 of poorer quality in a small packet. (204). Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1850 Archer perf. 16 1d. red-brown plate 99 EE fresh unused (regummed), fine. S.G. 16b, Spec. CE2, cat. £2,500. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1850 Archer perf. 16 1d. red-brown plate 99 LJ-LK pair, very fine used. S.G. 16b, Spec. CE2. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1850 Archer perf. 16 1d. red-brown plate 100 TK fine used with neat ''29'' numeral of Ashburton in blue, attractive. S.G. 16b, Spec. CE2. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1854 die I, alphabet II, SC16 1d. red-brown GL and 2d. blue plate 4 GL, each showing broken perf. pin variety 4 state 4 (missing pins 5, 8, 10 and 14–18 at right), used with neat ''875'' (Whitby) and ''544'' (Newbury) numerals respectively, 1d. with tiny imperfections. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1854 die I, alphabet II, SC16 1d. red-brown BL showing broken perf. pin variety 4 state 2 (missing pins 10, 14–16 and 18 at right), fine used with neat ''LEEDS/4 SP/1854'' sideways duplex on clean and uncreased mourning envelope to Whitehaven, most attractive. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1855 die II, alphabet II SC 1d. red-brown plate 3 AF top marginal imprimatur showing inscription, very fine. S.G. Spec. C4. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1855 die II, alphabet II SC 1d. red-brown plate 5 AH top marginal imprimatur showing inscription, very fine. S.G. Spec. C4. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1855 die II, alphabet II SC 1d. red-brown plate 18 AG top marginal imprimatur showing inscription, very fine. S.G. Spec. C4. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1855 die II, alphabet II SC 1d. red-brown plate 19 AD top marginal imprimatur showing inscription, very fine. S.G. Spec. C4. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1855 die II, alphabet II, LC 1d. red-brown plate 10 DB variety imperforate, exceptionally fine used with clear to good margins, lightly cancelled, very rare. R.P.S. certificate (2003) and letters to and from S.G. relating to the discovery and listing of this plate. S.G. 26a, Spec. C5/6j, unpriced. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1855 die II, alphabet III, SC14 1d. red-brown plate 24 DA exceptionally fine used, neatly cancelled. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. C7. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1855 die II, alphabet III, SC14 1d. red-brown plate 26 KL (gothic ''K''), a rare unused (regummed) example, a few tiny perf. imperfections. S.G. Spec. C7, cat. £2,750 (2006). Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1855 die II, alphabet III, SC14 1d. red-brown plate 27 BA, a superb used example of this rare stamp, very lightly cancelled. R.P.S. certificate (2003). S.G. Spec. C7, cat. £2,000 (2006). Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1855 LC16 2d. blue plate 5 RA-RC strip of three exceptionally fine used, well centred and lightly cancelled. S.G. 27, cat. £1,050. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1857 LC14 2d. deep blue plate 6 NJ very fine and fresh mint with part original gum, excellent colour. Brandon certificate (2006) states 'redistributed gum' but we believe this to be disturbance due to hinge removal. S.G. 35, cat. £2,400. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1856 die II, alphabet III, LC 1d. red-brown plate 25 GG-GH imperforate pair on ungummed paper from Neal's steam press experiment, superb, without the usual creasing, GG shows printing flaws at upper left. Ex Tonna. R.P.S. certificate (1976, for block of six). S.G. 29a, Spec. C8(1)h, cat. £7,600+. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1856 die II, alphabet III, LC 1d. red-brown plate 25 HG-HH imperforate pair on ungummed paper from Neal's steam press experiment, exceptionally fine and fresh without the usual creasing. Ex Tonna. Photocopy of R.P.S. certificate (1976, as part of a block of six). S.G. 29a, Spec. C8(1)h, cat. £7,600+. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1856 die II, alphabet III, LC 1d. red-brown plate 25 II-JJ imperforate block of four on ungummed paper from Neal's steam press experiment, exceptionally fine and fresh, just a trace of light bends but without the usual creasing, IJ with unusual printing flaw to right of Queen's neck. S.G. 29a, Spec. C8(1)h, cat. £15,200+. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1856 die II, alphabet III, LC14 on blued paper 1d. orange-brown plate 27 GJ-GL and 1d. brick-red plate 44 JE-JG exceptionally fine used strips of three with crisp ''STIRLING/JN 4/1857'' and ''PAISLEY/MY 14/1857'' duplexes respectively, a most attractive contrasting pair. S.G. Spec. C8(2 & 5). Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1856 die II, alphabet III, LC on blued paper 1d. plate 42 JL superb marginal imprimatur in a stunning copper shade, showing inscription and part marginal ornament, trivial thinning in sheet margin at right in no way detracting, most attractive. S.G. Spec. C8. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1856 die II, alphabet III, LC14 on blued paper 1d. red-brown plate 49 KK (double first ''K''), a very fine used example of this rarity with neat ''110'' numeral of Keighley. B.P.A. certificate (2007). S.G. C8, unpriced, only a single example recorded according to the 2006 Specialised. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1856 (November) die II, alphabet III, LC14 on white paper 1d. red-brown ND very fine and fresh mint, very scarce. Brandon certificate (2004, unplated). S.G. 37, Spec. C8A, cat. £950. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1857–63 die II, alphabet III, LC14 on white paper 1d. rose-red EC exceptionally fine used and cancelled solely by the oval datestamp ''MULLINGAR/JY 8/1863'' portion of the ''345'' Spoon on clean and uncreased envelope to Youghal, most attractive. S.G. Spec. C10. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1857–63 die II, alphabet III, LC14 on white paper 1d. deep rose-red NC and 1857 LC14 2d. blue plate 6 PD, each with a fine strike of the ''683'' Salisbury trial cancellation with pins, very fine and attractive. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1857–63 die II, alphabet III, LC14 on white paper 1d. rose-red plate 34 TA watermark error, exceptionally fine used with neat upright ''LONDON/JA 11/62'' circular datestamp, rare in this quality and underrated. R.P.S. certificate (2003). S.G. Spec. C10(5)d. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1857–63 die II, alphabet III, LC14 on white paper 1d. rose-red plate 42 TA watermark error, exceptionally fine used with neat part Edinburgh ''*131*'' duplex, very scarce. S.G. Spec. C10(5)d. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1857–63 die II, alphabet III, LC14 on white paper 1d. rose-red plate 47 TA watermark error, fine used with neat ''176'' numeral of Chelmsford, very scarce. S.G. Spec. C10(5)d. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1857–63 die II, alphabet III, LC14 on white paper 1d. pale red plate 48 BE variety imperforate, an unused example with clear to good margins, slight rubbing at top, otherwise fine and very scarce. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 40a, Spec. C10l, cat. £3,500. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1857–63 die II, alphabet III, LC14 on white paper 1d. rose-red plate 48 TA watermark error, exceptionally fine used, very scarce. S.G. Spec. C10(5)d. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1857 LC16 1d. rose-red plate 37 JC exceptionally fine and fresh mint. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 36, Spec. C11, cat. £2,000. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1864–79 1d. rose-red plate 78 SA variety imperforate, light ''20'' Irish numeral of Athy, good to large margined appearance but with repairs at left and other small imperfections, rare. S.G. 43a, cat. from £3,000. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1864–79 1d. rose-red plate 85 MA watermark error, very fine used with neat part Glasgow duplex, very scarce. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. G1c, cat. from £300 (2006). Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1864–79 1d. rose-red plate 88 MA watermark error, an excellent example, matched with normal plate 88 MA. S.G. Spec. G1c, cat. £300 (2006). Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1864–79 1d. lake-red plate 109 OD variety imperforate, fine used with large margins and part Irish diamond cancellation, rare. S.G. 44a, Spec. G1(2)h, cat. from £3,000. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1864–79 1d. rose-red plate 124 SA-TF lower left corner marginal block of twelve (6 x 2) with full sheet margins showing marginal plate number and inscription, fine and fresh mint with usual crackly gum with gum creases, lower row unmounted. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1864–79 1d. lake-red plate 160 QD tied by neat ''GIBRALTAR/JY 14/73'' ''A26'' duplex to printed Soldier's Concessionary rate envelope for the ''1/24th Regiment'' countersigned by the Commanding Officer, London arrival c.d.s's for July 22nd on reverse, the letter was wrongly addressed and a circular segmented ''M/S/W/L'' mis-sorted mark applied to the front, upper flap missing and small cover fault at upper right corner, otherwise fine and attractive. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1864–79 1d. rose-red plate 172 AE marginal imprimatur showing inscription, very fine. S.G. Spec. G1. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1864–79 1d. rose-red plate 177 SH-TL lower right corner marginal block of ten (5 x 2) with full sheet margins showing marginal plate and current numbers and inscription, mainly fine and fresh mint, excellent colour, a few separated perfs. reinforced with hinges. S.G. 43, cat. £450+. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1864–79 1d. rose-red plate 195 AB marginal imprimatur showing inscription and part current number, very fine. S.G. Spec. G1. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1864–79 1d. rose-red plate 198 SA-TL lower left corner marginal block of twelve (6 x 2) with full sheet margins showing marginal plate number and inscription, mainly fine and fresh mint, a few faults on upper row. S.G. 43, cat. £550+. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1864–79 1d. rose-red plate 225 EI exceptionally fine used with neat ''MANCHESTER/MR9/80'' ''498'' duplex on superb envelope to Todmorden, most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 43. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1864–79 1d. rose-red plate 225 JD very fine used with ''DARLINGTON/FE 21/80'' duplex on neat envelope to Stockton on Tees, some cover imperfections not affecting stamp, fine appearance. S.G. 43. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1864–79 1d. lake-red plate 225 TI-TJ attractive pair with ''LONDON/2 JA/80'' duplexes, small imperfections not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. R.P.S. certificate (2005) states 'closed pinhole in TI'. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1858–76 2d. blue plate 9 MA error of watermark, a good used example, a few tiny perf. imperfections otherwise fine and very scarce. R.P.S. certificate (1990). S.G. Spec. G2c. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1858–76 2d. blue plate 9 TJ-TL fresh mint lower right corner marginal strip of three with full sheet margins showing marginal plate number and inscription, gum a little disturbed and some slight tone spots but mainly fine appearance. S.G. 45. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1858–76 2d. blue plate 12 TD imprimatur, very fine with excellent margins. S.G. Spec. G2, cat. £3,000 (2006). Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1858–76 2d. blue plate 13 KC-MD scarce vertical block of six (2 x 3) exceptionally fine used with three central strikes of ''TRALEE/FE 21/72'' circular datestamps, unusual. S.G. 46. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1858–76 2d. blue plate 13 PI-QK block of six (3 x 2), superb used with crisp light ''GLOUCESTER/JY 6/72' circular datestamps., most attractive. S.G. 46. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1858–76 2d. blue plate 15 AI-BL block of six (3 x 2) fine and fresh mint with virtually full original gum, a few separated perfs. R.P.S. certificate (1986). S.G. 46, cat. £2,400 as singles. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1858–76 2d. blue plate 15 HE with watermark inverted, a fine and fresh mint well centred example, very scarce. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 46Wi, Spec. G3c, cat. £1,800. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1870 1/2d. rose-red plate 4 SP imprimatur, very fine. S.G. 48, Spec. G4, cat. from £750 (2006). Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1870 1/2d. rose plate 6 SQ variety imperforate, fine and fresh mint with large margins and part original gum, very scarce. B.P.A. certificate (1980). S.G. 49a, Spec. G4h, cat. from £3,500. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1870 1/2d. rose-red plate 9 DE very fine used with neat ''GLASGOW'' c.d.s., excellent colour. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 48, cat. £700+.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1870 1/2d. rose plate 9 MR-NR vertical pair very fine used, neatly cancelled, the upper stamp with ''PLYMOUTH/FE 19/72'' circular datestamp. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. 49, cat. £1,400. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1870 1/2d. rose plate 12 QA-TC lower left corner marginal block of twelve (3 x 4) with full sheet margins showing marginal plate number and inscription, fresh mint with virtually full original slightly brownish crackly gum, some separated perfs. reinforced with hinges, a scarce multiple. S.G. 49, cat. £1,200++ as singles. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1870 1/2d. rose plate 13 AS imprimatur, very fine. S.G. 48, Spec. G4, cat. from £750 (2006). Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1870 11/2d. rose-red plate 1 CG-DH fresh and well centred mint block of four with large part original gum (a little disturbed), excellent appearance. S.G. 51, cat. £2,400 as singles. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1870 11/2d. lake-red plate 1 IK-JK vertical pair very fine used with neat ''WATFORD/AP 3/72'' circular datestamps. S.G. 52. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1870 11/2d. lake-red plate 1 OP-PC error of lettering in pair with PB, very fine. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 53, Spec. G6(2)f, cat. £1,550+. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1870 11/2d. lake-red plate 1 QI-RL block of six (3 x 2) exceptionally fine used with light ''HERNE HILL - DULWICH/AU 6/72'' circular datestamps, just a hint of light toning in places. S.G. 52. Photo.

Later Line Engraved: 1858–79 Plate Number Issues: 1870 11/2d. rose-red plate 3 BH-CI fresh mint block of four with large part original gum, usual gum wrinkles and hinge remainders otherwise mainly fine. S.G. 51, Spec. G6, cat. £1,900 (2006). Photo.

Protective Overprints or Underprints: Brown, Davis & Co.: 1864–79 1d. rose-red plate 149 KE with vertical underprint in black reading upwards, fine for this and scarce. S.G. Spec. PP15, cat. £275 (2006). Photo.

Protective Overprints or Underprints: Copestake, Moore, Crampton, & Co.: 1858–76 2d. blue plate 15 PC with underprint in blue, a fresh mint example, gum a little disturbed, otherwise fine and very scarce. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. PP26. Photo.

Protective Overprints or Underprints: Wm Dawbarn & Co., Liverpool: 1864–79 1d. plates 138 TK and 152 ED (on piece) with vertical overprints reading downwards, and plate 192 TC with unofficial vertical underprint reading upwards, fine to very fine. (3). S.G. Spec. PP58 & 59. Photo.

Protective Overprints or Underprints: H.  H.: 1864–79 1d. rose-red plate 124 MJ, fine and scarce. S.G. Spec. PP85, unpriced. Photo.

Protective Overprints or Underprints: H.  H.: 1858–76 2d. blue plate 13 NB with excellent example of this unofficial underprint, very fine and fresh mint. R.P.S. certificate (2005) states 'only recorded unused'. S.G. Spec. PP86, unpriced. Photo.

Protective Overprints or Underprints: H.  H.: 1858–76 2d. blue plate 13 QA with lighter but clear example of this unofficial underprint, fine mint. R.P.S. certificate (2005) states 'only recorded unused'. S.G. Spec. PP86, unpriced. Photo.

Protective Overprints or Underprints: Holloway 244: 1857–63 LC14 1d. rose-red plate R16 HA with blue ''HOLLOWAY'' unofficial overprint, very fine for this and scarce. S.G. Spec. PP113, unpriced. Photo.

Protective Overprints or Underprints: Moses, Levy, & Co.: 1862–64 1s. green plate 2 RJ with vertical underprint reading downwards, fine and very rare, not listed by S.G. on this stamp. Photo.

Protective Overprints or Underprints: O.U.S.: 1862 (May 28th) envelope (with 2 sheet letter content, the envelope and enclosures each with embossed O.U.S. seal) from Oxford to Stow bearing 1d. star with unofficial overprint reading upwards, exceptionally fine, also 1879 (May 25th) envelope from Oxford to Bristol bearing 1864–79 1d. plate 212 OG which has been lifted to reveal type 46 underprint reading upwards, fine. S.G. Spec. PP148 & 154. Photo.

Protective Overprints or Underprints: Vickers Sons & Co.: 1870 11/2d. lake-red plate 1 TC-TD pair with type 60 underprints, hinged to 1872 (Nov.) front from Sheffield to France, small imperfections but very rare, this underprint not listed by S.G. on 11/2d. plate 1. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. PP199var. Photo.

Protective Overprints or Underprints: Vickers Sons & Co.: 1870 11/2d. rose-red plate 3 HJ with excellent strong example of the type 61 underprint in black, fine used with neat ''700'' numeral of Sheffield. S.G. Spec. PP204, unpriced. Photo.

Protective Overprints or Underprints: Vickers Sons & Co.: 1858–76 2d. blue plate 15 RD with a fine strong example of the type 61 underprint in black, fine with part Sheffield duplex. S.G. Spec. PP205, unpriced. Photo.

1847–54 Embossed 1s. pale green die 2, an exceptionally fine used lower marginal example with wide sheet margin at foot and good to very large margins other sides, neat London Inland Section ''33'' numeral, light horizontal crease in sheet margin well clear of stamp, most attractive. S.G. 54, cat. £750+. Photo.

1847–54 Embossed 1s. green, a lower right corner marginal example of exceptional appearance with full sheet margins and huge margins other sides, some faults. S.G. 55. Photo.

1847–54 Embossed 1s. green die 2 fine used with ample to large margins and neat ''BELFAST/AU22/1856'' ''62'' English type a Spoon on piece. S.G. 55. Photo.

1847–54 Embossed 10d. brown, a used example of exceptional appearance with large to huge margins, pressed crease at right not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. 57, cat. £1,200. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1855–57 4d. carmine watermark small garter on thick highly glazed blued paper, very fine used with c.d.s., fresh and attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 62. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1855–57 4d. deep carmine watermark small garter on thick highly glazed blued paper, a very fine used pair with ''CHATHAM'' c.d.s's. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 62, Spec, J47(3), cat. £850+ (2006). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1855–57 4d. carmine watermark small garter on white paper, very fine used, scarce. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. 62b, Spec. J47e, cat. £875. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1855–57 4d. carmine watermark large garter fine used with bold ''P.'' in oval in red and very faint part duplex, unusual. S.G. 66. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1862–64 watermark emblems 9d. bistre plate 2 JB fresh mint with large part original gum, tiny imperfections, very fine appearance. Clear Brandon certificate (2006). S.G. 86, cat. £4,500. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1862–64 watermark emblems 1s. green plate 2 KD variety ''K'' in circle, fine used with neat part Liverpool duplex. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 90a, cat. £1,300. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1865–67 4d. vermilion plate 8 QD imperforate plate proof on unwatermarked ungummed paper, very fine. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. J55, cat. £1,250 (2006). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1865–67 watermark large garter 4d. vermilion plate 12 LE-LF imperforate pair sharing single ''SPECIMEN'' type 6, fine and fresh without gum, clear to large margins. S.G. Spec. J59s, cat. £850 (2006). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1865–67 watermark emblems 6d. lilac plate 6 TA watermark error three roses and a shamrock, fine and scarce. R.P.S. certificate (2002). S.G. 97c, Spec. J74c, cat. £1,500 (2006). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1867–80 watermark spray 3d. rose plate 5 LB tied by part strike of St. Malo ''(37)34'' dotted lozenge to neat envelope to Blois with red French c.d.s. alongside. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1867–80 watermark spray 3d. rose plate 6 LA, an exceptionally fine and fresh mint marginal example, some perfs. separated between stamp and margin. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 103, cat. £475. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1867–80 watermark spray 3d. red-brown plate 8 EH imperforate colour trial on gummed watermarked paper, very fine and fresh. R.P.S. certificate (2005) states 'Slightly toned in top margin' - but this is very minor. S.G. Spec. J33, cat. £1,250 (2006). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1867–80 watermark spray 3d. rose plate 8 MA-NB block of four and OA-OC adjoining strip of three, each marginal from the left of the same sheet, very fine to superb used with crisp ''BUXTON/JU 22/72'' circular datestamps, most attractive. S.G. 103. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1867–80 watermark spray 6d. dull violet plate 8 SG imprimatur, very fine and fresh with gum. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. J76, cat. £2,000 (2006). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1867–80 watermark spray 6d. mauve plate 9 EA-EB pair exceptionally fine used with neat ''KIRKCALDY/MR 9/78'' circular datestamps, most attractive. S.G. 109, cat. £160+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1867–80 watermark spray 1s. green plate 4 DK superb used with crisp ''INVERNE(SS)/FE 2/71'' circular datestamp. S.G. 117. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1867–80 watermark spray 1s. green plate 5 TB, two marginal examples showing the marginal plate number, contrasting shades, each fine used with circular datestamp. S.G. 117. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1867–80 1s. deep green Stock Exchange forgery plate 5 BL, superb used on part telegraph form with crisp ''JY 16/72'' circular datestamp, exceptional. S.G. Spec. cat. £800+ (2006). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1867–80 1s. deep green Stock Exchange forgery plate 6 OR (impossible lettering) exceptionally fine used with two strikes of ''JU 13/73'' circular datestamp, very scarce. S.G. Spec. cat. £3,500 (2006). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1867–80 watermark spray 2s. dull blue plate 1 PL superb used with crisp ''LEITH/SP 21/75'' circular datestamp, most attractive. S.G. 118, cat. £175+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1867–80 watermark spray 2s. brown DA fine used, neatly cancelled and excellent colour. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. 121, cat. £3,250. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1872–73 watermark spray 6d. pale buff plate 11 CF exceptionally fine and fresh mint with virtually full original gum. R.P.S. certificate (1986). S.G. 123, cat. £800. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1872–73 watermark spray 6d. plate 12 IA in what we would consider a pale chestnut shade, however R.P.S. certificate (1993) states 'is not chestnut but pale buff shade' and sold with this opinion, very fine used with neat ''FE1/73'' circular datestamp. S.G. 123. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1872–73 watermark spray 6d. pale buff plate 12 SC exceptionally fine used with neat ''MALTA/AP 19/73'' circular datestamp. S.G. 123, cat. £280. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1872–73 watermark spray 6d. grey plate 12 PC cancelled solely by a complete strike of oval framed ''PD'' in red, fine and unusual. S.G. 125. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1872–73 watermark spray 6d. grey plate 12 AI-AJ pair very fine used with neat ''BOLTON/4 JY/73'' circular datestamps, AJ with a little stray cancellation ink at foot. S.G. 125, cat. £450+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1867–78 watermark Maltese Cross 5s. rose plate 1 CF superb used with crisp centrally struck ''GRANGEMOUTH/FE 23/72'' circular datestamp, most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 126, cat. £600+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1867–78 watermark Maltese Cross 5s. pale rose plate 2 BH exceptionally fine used with superb ''CHRISTCHURCH/DE 21/82'' circular datestamp, most attractive. S.G. 127, cat. £1,100+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1867–78 watermark Maltese Cross 10s. greenish-grey CB superb used with crisp ''EDINBURGH/MR 17/82'' circular datestamp, excellent colour. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 128, cat. £2,800+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1867–78 watermark Maltese Cross £1 brown-lilac BI superb used with crisp neat ''LEITH/FE 14/82'' circular datestamp, lovely fresh colour and a most attractive stamp. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. 129, cat. £4,000+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1867–78 watermark Maltese Cross £1 brown-lilac DE, a fine used example with ''GLASGOW/AP 28/82'' circular datestamp. Brandon certificate (2003). S.G. 129, cat. £4,000. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1882–83 watermark anchor on blued paper 5s. rose plate 4 DG exceptionally fine used with crisp neat ''LEITH/AU 15/83'' circular datestamp, most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. 130, cat. £4,000+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1882–83 watermark anchor on blued paper 5s. rose plate 4 EE very fine used with neat ''ABERDEEN/AU22/83'' circular datestamp. Brandon certificate (2003). S.G. 130, cat. £4,000. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1882–83 watermark anchor on slightly blued paper £1 brown-lilac CA, a fine used example with central upright strike of ''MANCHESTER/YORK•ST/JU 24/83'' circular datestamp. R.P.S. certificate (2001) states 'slightly blued'. S.G. 132, cat. £9,000. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1882–83 watermark anchor on blued paper £1 brown-lilac CE very fine used with light ''LANGHAM PLACE HOTEL•B.O./MY 24/84'' circular datestamp, fresh colour and most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. 132, cat. £9,000. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1882–83 watermark anchor on white paper 10s. greenish-grey GH exceptionally fine used with clear neat ''YORK ST/MANCHESTER/FE 15/84'' circular datestamp, excellent fresh colour and most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2002). S.G. 135, cat. £4,000+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1882–83 watermark anchor on white paper 10s. greenish-grey BG of exceptional colour and superb used appearance with neat ''KNIGHTSBRIDGE/DE 31/83'' circular datestamp, faintest trace of pressed vertical crease not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. Brandon certificate (2004). S.G. 135, cat. £4,000. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1882–83 watermark anchor on white paper £1 brown-lilac FC superb used with very light but clear ''DERBY ROAD/LIVERPOOL/JY 13/83'' circular datestamp, lovely colour and an outstanding stamp. R.P.S. certificate (2007). S.G. 136. cat. £8,000+ (£14,000 with 75% premium). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1882–83 watermark anchor on white paper £1 brown-lilac FD exceptionally fine used with crisp ''CARDIFF•DOCKS/AP13/83'' circular datestamp, a little stray cancellation ink at top, excellent colour and most attractive. S.G. 136, cat. £8,000. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1882–83 watermark anchor on white paper £5 orange AF, an exceptionally fresh unmounted mint example with part sheet margin at left (some separated perfs.), slight creases/gum creases at two corners not detracting from superb appearance. S.G. 137, cat. £12,000. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1882–83 watermark anchor on white paper £5 orange BE exceptionally fine used with neat ''WALSALL/JA 1/03'' circular datestamp, excellent bright colour and most attractive. Brandon certificate (2004). S.G. 137, cat. £4,500+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1882–83 watermark anchor on white paper £5 orange BI superb used with crisp neat central ''BRISTOL/A/27 JA/93'' circular datestamp, outstanding. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. £4,500+ (£7,500 with 75% premium). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1882–83 watermark anchor on white paper £5 orange CI superb used with crisp ''WOOLWICH/NO 13/99'' circular datestamp, excellent fresh colour and most attractive. S.G. 137. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1882–83 watermark anchor on white paper £5 orange DL superb used with neat ''CROYDON/JA 13/00'' circular datestamp, lovely fresh colour and most attractive. Brandon certificate (2004). S.G. £4,500+ (£7,500 with 75% premium). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark anchor on blued paper 21/2d. plate 2 HI, fine. Brandon certificate (2003) and letter from S.G. dated Feb. 2003 confirming new listing in the specialised catalogue (14th edition) based on this stamp. S.G. Spec. J2e, unpriced. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark anchor on blued paper 21/2d. plate 3 AH fine used with neat ''545'' numeral of Newcastle. Rare. R.P.S. certificate (1982). S.G. 138, Spec. J3a, cat. £5,000. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark anchor on white paper 21/2d. rosy-mauve plate 2 LH-FL error of lettering, fine. R.P.S. certificate (2001). S.G. 140, Spec. J2b, cat. £2,200. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark orb 21/2d. rosy-mauve plate 9 AJ imprimatur very fine and fresh with gum. S.G. Spec. J10, cat. £1,500 (2006). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark spray 3d. rose plate 11 TL exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint, bright colour. S.G. 144, cat. £350+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark spray 6d. grey plate 14 RF exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted, minor natural gum bend. Photocopy of R.P.S. certificate (1985) for RE-RF pair. S.G. 147, cat. £400+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark spray 6d. grey plate 17 AE-AF marginal pair from pane corner, very fine and fresh unmounted mint, most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. 147, cat. £1,500+, and curiously Spec. J87a, unpriced mint. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark spray 6d. grey plate 17 AG-BH marginal block pair from pane corner, very fresh unmounted mint, some small imperfections not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine and most attractive. S.G. 147, cat. £3,000+ as singles, and Spec. J87 £3,750 (2006) as a block of four but the wing marginal stamps curiously unpriced mint. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark spray 6d. grey plate 17 BE wing marginal very fine and fresh unmounted mint. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 150, cat. £750+, Spec. J87a, unpriced mint. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark spray 6d. grey plate 17 HK with watermark inverted, fine and fresh mint with large part original gum, scarce. R.P.S. certificate (2005) states 'Gum redistributed' - we believe this to be simply hinge removal. S.G. 147Wi, Spec. J87b, cat. £1,500 (2006). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark spray 1s. green plate 11 MB superb used with crisp ''KESWICK/AU 21/75'' circular datestamp. S.G. 150, cat. £120+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark spray 1s. green plate 13 IK-JL block of four, mint with large part to full original gum, some small imperfections but mainly fine appearance. S.G. 150, Spec. J113, cat. £3,000 (2006). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark spray 1s. orange-brown plate 13 BB superb used with crisp ''BRECHIN/JA 1/81'' circular datestamp, most attractive. S.G. 151, cat. £600+ (£1,200 with 100% premium). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark spray 1s. orange-brown plate 13 DA superb used with crisp ''AYR/DE21/80'' circular datestamp, most attractive. S.G. 151, cat. £600+ (£1,200 with 100% premium). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark spray 1s. orange-brown plate 13 TL superb used with crisp ''WISHAW/DE 22/80'' circular datestamp, an exceptional stamp. S.G. 151, cat. £600+ (£1,200 with 100% premium). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark large garter 4d. vermilion plate 15 BJ imprimatur, exceptionally fine and fresh with gum. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. J62, cat. £1,800 (2006). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark large garter 4d. vermilion plate 15 TD exceptionally fine used with large part ''(LA) GUAYRA/DE ./76'' (Venezuela) circular datestamp, most attractive. S.G. 152, cat. £425+ (as G.B.). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark large garter 4d. sage-green plate 15 BL imprimatur, very fine and fresh with large part original gum. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 153, Spec. J64, cat. £1,800 (2006). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 4d. sage-green abnormal plate 17 AI with watermark upright, a most attractive example of this rarity with part ''(BRADF)ORD•YORKS/_P 17/77'' circular datestamp portion of the Bradford duplex, small repair at upper right corner, otherwise fine. Brandon certificate (2004). S.G. 153, Spec. J66, cat. £17,500. Photo.It is believed that only twenty-four examples of this abnormal are known, one (AD) being in the Royal Collection and another (FJ) in the R.M. Phillips Collection (Postal Heritage Trust)

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark large garter 4d. grey-brown plate 17 HI exceptionally fine used with light neat ''OBAN/DE21/80'' circular datestamp. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. 154, cat. £450+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark large garter 4d. grey-brown plate 17 QD exceptionally fine used with neat ''BANBU(RY)/2 DE/80'' circular datestamp. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. 154, cat. £450+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1873–80 watermark large garter 4d. grey-brown plate 17 SL, an exceptionally fine and fresh mint example. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 154, cat. £2,400. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1880–83 watermark crown 3d. on 3d. lilac imprimatur, slightly gum toned, otherwise fine and very scarce. S.G. 159, Spec. K8A, cat. £1,500 (2006). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1880–83 watermark crown 6d. grey plate 17 AA-BB, a rare mint block of four, some gum disturbance but fine appearance. S.G. 161, Spec. J88, cat. £2,250 (2006). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1880–83 watermark crown 6d. grey plate 17 AB superb used with part ''BIDEFOR(D)'' circular datestamp, exceptional deep colour. S.G. 161, cat. £65+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1880–83 watermark crown 1s. orange-brown plate 13 JJ-JK pair exceptionally fine used with ''LYNEDOCH PLACE/FE 19/83'' circular datestamps. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 163, cat. £280+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1881 die 2 16 dots 1d. lilac, an upper left corner marginal pair, R1/2 showing frame broken at base, fine unmounted mint (mounted in margin). S.G. 173b, cat. £800+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1881 die 2 16 dots 1d. lilac variety printed on both sides, slight toning, otherwise fine mint. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 173var., Spec. K8h, cat. £750 (2006). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1881 die 2 16 dots 1d. lilac used to redirect 1888 (May 9th) envelope (with enclosure) originally sent from Jamaica to London with Jamaica 4d., and then sent from London to Bognor. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1883–84 watermark anchor on blued paper 2s.6d. lilac BG exceptionally fine used with neat ''MANCHESTER/PICCADILLY/AP 17/85'' circular datestamp, faint bend, a most attractive shade. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2003). S.G. 175, cat. £1,300. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1883–84 watermark anchor on blued paper 2s.6d. lilac IF exceptionally fine used with neat ''LINLITHGOW/JY 7/84'' thimble circular datestamp, typical shade of this printing. Brandon certificate (2004). S.G. 175, cat. £1,300+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1883–84 watermark anchor on blued paper 2s.6d. lilac JD superb used with neat upright ''FORT WILLIAM/AU 25/83'' circular datestamp, most attractive. S.G. 175, cat. £1,300+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1883–84 watermark anchor on blued paper 2s.6d. lilac MB-NB rejoined vertical pair, attractive with neat ''LYNEDOCH PLACE/MY 15/84'' circular datestamps, very minor imperfections, otherwise fine, typical shade for this issue and good blueing. S.G. 175, cat. £2,600. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1883–84 watermark anchor on blued paper 5s. rose EB of superb appearance with upright ''MIDDLESBROUGH/AP 22/86'' circular datestamp. R.P.S. certificate (2006) states 'slightly faded' but appears to be a typical shade for the blued paper printing. S.G. 176, cat. £3,750. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1883–84 watermark anchor on blued paper 5s. rose EB very fine used with ''ASCOT GRAND-STAND/JU 17/85'' circular datestamp. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. 176, cat. £3,750. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1883–84 watermark anchor on blued paper 10s. ultramarine DH fine used with large part ''LONDON/JY 17/85'' ''105'' duplex. Brandon certificate (2006). S.G. £8,000. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1883–84 watermark anchor on blued paper 10s. ultramarine EF an attractive used example with ''CARDIFF•DOCKS/FE 5/85'' circular datestamp, a trifle soiled. R.P.S. certificate (2006) states 'Faded' although it appears to be a quite normal shade. S.G. 177, cat. £8,000. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1883–84 watermark anchor on white paper 2s.6d. deep lilac GD (lower marginal), 5s. rose AD and 10s. ultramarine FF, fresh unmounted mint, some minor wrinkles and 10s. with a few tiny faint tone spots on gum, fine to very fine appearance. S.G. 179, 180 & 183, cat. £3,650. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1883–84 watermark anchor on white paper 5s. rose BE exceptionally fine and fresh mint. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 180, cat. £950. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1883–84 watermark anchor on white paper 5s. rose BD superb used with crisp complete ''ESHER/DE 5/90'' circular datestamp, most attractive. S.G. 180, cat. £200+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1883–84 watermark anchor on white paper 5s. rose BE and 5s. crimson BC, very fine to superb used contrasting shades, BE with 'socked on the nose' ''WILLENHALL/SP 29/91'' circular datestamp and tiny trace of blue crayon, BC with neat ''LIVERPOOL/MY 19/89'' c.d.s. S.G. 180 & 181. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1883–84 watermark anchor on white paper 10s. ultramarine GC-GD pair superb used with exceptional ''ILFRACOMBE/MY25/89'' circular datestamps, lovely colour and most attractive. S.G. 183, cat. £950+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1883–84 watermark anchor on white paper 10s. ultramarine ID-JE exceptionally fine used block of four, each stamp with individually struck ''LONDONDERRY/MY 25/89'' circular datestamp, excellent colour and most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 183, Spec. K14(1), cat. £2,750 (2006). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1888 watermark orbs error £1 brown-lilac BA very fine used with light ''WEST STRAND'' circular datestamp. Brandon certificate (2004). S.G. 186, cat. £3,800. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1888 watermark orbs error £1 brown-lilac OC superb used with crisp ''CASTLETOWN'' (Isle of Man) circular datestamp, lovely fresh colour and exceptional appearance. R.P.S. certificate (2002). S.G. 186, cat. £3,800 (£5,700 with 50% premium). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1887–92 'Jubilee' 1/2d. vermilion with ''PEARS'/SOAP'' advert in orange outline letters on reverse, a very fine unmounted mint upper left corner marginal example. S.G. 197var., Spec.. K27m, cat. from £550+ (mounted). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1887–92 'Jubilee' 11/2d. proof of head plate only in blue, a lower right corner marginal pair on gummed watermarked paper, very fine (unmounted). These were prepared for 1894 reply paid essays. S.G. Spec. K29, cat. from £700. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1887–92 'Jubilee' 11/2d. dull purple and pale green with watermark inverted, fine unmounted mint, minor natural gum wrinkles. S.G. 198Wi, cat. £950. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1887–92 'Jubilee' 11/2d. dull purple and pale green with watermark inverted, fine used with light c.d.s's. S.G. 198Wi, cat. £350. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1887–92 'Jubilee' 4d. green and purple-brown with watermark inverted, very fine unmounted mint. S.G. 205Wi, cat. £1,000. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1887–92 'Jubilee' 5d. dull purple and blue die 2, fine used with neat part squared circle, very scarce. S.G. 207aWi, cat. £650. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1887–92 'Jubilee' 1s. emerald-green colour trial perf. 14 on gummed watermarked paper, vertical gum crease, otherwise very fine and fresh (unmounted). S.G. Spec. K40, cat. £1,800 (2006). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1887–92 'Jubilee' £1 green CC very fine and fresh mint with large part original gum. Brandon certificate (2004). S.G. 212, cat. £3,500. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1887–92 'Jubilee' £1 green RB exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint, trivial wrinkle. Clear Brandon certificate (2006). S.G. 212, cat. £6,000. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1887–92 'Jubilee' £1 green CD superb used with excellent bright colour and central upright ''DERBY/P.O.S.B./SP 8/92'' circular datestamp. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 212, cat. £700+ (£1,050 with 50% premium). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1887–92 'Jubilee' £1 green EC superb used with neat upright ''BRIGHTON/JA 13/94'' circular datestamp. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 212, cat. £700+ (£1,050 with 50% premium). Photo.

Surface Printed: 1887–92 'Jubilee' £1 green KA corner marginal used with neat ''REGISTERED/THREADNEEDLE ST.'' oval datestamp, a few perfs. separated between stamp and top margin, attractive. S.G. 212, cat. £700+. Photo.

Surface Printed: 1886 De La Rue, the first page from the ''Before and After the Stamp Committee'' Presentation Book, entitled ''SERIES SUPERSEDED BY THE ISSUE OF April, 1884'' and with line perforated 14 imprimaturs of the 1880–83 watermark crown 21/2d. plate 22 CH, 3d. plate 21 EG, 4d. plate 18 BL, 1880–81 'Provisional Issue' 2d. plate 2, 5d. plate 1 and 1881 die 2 1d. plate 28, and comb perforated 1880–81 1/2d. and 11/2d., and 1873–80 21/2d. blue plate 17 HH and 1/- green plate 13 SK, the last two replacing the unissued 9d. and 1s. originally mounted on the page, the imprimaturs are exceptionally fresh and of excellent colours. R.P.S. certificate (2006). Photo.

Inland Revenue: 1885 watermark anchor on blued paper 5s. rose AG variety raised stop after ''R'' overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 11, very fine and fresh with virtually full original gum, minor natural gum wrinkle. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. Spec. L7(1)s, Concise SO7, cat. from £2,000, but the raised stop variety not listed by S.G. on blued paper. Photo.

Inland Revenue: 1890 watermark anchor on white paper 5s. rose AB variety raised stop after ''R'', fine used with slightly oily neat upright strike of ''PRESTON/AP 20'' double ring circular datestamp. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. O9a, cat. £2,000. Photo.

Inland Revenue: 1890 watermark anchor on white paper 5s. rose BG very fine used with neat ''LIVERPOOL/JA 13/03'' circular datestamp. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. O9, cat. £1,600. Photo.

Inland Revenue: 1890 watermark anchor on white paper 10s. ultramarine KC very fine used with neat upright ''ABERDEEN/NO 1/98'' double ring circular datestamp, attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2003). S.G. O10, cat. £2,500. Photo.

Inland Revenue: 1892 £1 green PB overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 9, exceptionally fine and fresh with full original gum, faintest trace of a hinge. S.G. Spec. L11s, Concise SO20, cat. £1,750. Photo.

Inland Revenue: 1892 £1 green AD fine used with light neat ''BRADFORD•YORKS/DE 29/96'' circular datestamp. Brandon certificate (2003). S.G. O16, cat. £2,200. Photo.

Inland Revenue: 1892 £1 green KD superb used with exceptional upright ''DUNDEE M.O.O/SP 24/94'' circular datestamp leaving head completely clear, most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. O16, cat. £2,200+. Photo.

Office of Works: 1896 5d. dull purple and blue, fine with part ''PARLIAMENT ST'' circular datestamp. R.P.S. certificate (1925, when on piece). S.G. O34, cat. £1,000. Photo.

Office of Works: 1896 10d. dull purple and carmine, fine used with part Parliament St. ''02'' circular datestamp. Stamp Trade Protection Association certificate (1922). S.G. O35, cat. £1,500. Photo.

Office of Works: 1902–03 1/2d. blue-green superb unmounted mint. B.P.A. certificate (1990). S.G. O36, cat. £550+. Photo.

Office of Works: 1902–03 21/2d. ultramarine, fine used with light circular datestamp. Stamp Trade Protection Association certificate (1929). S.G. O39, cat. £600. Photo.

Army: 1903 6d. pale dull purple with type O6 overprint, a very fine and fresh unmounted mint upper left corner marginal example (mounted in margin and imperfections in margin at left), minor gum crease or wrinkle. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. O52, cat. £2,500+. Photo.

Govt. Parcels: 1891–1900 1d. lilac variety overprint inverted, a mint example with part sheet margin at top, small corner crease at upper right and slight toning, otherwise fine with large part original gum. S.G. O69c, cat. £5,000. Photo.

Govt. Parcels: 1902 9d. dull purple and ultramarine, very fine and fresh mint. B.P.A. certificate (1987). S.G. O77, cat. £600. Photo.

Board of Education: 1902–04 21/2d. ultramarine fine and fresh mint with large part original gum. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. O85, cat. £4,000. Photo.

Royal Household: 1902 1/2d. blue-green and 1d. scarlet exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint. S.G. O91 & O92, cat. £700+. Photo.

King Edward VII: 1902–10 De La Rue 10s. ultramarine exceptionally fine used with neat ''SHEPHERDS BUSH/EXHIBITION B.O./JY 14/08'' circular datestamp, most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 265, cat. £450+. Photo.

King Edward VII: 1902–10 De La Rue 10s. ultramarine, an exceptionally fine used marginal example with ''GUERNSEY/MY 14/12'' circular datestamp. S.G. 265, cat. £450+. Photo.

King Edward VII: 1902–10 De La Rue 10s. ultramarine, a superb used example with exceptional upright ''COVENTRY/FE 13/03'' circular datestamp, most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 265, cat. £450+. Photo.

King Edward VII: 1902–10 De La Rue £1 dull blue-green exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint, well centred and excellent colour. S.G. 266, cat. £3,000. Photo.

King Edward VII: 1902–10 De La Rue £1 dull blue-green, a well centred unmounted mint lower marginal example, gum just a little toned and faint gum crease, otherwise fine. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 266, cat. £3,000. Photo.

King Edward VII: 1902–10 De La Rue £1 dull blue-green exceptionally fine and fresh mint, well centred and excellent colour. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. 266, cat. £2,000. Photo.

King Edward VII: 1902–10 De La Rue £1 dull blue-green, superb mint with full original gum, possibly unmounted. Brandon certificate (2004). S.G. 266. Photo.

King Edward VII: 1902–10 De La Rue £1 dull blue-green, an example of the 'Lowden' forgery 'used' on piece with forged ''JERSEY'' cancellation, unusually in a shade more akin to the De La Rue printing rather than the usual Somerset House. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. vol. 2, page 110, cat. £950 (2005). Photo.

King Edward VII: 1902–10 De La Rue £1 dull blue-green exceptionally fine used with neat ''LUDGATE•CIRCUS/19 JY/04'' circular datestamp S.G. 266, cat. £750+. Photo.

King Edward VII: 1902–10 De La Rue £1 dull blue-green superb used with neat upright central ''TONBRIDGE/JA 2/11'' circular datestamp. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 266, cat. £750+. Photo.

King Edward VII: 1902–10 De La Rue £1 dull blue-green of superb used appearance with neat ''GUILDFORD/M.O. & S.B/JU 14/07'' circular datestamp, faint trace of a pressed diagonal crease not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. 266, cat. £750. Photo.

King Edward VII: 1911–13 Somerset House 6d. pale dull purple, a very fine and fresh mint interpanneau marginal block of four from the right of the sheet, plate 9 with R11/11 variety no cross on crown, one stamp with possibly the faintest trace of a hinge, others (incl. the variety) unmounted, fold in interpanneau margin between. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 298/a, Spec. M33(6)d, cat. £1,340+. Photo.

King Edward VII: 1911–13 Somerset House 6d. dull lilac (F) plate 9a SE corner marginal block of four showing date cuts, fine and fresh mint, three stamps unmounted. R.P.S. certificate (1995). S.G. Spec. M33(8), cat. £900+ (2005). Photo.

King Edward VII: 1911–13 Somerset House 2s.6d. dark purple plate 1b SE corner single from upper pane showing 1912 date cuts, exceptionally fine and fresh mint, very lightly mounted. S.G. 317, Spec. M50(3), cat. £300+. Photo.

King Edward VII: 1911–13 Somerset House £1 deep green, an exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint example. S.G. 320, cat. £3,000. Photo.

King Edward VII: 1911–13 Somerset House £1 deep green, an exceptionally fine and fresh mint example with large part original gum, excellent fresh colour. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 320, cat. £2,000. Photo.

King Edward VII: 1911–13 Somerset House £1 deep green, a superb used vertical pair, truly outstanding. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. 320, cat. £1,500++. Photo.

King Edward VII: 1911–13 Somerset House £1 deep green superb used with clear light central upright ''GUERNSEY/OC 29/12'' circular datestamp. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 320, cat. £750+. Photo.

King George V: 1912–24 watermark Royal cypher 1/2d. green, a very fine and fresh unmounted mint horizontal pair from booklet pane, the right stamp showing the 'New Moon' flaw. S.G. Spec. N14f, cat. £400+ (2005). Photo.

King George V: 1912–24 watermark Royal cypher 2d. intense bright orange with watermark inverted, superb unmounted mint, stunning colour. S.G. Spec. N19(9), cat. £1,500+ (2005). Photo.

King George V: 1912–24 watermark Royal cypher 1s. deep bronze-brown exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. N32(10), cat. £750 (2005). Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1913 Waterlow 2s.6d. to £1 fine to very fine used, each with similarly placed ''GUERNSEY'' circular datestamps. S.G. 399/403, cat. £2,180. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1913 Waterlow 2s.6d. deep sepia-brown superb fresh well ecntred unmounted mint. S.G. 400, cat. £550. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1913 Waterlow 5s. rose-carmine very fine and fresh unmounted mint. S.G. 401, Spec. N66(1), cat. £1,200. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1913 Waterlow 5s. rose-carmine, a striking bright shade, some tiny imperfection but of exceptional appearance, very well centred and neat ''GLASGOW/5 AU/15'' circular datestamp. Clear R.P.S. certificate (2004) states 'Bright shade'. S.G. 401, Spec. N66(1). Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1913 Waterlow 10s. indigo-blue exceptionally fine used with light central c.d.s., very well centred and excellent perfs. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. 402, Spec. N69(1), cat. £450. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1913 Waterlow £1 green, an exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint example. S.G. 403, cat. £4,500. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1913 Waterlow £1 green, an exceptionally fine used example with light c.d.s., small ownership handstamps on reverse. S.G. 403, cat. £1,250+. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1913 Waterlow £1 green, an exceptionally fine used vertical pair with light ''25 JY/14'' circular datestamps, excellent centring and perfs. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. 403, cat. £2,500+. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1913 Waterlow £1 green, a bright shade, exceptionally fine used with neat ''GUERNSEY/17 JU/14'' circular datestamp, very well centred and excellent perfs. S.G. 403, cat. £1,250. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1913 Waterlow £1 deep green superb used with light thimble c.d.s. R.P.S. certificate (2003). S.G. Spec. N72(3), cat. £1,500 (2005). Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1913 Waterlow £1 dull blue-green, superb fresh well centred unmounted mint, an exceptional stamp. S.G. 404, cat. £4,500. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1913 Waterlow £1 dull blue-green, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 404, cat. £4,500. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1913 Waterlow £1 dull blue-green, a fine used vertical pair with light ''GUERNSEY/29 JU/15'' circular datestamps, a few perfs. separated between and the end perfs. strengthened with small part hinges. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 404, cat. £3,000. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1913 Waterlow £1 dull blue-green exceptionally fine used with light thimble circular datestamp, very well centred and excellent perfs. R.P.S. certificate (2006). S.G. 404, N72(3), cat. £1,500. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1915–18 De La Rue 2s.6d. pale brown exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint, typical De La Rue gum. S.G. 407, cat. £475. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1915–18 De La Rue 2s.6d. sepia (seal brown) a superb mint marginal example with full original gum, possibly just the faintest trace of a hinge. S.G. 408. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1915–18 De La Rue 5s. bright carmine exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint. S.G. 409, Spec. N67(1), cat. £950. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1915–18 De La Rue 5s. carmine, superb used with exceptional upright ''KEW/31 OC/16'' thimble circular datestamp, most attractive. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. N67(2)

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1915–18 De La Rue 5s. pale carmine (worn plate), a superb unmounted mint upper left corner marginal example (mounted in margin), lovely colour and very fresh. S.G. 410, Spec. N67(3), cat. £1,000+. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1915–18 De La Rue 10s. blue, a bright shade, in an attractive used block of four with ''JERSEY/1 AU/17'' circular datestamps, some slight soiling and small perf. repairs/imperfections. S.G. 412, Spec. N70(1), cat. £2,800 (as singles). Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1915–18 De La Rue 10s. blue exceptionally fine used with light thimble c.d.s. R.P.S. certificate ((2003). S.G. 412, Spec. N70(1), cat. £700. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1915–18 De La Rue 10s. deep blue (worn plate) exceptionally fine used with light thimble c.d.s. R.P.S. certificate ((2005). S.G. Spec. N70(3), cat. £1,000 (2005). Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1915–18 De La Rue 10s. deep blue (worn plate) exceptionally fine used with light thimble c.d.s. R.P.S. certificate (2005) states '10s. blue (worn plate) - S.G. N70(1)'. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1915–18 De La Rue 10s. pale blue exceptionally fine and fresh mint with just a trace of a hinge, excellent colour. B.P.A. certificate (1994). S.G. 413, Spec. N70(6), cat. £2,500. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1915–18 De La Rue 10s. pale blue exceptionally fine used with light central thimble circular datestamp. S.G. 413, Spec. N70(6), cat. £700. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1918 Bradbury 2s.6d. reddish-brown, a an exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint upper left corner marginal example (mounted in margin). S.G. 415, cat. £280. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1918 Bradbury 2s.6d. reddish-brown plate -/1 Left R1/1–2 upper left corner marginal pair with R1/1 showing distinctive re-entry and 1/2 minor re-entry (see 'Discovering Seahorses' by Bryan Kearsley, pages 96–99), exceptionally fine used with light circular datestamps, just tiny traces of crayon not detracting. S.G. 415var. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1918 Bradbury 10s. dull grey-blue, a very fine unmounted mint top marginal example [R1/2] (mounted in margin), gum just a little 'off-white'. S.G. 417, Spec. N71(2), cat. £800. Photo.

King George V: 1913–34 Seahorses: 1918 Bradbury 10s. dull grey-blue [R1/1] re-entry, exceptionally fine and fresh mint. R.P.S. certificate (2007). S.G. Spec. N71(2)a, cat. £1,200 (2005). Photo.

King George V: 1924–26 watermark block cypher 10d. deep greenish-blue variety watermark inverted, a superb unmounted mint top marginal example. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 428Wi, Spec. N44(2)a, cat. £3,500. Photo.

King George V: 1929 P.U.C. 21/2d. blue horizontal pair variety watermark inverted, fine used with c.d.s. S.G. 437Wi, Spec. NCom8(1)a, cat. £2,000. Photo.

King George V: 1929 P.U.C. 21/2d. blue, a paler shade, variety watermark inverted, fine used with c.d.s. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. 437Wi, Spec. NCom8(1)a, cat. £1,000. Photo.

King George V: 1929 P.U.C. £1 black overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 32 in red, exceptionally fine and fresh with gum (unmounted). S.G. Spec. NCom9s, Concise S206, cat. £2,500. Photo.

King George V: 1929 P.U.C. £1 black showing constant variety 'vertical line to left of ''T'' of ''POSTAL'' (see 'British Postage Stamp Varieties Illustrated' by Alcock & Meredith, page 81), fresh unmounted mint, gum just slightly 'off-white' and minor glazed patch. S.G. 438var. Photo.

King George V: 1929 P.U.C. £1 black superb well centred mint with full original gum. S.G. 438. Photo.

King George V: 1929 P.U.C. £1 an exceptionally fine used left marginal block of four with light circular datestamps. S.G. 438. Photo.

King George V: 1929 P.U.C. £1 black exceptionally fine used with crisp ''FAWKHAM/LONG FIELD KENT/1 DE/30'' circular datestamp. S.G. 438. Photo.

King George V: 1929 P.U.C. £1 exceptionally fine used, tied by two ''BIRCHFIELD RD/BIRMINGHAM/14 DE/29'' circular datestamps to neat registered 'Wilson' envelope. S.G. 438. Photo.

King George V: 1929 P.U.C. £1 an exceptionally fine used lower marginal example with superb central double ring ''ILFRACOMBE/DEVON/17 AU/29'' circular datestamp on clean 'Poste Restante' local envelope, clean and most attractive. S.G. 438. Photo.

Postal Fiscals: 1853 Receipt die II 1d. pale turquoise-blue imperforate imrimatur postally used on small card piece with light ''LONDON/17OC/82'' c.d.s. and small part duplex numeral, most unusual. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. L102(1). Photo.

Postal Fiscals: 1853 Draft 1d. ochre imperforate imrimatur postally used on small card piece with light ''LONDON/2 AU/82'' c.d.s. and small part duplex numeral, most unusual. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. Spec. L102(1). Photo.

Postal Fiscals: 1860 Provisional Issue 1d. overprinted ''INLAND/REVENUE'' fine used on small card piece with ''LONDON/JY 10/82'' c.d.s. and part duplex numeral, scarce. R.P.S. certificate (2004). S.G. F8, Spec. L108, cat. £600. Photo.

Postal Fiscals: 1867 1d. pale reddish-lilac, a large margined imperforate imrimatur postally used on small piece with light ''LONDON/JY21/81'' c.d.s. and small part duplex numeral, most unusual. R.P.S. certificate (2005). S.G. Spec. L115. Photo.

Postal Fiscals: 1867 watermark small anchor 1d. purple plates 1 to 12 complete set of imprimaturs, mainly fine to very fine, plate 3 thinned, four top marginal. (12). S.G. Spec. L118, cat. £1,200 (2006). Photo.

Postal Fiscals: 1868 watermark small anchor die 1 1d. purple plates 13 to 47, 50 to 55, 57 to 60, 62 to 71 and 73 to 100 complete set of imprimaturs with additional examples of plates 23 and 54, , mainly fine to very fine, 20 are top marginal. (84). S.G. Spec. L119, cat. £6,300 (2006). Photo.

Postal Fiscals: 1876 die 2 1d. die proof in black on glazed card (92 x 60mmm) dated ''Mar.16, 1876.'', very fine. S.G. Spec. L120, cat. £400 (2006). Photo.

Postal Fiscals: 1876 die 2 1d. die proof in black on glazed card (92 x 60mmm) dated ''Mar. 17, 1876.'', very fine. S.G. Spec. L120, cat. £400 (2006, but not listed without ''BEFORE HARDENING''). Photo.

Postal Fiscals: 1876 die 2 1d. die proof in black on glazed card (92 x 60mmm) dated ''May. 4, 1876.'' and stamped ''BEFORE HARDENING'' very fine. S.G. Spec. L120, cat. £400 (2006). Photo.

Postal Fiscals: 1877 watermark small anchor die 3 1d. purple plates 106 to 116 set of imprimaturs, mainly fine to very fine, all but two are top marginal. (12). S.G. Spec. L121, cat. £1,800 (2006). Photo.

Postal Fiscals: 1877 watermark small anchor die 4 1d. purple plates 119 to 136 and 137 to 140 set of imprimaturs, mainly fine to very fine, all but four are top marginal. (21). S.G. Spec. L122, cat. £3,150 (2006). Photo.

Revenue Stamps: Chancery Court: 1856 3d. to £1 set of 21 cut down die proofs in black on glazed card, mounted in three countersunk cards from De La Rue archives, some with slight surface discolouration or soiling but mainly fine, rare group. Booth 30–50. Photo.

Revenue Stamps: Companies Registration: 1867–81 4d., 6d., 1s., 5s. and £1, cut down die proofs in in black on glazed card, each mounted in countersunk frame from De La Rue archives, some slight soiling otherwise fine, also 4d. die proof on piece from De La Rue striking book with endorsements. (6)., Photo.

Revenue Stamps: Customs: 1860 surface printed 1d. to £10 set of ten cut down die proofs in black on glazed card, each mounted in countersunk frame from De La Rue archives, some with slight surface discolouration or soiling but mainly fine, rare group. Booth 11–20. Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1876 watermark shamrock 1d. red-brown unissued plate 5 TH imprimatur, very fine and fresh with gum. S.G. Spec. L202/4, cat. £250 (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1876 watermark spray 3d. carmine plate 1 AI-EL imperforate pane of twenty (5 x 4) overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 10, showing marginal inscription and ''479'' current number, exceptionally fine and fresh with almost full original gum, 16 stamps unmounted. S.G. Spec. L205t, cat. £2,000+ (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1881 watermark crown 3d. carmine plate 5 HB, very fine mint, extremely scarce and underrated. S.G. Spec. L210, cat. £200 (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1877 4d. a group of four die proofs with void corner squares and without plate numbers, on glazed cards (92 x 60mm), comprising undated basic die proof and three dated October 30th, 31st and November 2nd, 1876. L211, cat. £2,400 (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1877 4d. a group of three die proofs with void corner squares and without plate numbers, on glazed cards (92 x 60mm), dated November 3rd, 4th and 7th, 1876, the latter stamped ''BEFORE HARDENING'', very fine. L211, cat. £1,800 (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1877 4d. die proof with void corner squares and without plate numbers, on glazed card (92 x 60mm), dated ''Nov 7, 1876'', stamped ''BEFORE HARDENING'', very fine. S.G. Spec. L211, cat. £600 (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1877 6d. two die proofs with void corner squares and without plate numbers, on glazed cards (92 x 60mm), dated ''Oct, 27, 1876'' with circles in letter squares, and ''Nov 3, 1876'' with circles in letter squares removed, fine. S.G. Spec. L212/213, cat. £1,200 (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1877 6d. three die proofs with void corner squares and without plate numbers, on glazed cards (92 x 60mm), dated November 4th, 6th and 9th, 1876, the latter stamped ''BEFORE HARDENING'', very fine. S.G. Spec. L212/213, cat. £1,800 (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1876 1s. die proof with void corner squares, on glazed card (92 x 60mm), dated ''July. 6. 1875'' and stamped ''BEFORE HARDENING'', very fine. S.G. Spec. L215/224, cat. £550. Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1876 watermark spray 1s. green plates 1 to 10 set of imprimaturs, mainly fine to superb, four being top marginal. S.G. Spec. L215–224, cat. £2,500 (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1876 watermark spray 1s. green plate 1 IA-EL imperforate pane of twenty (5 x 4) overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 10, showing marginal inscription and ''478'' current number, exceptionally fine and fresh with virtually full original gum, all but one stamp unmounted. S.G. Spec. L215t, cat. £2,500+ (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1876 watermark spray 1s. green plate 1 KA-OB imperforate block of ten (5 x 2), the upper two rows of the pane, overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 10, very fresh with large part to full original gum, some gum bends or wrinkles, slight creases and one with slight thin, otherwise fine. S.G. Spec. L215t, cat. £1,250+ (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1876 watermark spray 1s. green plate 4 PA-TD imperforate pane of twenty (5 x 4) overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 9, showing marginal inscription and ''508'' current number, superb with full original gum, stamps unmounted. S.G. Spec. L218t, cat. £2,000+ (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1876 watermark spray 1s. green unissued plates 11 TH and 12 AG imprimaturs, very fine and fresh with gum. S.G. Spec. cat. £500 (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1880 watermark spray 1s. brown-orange plate 12 TE, a top marginal imprimatur, clear to good margins other sides, very fine and fresh with gum. S.G. Spec. L225, cat. £250. Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1877 3s., three die proofs with void corner squares, on glazed cards (92 x 60mm), dated October 16th, 20th and 25th, 1876, the latter stamped ''BEFORE HARDENING'', very fine. S.G. Spec. L229, cat. £1,800 (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1877 3s., two die proofs with void corner squares, on glazed cards (92 x 60mm), dated October 24th and 25th, 1876, fine. S.G. Spec. L229, cat. £1,200 (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1877 3s. die proof with void corner squares, on glazed card (92 x 60mm), dated ''Oct ,26 1876.'', fine. S.G. Spec. L229, cat. £600 (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1877 3s. die proof with void corner squares, on glazed card (92 x 60mm), dated ''Oct ,26 1876.'' and stamped ''BEFORE HARDENING'', fine. S.G. Spec. L229, cat. £600 (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1877 3s. KI-OL imperforate colour trial pane of twenty (5 x 4) in dull mauve overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 8, mainly very fine and fresh with full original gum, all but three stamps unmounted, some gum creasing or bends and small faint ink offset mark on gum. S.G. Spec. L229, cat. £2,000+ (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1876 watermark Maltese Cross 5s. rose plate 1 HE imprimatur, fine and fresh with small to good margins, part original gum. S.G. Spec. L231, cat. £600 (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1876 watermark Maltese Cross perf. 15 x 151/2 5s. rose plate 2 BF very fine used with blue ''LOTHBURY-B.O./18 AU/80'' circular datestamp, most attractive and scarce. S.G. Spec. L232, cat. £200 (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1881 watermark anchor 5s. rose plate 3 AF very fine used with neat complete ''KELSO/NO 19/81'' circular datestamp, very scarce. S.G. Spec. L234, cat. £600 (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1877 £5 die proof with void corner squares, on glazed card (92 x 60mm), dated ''Nov 16, 1876'', very fine. S.G. Spec. L237, cat. £2,500 (2006). Photo.

Post Office Telegraph Stamps: 1877 watermark shamrocks £5 orange AA overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 9, fine and fresh with large part original gum (hinge remainders at top), excellent colour. S.G. Spec. L237s, cat. from £1,800 (2006). Photo.