Prices Realised

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series A, three quarter face head, 1/2d. blue-green, a little gum seepage on two perfs. at foot, otherwise very fine. Ex M.H. Stothert Photo.

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series A, three quarter face head, 1d. lilac, very fine and striking. Ex Stothert. Photo.

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series A, three quarter face head, 11/2d. dull purple and green, a little gum seepage on a few perfs. at left, otherwise very fine. Ex Stothert. Photo.

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series A, three quarter face head, 21/2d. purple on blue paper, the perforations touched in with Chinese white, very fine. Ex Stothert. Photo.It was decided not to proceed with this value on coloured paper, the issued stamp was printed in ultramarine on white paper.

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series A, three quarter face head, 3d. purple on yellow paper, the perforations touched in with Chinese white, very fine. Ex Stothert. Photo.

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series A, three quarter face head, 4d. green and purple-brown, very fine. Ex Stothert. Photo.

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series A, three quarter face head, 5d. dull purple and blue, very fine. Ex Stothert. Photo.

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series A, three quarter face head, 6d. purple on rose-red, the perforations additionally painted in with Chinese white, mounted on a thicker card 'tablet' (32 x 35mm) with bevelled edges, very fine. Ex Stothert. Photo.It was decided not to proceed with this value on coloured paper, the issued stamp was printed in purple on white paper.

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series A, three quarter face head, 9d. dull purple and blue, very fine. Ex Stothert. Photo.

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series A, three quarter face head, 10d. dull purple and carmine, very fine. Ex Stothert. Photo.

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series A, three quarter face head, 1s. green and carmine, very fine. Ex Stothert. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1/2d. blue-green (pair), 1d., 11/2d., 21/2d., 3d., 6d. (block of four) and 2s.6d., all overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 15, the 2s.6d. with some imperfections otherwise mainly very fine and fresh with gum. (11). S.G. Spec. M1s, M5s, M8s, M16s, M19s, M31s & M48s, cat. £2,370 (2005), Concise cat. £2,895. Photo.These are the only values known with this overprint, the 11/2d., 3d. 6d. and 2s.6d. are on ordinary paper.

1902-10 De La Rue, a selection overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 16, comprising 1d. (part clipped away at base and stuck to a complete stamp), 5d. and 9d. with age staining, otherwise mainly very fine and fresh with gum, 2s.6d. and 5s. fine without gum. (5).

1902-10 De La Rue 2d. yellowish-green and carmine-red overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 16 exceptionally fine and fresh with full original gum. S.G. Spec. M11s, Concise S125, cat. £375. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 4d. green and grey-brown overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 16 fine and fresh with large part original gum. S.G. Spec. M23s, Concise S129, cat. £400. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10d. dull purple and carmine overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 16 exceptionally fine and fresh with full original gum. S.G. Spec. M42s, Concise S135, cat. £425. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1s. dull green and carmine, a pair overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 16, very fine and fresh with virtually full original gum, a few tiny specks on gum. S.G. Spec. M45s, Concise S136, cat. £650. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10s. ultramarine block of four overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 16, fresh with almost full original gum, creases and some other faults but of good appearance and a rare multiple. S.G. Spec. M53s, Concise S139, cat. £1,800 (as singles). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10s. ultramarine overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 16 and with additional ''ULTRAMAR'' handstamp in blue by receiving Portuguese Postal Authority from U.P.U. distribution, traces of gum, a little discoloured, otherwise fine and rare. S.G. Spec. M53s, var. Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1d. rose-red plate 66 ''A 11'' (c) control example overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 22, shows small printing flaws by King's chin, very fine and fresh with virtually full original gum, minor natural wrinkle. S.G. Spec. M6s. Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 6d. dull purple overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 22, fine and fresh with large part original gum. S.G. Spec. M33s, Concise S148, cat. £320. Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 9d. deep dull reddish-purple and deep bright blue overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 22, exceptionally fine and fresh with almost full original gum, unusual intense impression. S.G. Spec. M41(2)s, Concise S150, cat. £375. Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 10d. dull purple and scarlet and 2s.6d. dull greyish-purple, overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 22, 10d. centred high and 2s.6d. with vertical creases not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine with large part original gum. S.G. Spec. M44s & M50s, Concise S151 & 153, cat. £670. Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 1s. dark green and scarlet, a block of four overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 22, left pair with crease or heavy gum crease not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine with large part to full original gum. S.G. Spec. M47(1)s, Concise S152, cat. £1,280 (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House £1 deep green, a block of four overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 22, the lower pair with some perfs. trimmed or cut away at foot, virtually full original gum with gum creases or wrinkles, excellent fresh colour and a very rare multiple. S.G. Spec. M56s, Concise S155, cat. £8,000 (as singles). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1/2d. yellowish-green, 1d. to 3d., 4d. orange-red, 5d., and 7d. to 1s., twelve values overprinted ''CANCELLED'' type 20, some red surface marks and some slight rubbing, otherwise fine and fresh with gum, a very rare set, believed to be only two known in private hands (the other previously being in the Marcus Samuel collection and which originally formed pairs with this set). S.G. Spec. M2u/M46u, seven values unpriced, the others cat. £900 each (2005). Photo.

A selection of complete sheet skeletons (all with one or two stamps remaining except where stated), comprising 1902-10 De La Rue 1/2d. blue-green coextensive rule plate 27 control D4 perf. type V4 with complete bottom row remaining, 1/2d. yellowish green coextensive rule plate 29 controls D4, D5 and E5, plate 34 control G7, each with three stamps [R20/1-3] remaining, plate 61 control J10 complete sheet of 240, 1d. plate 27 control E5, 11/2d. on ordinary H2/D4, 11/2d. on chalky plate H4/D6, plate H4a/D6a, 2d. on ordinary H3/D4, 2d. on chalky H4/D4 (3, one lower pane only), 4d. bicoloured on chalky H5/D11/12, 5d. on chalky H2/D4 (lower pane only), 5d. ordinary H1/D3 (upper pane only), 5d. on chalky H4/D4 (upper pane only), 7d. plate 2, 1s. on chalky H1/B5 (lower pane) H2/B4 (lower pane), 1911 Harrison perf. 14 1/2d. plate 63b control A11 skeleton with R20/1-3 remaining, 21/2d. plate 12, perf. 15 x 14 4d. plate 7a (2), 1911-13 Somerset House 11/2d. H6a/D6a, H6b/D6a, H6c/D7 (2, one R20/1 and 12, other no stamps), 2d. H4a/D4, H4c/D4,3, 5d. H4a/D5, H4c/D5, 6d. plate 13, wonderful reference, mostly affixed to large pages by the sheet margins to aid preservation. (35 items).

Halfpenny: A partly engraved proof of the value tablet and left half of the frame, with uncleared surround, in green on white glazed card (37 x 39mm), very fine. A spectacular and probably unique proof. Ex J.T. Clarke. Photo.

1902 De La Rue: 1/2d. blue-green, a mainly fine mint collection incl. plate 67 control ''A'' lower right corner marginal block of four showing additional perforation in margin at lower right due to paper fold, fine range of shades incl. plate 65 control ''A'' strip and plate 4 control ''C4'' corner strip in exceptionally deep shades (selected from several 100s of similar pieces). (54).

1902 De La Rue: 1/2d. blue-green, an exceptionally deep shade overprinted ''ARMY/OFFICIAL'', in a very fine and fresh mint plate 4, control ''A'' strip of three with R20/11 showing long top to second ''F''. S.G. O48, Spec. MO19/j. Photo.

1904 De La Rue: 1/2d. yellow-green, a mainly fine mint selection incl. shades with a block of four in a very pale yellowish-green shade showing plate wear, booklet pane of six with watermark inverted, three with St. Andrew's Cross attached (two with watermark inverted one of which contained in booklet pane but lacking selvedge). (24 items).

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1/2d., a mainly fine mint collection with an excellent range of shades with blocks of four (13) incl. plate 58 corner block showing the the so called ''A 17'' variety, also booklet pane of six with watermark inverted, plate 64b R18/9-10 vertical pair the lower stamp showinf major frame break, singles incl. pale bluish-green (4) and plate 59 ''A 11'' corner control strip of three, etc. (43 items, 100 stamps).

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1/2d. deep dull green (very blotchy print), a fine and fresh unmounted mint marginal block of six (3 x 2, mounted in margin) from the left of the sheet, usual gum wrinkles. S.G. Spec. M3(4), cat. £420 (2005). Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1/2d. deep dull green (very blotchy print), very fine and fresh mint, a particularly intense example, much more so than the regularly accepted shade with much of the detail of the King's head obscured, very scarce. S.G. Spec. M3(4)var. Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1/2d. pale bluish-green plate 58 ''A 11'' control corner marginal block of eight (4 x 2), perf. type H2A, very fine and fresh mint, seven stamps unmounted. S.G. 270, Spec. M3(5), cat. £565 (as singles). Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1/2d. bright green (fine impression), a very fine and fresh mint vertical pair, lower stamp superb unmounted. R.P.S. certificate (1969) for block of four of which this is the left hand pair. S.G. 271, Spec. M3(6), cat. £700. Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1/2d. bright green (fine impression), fine and fresh mint. S.G. 271, Spec. M3(6), cat. £275. Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1/2d. deep bright green, a superb unmounted mint lblock of four. Photocopy of B.P.A. certificate (1974) for adjoining block of four. S.G. Spec. M3(7), cat. £1,600+ (2005). Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14 1/2d. dull green plate 64b R18/9-20/12 lower right corner marginal block of twelve (4 x 3), R18/10 showing major frame breaks and R20/10 damage to frame at upper left, fine and fresh mint, ten stamps unmounted, a little perf. separation in upper row and one with gum bend. S.G. 279/var, Spec. M4(1)/h. Photo.

1901 1d. die proof in black on glazed card, cut down to stamp size and affixed to piece (55 x 116mm) from De La Rue striking book, endorsed with details of leads taken between Aug. 21st and Sept. 6th 1901, the proof crossed by red line and further dated 'Oct 15th 1901' (also in red), very fine, unique. Photo.

1901 1d. dull purple imperforate colour trial on gummed paper watermarked Crown, superb with full original gum. S.G. Spec. M5, cat. £1,200 (2005). Photo.

1901 1d. black on red imperforate colour trial on gummed paper watermarked Crown, a superb top marginal example with full original gum. S.G. Spec. M5, cat. £1,200 (2005). Photo.

1901 1d. black on red perf. 14 colour trial on gummed paper watermarked Crown, very fine. S.G. Spec. M5, cat. £1,200 (2005). Photo.

1906 1d. blue-geranium imperforate colour trial on gummed paper watermarked Crown, superb with full original gum. S.G. Spec. M5, cat. £1,200 (2005). Photo.

1906 1d. cerise imperforate colour trial on gummed paper watermarked Crown, a superb top marginal example with full original gum, a striking trial. S.G. Spec. M5, cat. £1,200 (2005). Photo.

1906 1d. carmine-red perf. 14 colour trial on gummed paper watermarked Crown, a top lower marginal example showing additional Crown watermark in sheet margin, a couple of short or blunted perfs. at top, otherwise fine with full original gum (stamp unmounted). S.G. Spec. M5, cat. £1,200 (2005). Photo.

1906 1d. carmine-rose perf. 14 colour trial on gummed paper watermarked Crown, exceptionally fine and fresh with almost full original gum. S.G. Spec. M5, cat. £1,200 (2005). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1d. carmine (quadruple impression, one inverted) imperforate plate proof block of four on thin white wove paper, unlisted by S.G. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1d. intense bright scarlet, a truly exceptional shade showing incredible intensity of colour, in a very fresh mint block of four, a few tiny printing ink offsets on gum and upper left stamp with tone spot caused by imbedded paper irregularity, otherwise fine with the lower pair unmounted. R.P.S. certificate (1954) states 'Harrison Printing, blood-red' but we are firmly of the opinion that this is a De La Rue printing. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1d. deep blood-red plate 7, control ''A'' corner marginal strip of three, very fresh mint, left stamp creased, other two very fine unmounted, an exceptional example of this scarce shade. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1d. deep bright scarlet (intense shade) overprinted ''ARMY/OFFICIAL'', an unusual and distinct shade, fresh mint, a few small tone spots, otherwise fine. Clear R.P.S. certificate (1996). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1d., a mainly fine mint collection, carefully selected to show the wide range of the scarlet and carmine shades, with multiples incl. rose-carmine ''B'', ''C4'' and ''J10'' control strips, ''I9'' control blocks of four (2, one a lovely deep shade) and six, also a block of four in a most unusual carmine shade, etc. (83).

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1d., a mainly fine mint collection of the rose-red and rose-carmine shades, a fine range of mostly blocks and singles, also a block of four without watermark in brick-red from the plate 58 printing. (73).

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1d. rose-red, a much misperforated example, fine and fresh mint, also another example without gum and slightly toned. Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1d. aniline rose (F) plate 62 ''A 11'' (w) control block of six (3 x 2), a paler shade with a tinge of carmine, very fine and fresh mint, lower three stamps unmounted. Ex Beaumont. R.P.S. certificate (1959). S.G. 275a, Spec. M6(7), cat. £1,365+ (as singles). Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1d. aniline rose (F) plate 63 ''A 11'' (w) control block of four, a deep shade, very fine and fresh mint, lower stamps unmounted. S.G. 275a, Spec. M6(7), cat. £910+ (as singles). Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1d. aniline pink (F), an exceptionally fresh lightly mounted mint ''A 11'' (w) control example, tiny corner perf. crease and minor bends, not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine and very scarce. S.G. 275, Spec. M6(8), cat. £650+. Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14 1d., a mainly fine mint collection of the rose-red and rose-carmine shades, incl. rose-red blocks of four (3, one deep rose-red with the upper right stamp showing long second upright to ''A'' of ''POSTAGE'', pale rose-carmine ''A 11'' control strip with thick shiny gum, etc. (45).

1902-10 De La Rue 11/2d., a mainly good to fine mint collection comprising ordinary paper blocks of nine (2), two vertical strips of three and nine singles; chalky paper blocks of twelve, eight, six and four (5) and eleven singles, showing a range of shades, mainly good to fine mint, about thirty five stamps unmounted, some of the chalky paper with tone spots or rubbing. (90). S.G. 221/224, Spec. M8 (1-2), M9(1-3).

1911-13 Somerset House 11/2d., a mainly good to fine mint collection of shades with blocks of twelve, nine, six, four (9) and singles (24), an excellent range, some showing fluorescence, mostly very fresh with about 33 stamps unmounted. (89).

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 1, Duty Plate 5: 11/2d. slate-purple and green, a very fresh unmounted mint block of 96 (12 x 8) comprising the lower eight rows of the sheet, perf. H1, showing cut under R20/2, R16/4 & 11 showing damage in tablet and R20/2 & 3 showing frame breaks at foot and right respectively, about 12 stamps with light creasing or gum creasing not detracting from this exceptional and probably unique multiple. S.G. 222, Spec. M8(2)/f/g, cat. £8,100+ (as singles). Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 4: 11/2d. dull purple and green, perf. H1, a block of forty eight R7/1-10/12, the lower four rows of the upper pane including R10/2 retouch left of tablet and around large figure ''1'', some creasing in sheet margins but the stamps mainly exceptionally fine and fresh mint (all but six unmounted). A very rare multiple. S.G. Spec. M8(1)/d. Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 4: 11/2d. dull purple and green, SW corner marginal block of four, perf. H1, showing cut under R20/1 and with R19/1 showing the deformed leaf duty plate flaw (just a trifle rubbed by King's face), mainly very fine and fresh mint, the stamps unmounted, upper right stamp with corner perf. just blunted. A rare positional multiple. S.G. Spec. M8(2)/e. Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 6: 11/2d. dull purple and green, perf. H1, R4/7-10/12 lower marginal block of forty two (6 x 7) from upper pane, showing continuous purple rules and green rule with breaks every third stamp, very fresh mint, twenty eight stamps unmounted about ten of which have wrinkles or slight creases, some of the mounted stamps with imperfections, a scarce multiple of very fine appearance. S.G. 221, Spec M8(1), cat. £2,660 (as singles). Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 6: 11/2d. slate-purple and green, perf. H1, R10/1-11/2 interpanneau marginal block of four from the left of the sheet, with R11/1 showing double serif to large ''1'' duty plate flaw, very fine and fresh mint (three stamps unmounted incl. variety), faint gum crease. A rare positional piece. S.G. Spec. M8(2)var. Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 3, Duty Plate 6: 11/2d. slate-purple and green, perf. H1, R11/1-12/1 NW corner vertical pair from lower pane, very fine and fresh mint (upper stamp unmounted), also 11/2d. pale dull purple and green (chalky) NW corner pair R1/1-2, fine mint. S.G. Spec. M8(1) & M9(1).

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 4, Duty Plate 6: 11/2d. slate-purple and bluish green on chalky, a superb mint interpanneau block of twenty four [R10/1-11/12], all but three stamps unmounted. S.G. 224, Spec. M9(2), cat. £1,580 (as singles). Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 4a, Duty Plate 6a: 11/2d. pale dull purple and green on chalky, perf. H1, complete bottom strip [R20/1-12] with nick and cut under R20/1 and dent under R20/2, R20/9 showing leaf and tablet repair, mainly fine mint, hinge reinforcement between stamps 5 and 6, five stamps unmounted (incl. variety), very scarce, also a SW corner block of four in deep slate-purple and bluish green but somewhat foxed on reverse (lovely deep shade and very fine appearance). S.G. Spec. M9(1/d & 3). Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 5, Duty Plate 5: 11/2d. pale dull purple and green on chalky [R16/1-20/12] block of sixty (12 x 5), the complete lower five rows of the lower pane, perf. H1, divided in two vertically and rejoined with hinges, tiny head plate nick under R20/2, several showing constant head or duty plate flaws, an exceptional multiple, forty stamps unmounted (one with tiny tone spot on gum due to paper impurity). S.G. 223, Spec. M9(1), cat. £3,200+ (as singles). Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 6, Duty Plate 5: 11/2d. deep slate-purple and bluish-green on chalky [R9/1-10/2] SW corner block of four from upper pane showing square head plate corner dot in interpane margin, unique to this plate, also R10/12 corner single in pale dull purple and green (very pale shade) showing dot in opposite corner, the block with some foxing on gum but of superb appearance, the single with tiny natural gum flaws. (2 items). S.G. Spec. M9(1 & 3). Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 4b, Duty Plate 7: 11/2d. dull reddish purple and green [R1/1-10/6], block of sixty, the left half of the upper pane (right sheet) with coextensive rules, divided into four blocks of fifteen and rejoined with hinges, mainly fine and fresh mint, a few imperfections, thirty two stamps unmounted. S.G. Spec. M10(4), cat. £2,300+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 4b, Duty Plate 7: 11/2d. slate-purple and green (F, a very strong orange reaction) [R1/1-2/12] block of twenty four, the upper two rows of the sheet, with coextensive rules, perf. V1, very fresh mint, sixteen stamps unmounted four of which have vertical creases, otherwise mainly very fine. S.G. 289, Spec. M10(7), cat. £1,200+ (as singles). Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 5a, Duty Plate 7: 11/2d. dull purple and green (F) [R20/1-12] complete bottom strip of twelve and SE corner block of four, both showing duty plate date cuts under R20/12, mainly very fine and fresh mint, the strip with ten stamps unmounted (one with tone spot on gum), some perf. separation, the block with three stamps unmounted, the mounted stamp with pulled corner perf. S.G. 288, Spec. M10(5), cat. £805+ (as singles). Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 5a, Duty Plate 7: 11/2d. dull purple and green (F) [R1/11-2/12] NE corner block of four, [R10/1-2] SW corner pair from upper pane, and [R10/11-11/12] right marginal interpanneau block of four, very fine and fresh mint, eight stamps unmounted, also [R11/1] NW corner single overprinted ''30 PARAS'' for use in British Levant, and 11/2d. dull reddish purple and green Head Plate 4b, Duty Plate 7 [R10/1-11/2] left marginal interpanneau block of four very fresh mint, three stamps unmounted , lower pair with gum crease. (5 items, 15 stamps).

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 6, Duty Plate 6: 11/2d. reddish-purple and bright green overprinted ''30 PARAS'' for use in British Levant (S.G. 29), the right hand five vertical rows of the upper pane [R1/9-10/12, lacking lower margin] showing co-extensive head plate rules and continuous duty plate rule, upper pane, very fine used with clear light ''BRITISH POST OFFICE/CONSTANTINOPLE/DE 19/11'' circular datestamps, also an unoverprinted NE corner block of four (S.G. Spec. M10(1), very fine and fresh mint.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 6a, Duty Plate 6a: 11/2d. reddish purple and bright, a block of thirty six [R18/1-20/12], the complete lower three rows of the sheet green, perf. V1, showing co-extensive head plate rules and continuous duty plate rule, with ''V'' shaped head plate cut under R20/5 and wide cuts under R20/11, duty plate rule dent under R20/2, exceptionally fine and fresh mint, all but four stamps unmounted, a few natural minor gum creases or bends, perfs. reinforced between R18/5 & 6. A rare multiple from the first Somerset House printing. S.G. 287, Spec. M10(1), cat. £3,060+ (as singles). Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 6b, Duty Plate 6a: 11/2d. dull purple and green, NE and SE corner blocks of four and interpanneau right marginal block of four from the right of the sheet, all showing head plate purple dots above and bolw 12th, also 11/2d. reddish purple and bright green NW corner block of four, mainly good to fine and fresh mint, nine stamps unmounted, a few imperfections. (16). S.G. Spec. M10.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 6c, Duty Plate 7: 11/2d. dull purple and green plate H6c/D7, state 1 [R19/1-20-12] block of twenty four comprising the lower two rows of the sheet, perf. V1, with head plate date cuts under R20/12 etc. and co-extensive rules, mainly very fine and fresh mint, all but four stamps unmounted, four of which are affected by vertical creases. S.G. 288, Spec. M10(5), cat. £1,220+ (as singles). Photo.See 'The Postage Stamps of Great Britain' volume 3 (1964, Revised Edition), pages 234 & 235, and GB Journal volume 30 no. 4 (Sept.-Oct. 1992).

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 6c, Duty Plate 7: 11/2d. slate-purple and green (F) plate H6c/D7, state 6 with earlier features in the marginal rule re-emerging due to corrosion caused by the fluorescent ink, [R19/1-20-12] block of twenty four comprising the lower two rows of the sheet, perf. V1, with head plate date cuts under R20/12 etc. and co-extensive rules, mainly very fine and fresh mint, all but six stamps unmounted, perfs. separated and reinforced with hinge between 6th & 7th vertical rows, upper right stamp a little gum stained. S.G. 289, Spec. M10(7), cat. £1,260+ (as singles). Photo.See 'The Postage Stamps of Great Britain' volume 3 (1964, Revised Edition), pages 234 & 235, and GB Journal volume 30 no. 4 (Sept.-Oct. 1992).

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 11/2d. carmine-lake on white paper watermarked Crown, very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 11/2d. orange-yellow on white paper watermarked Crown, perforations very slightly trimmed at foot, otherwise very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 11/2d. deep blue on white paper watermarked Crown, perforations slightly trimmed at foot, otherwise very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 11/2d. in a mauve shade on white paper watermarked Crown, the head and duty plates are in clearly differing shades giving an unintentional bi-coloured stamp, proving separate printing of the two plates, trivial tiny surface marks at upper right, otherwise very fine and most unusual. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 11/2d. deep brown on white paper watermarked Crown, very fine, shows tiny printing flaw behind King's head. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 11/2d. olive-brown on white paper watermarked Crown, very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 11/2d. scarlet on yellow paper watermarked Crown, superb and most striking. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 11/2d. purple on pink tinted paper (white back) on thick unwatermarked chalk surfaced paper, very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 11/2d. purple on orange tinted paper (white back) on thick unwatermarked chalk surfaced paper, very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 11/2d. deep purple on blue tinted paper (white back) on thick unwatermarked chalk surfaced paper, perforations very slightly trimmed at top, otherwise fine. Photo.

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: 1902-10 De La Rue 2d., a mainly fair to fine mint collection of shades, with ordinary paper blocks of six (2), four (3) and singles (11); chalky paper blocks of twelve, ten (2), nine (2), six (2, one dull blue-green and carmine), and four, and singles (20); an excellent range but with some foxing, particularly on the chalky paper issues, about 55 stamps unmounted. (121).

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 1, Duty Plate 3: 2d. yellowish green and carmine red [R1/1-12] top row of twelve (lacking side margins), R1/1 showing damage to value tablet at lower left, R1/1 with slight tone spots at foot and R1/11-12 with surface fault, otherwise mainly fine mint, eight stamps unmounted, also R10/1-11/2 interpanneau left marginal block of four, very fine and fresh mint (two unmounted). S.G. 225, Spec. M11(1). Photo.

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 3, Duty Plate 4: 2d., four marginal pieces from left sheet, R1/1-2/2 NW corner block of four, R1/3-12 NE corner strip of ten, R1/7-2/8 top marginal block of four and R10/1-11/2 interpanneau left marginal block of four, mainly very fine and fresh mint, sixteen stamps unmounted. (22). S.G. Spec. M11.

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 3: 2d. grey-green and scarlet on chalky [R1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four with R1/1 showing distorted tablet (''Rhombus'') variety, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (small adherence on gum at corner of sheet margin only), superb deep colour and very rare multiple. S.G. Spec. M12(4)/c. Photo.

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 3: 2d. pale grey-green and scarlet on chalky [R1/7-5/12] NE corner block of thirty, [R1/7] shows dent to upper frame of duty plate (Wiseman states substituted duty cliché), six others also showing minor duty plate flaws one of which [R5/8] also shows shortened last ''E'' in ''REVENUE'' (S.G. M12m), very fine unmounted mint (mounted in margin), a few slight wrinkles. S.G. Spec. M12(3), cat. £2,205+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 3: 2d. pale grey-green and carmine-red on chalky [R17/11-18/12] marginal block of four, the lower two stamps showing duty plate flaws, 2d. grey-green (very deep) and scarlet [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four, mainly fine and fresh mint, five stamps unmounted, some slight rubbing. (8). S.G. Spec. M12(1) & (4), cat. £470+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 4, Duty Plate 4: 2d. dull blue-green and carmine on chalky [R14/7-20/12] SE corner block of forty two, divided between 8th & 9th verical rows and rejoined with hinges, lacking right side margin, very fresh mint, nine stamps with creases and one with internal fault, 24 stamps unmounted of which 20 are fine. S.G. 229, Spec. M12(2), cat. £5,940 (as singles). Photo.

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 4, Duty Plate 4: 2d. grey-green (deep) and scarlet on chalky [R19/1-20/8] SW corner block of sixteen, perf. H1, with R20/4 showing duty plate flaws, very fine and fresh mint, all but one stamp unmounted. S.G. Spec. M12(4), cat. £1,250+ (2005, as four blocks of four). Photo.

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 4, Duty Plate 4: 2d., a selection of corner marginal multiples (9 items, 31 stamps), comprising NW corner block of four, NE corner blocks of four (2), SE corner blocks of four (2, one lower pane), strip of three, pairs (2), and a left marginal interpanneau block of four, the lower pair without red duty plate rules, mainly fine and fresh mint, fifteen stamps unmounted. Also four Blitz damaged pieces incl. a further left marginal interpanneau block of four with just a thin red rule remaining below R10/10. (13 items). S.G. Spec. M13.

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 5, Duty Plate 5: 2d. grey-green and bright carmine [R10/1-15/12] block of seventy two, the lower row of the upper pane and the upper five rows of the lower pane with interpanneau margin between, showing coextensive duty plate rules, very fine and fresh mint, sixty four stamps unmounted, about twelve with gum creases, otherwise fine and a rare multiple. S.G. 292, Spec. M13(4), cat. £3,744 (as singles). Photo.

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 5, Duty Plate 5: 2d. grey-green and bright carmine [R1/1-5/12] block of sixty, the top five rows of the sheet showing coextensive duty plate rules, very fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), usual gum wrinkles, sixteen stamps with creases, otherwise fine and a rare multiple. S.G. 292, Spec. M13(4), cat. £3,300 (as singles). Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 2d. carmine on white paper watermarked Crown, a few perforations just blunted at foot, otherwise very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 2d. orange-yellow on white paper watermarked Crown, one perforation trimmed at lower right, otherwise very fine and fresh. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 2d. dull blue-green on white paper watermarked Crown, affixed to small piece of thin card, some small perf. faults, otherwise fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 2d. Tyrian plum on white paper watermarked Crown, affixed to small piece of thin card, a few perforations clipped at foot, otherwise fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 2d. slate on white paper watermarked Crown, very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 2d. green on yellow paper watermarked Crown, small faults at top, otherwise fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 2d. purple on pink tinted paper (white back) on thick unwatermarked chalk surfaced paper, affixed to small piece of thin card, one perforation trimmed at lower right, otherwise fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 2d. red on blue tinted paper (white back) on thick unwatermarked chalk surfaced paper, three trimmed perforations at lower right and slight wrinkling, otherwise fine. Photo.

The unissued 2d. Tyrian Plum: A die proof of the accepted design in magenta on unwatermarked wove paper (44 x 42mm), minute natural paper flaw behind King's head mentioned for accuracy only, otherwise superb and of great rarity. Photo.

The unissued 2d. Tyrian plum, a very fresh mint example of this twentieth century rarity with almost full original gum, two blunted perfs. at left and minor gum crease, tiny rub at top, otherwise very fine. Ex Silkin. B.P.A. certificate (1961). S.G. 266a, cat. £85,000. Photo.

1910 unissued 2d. colour trial in pale blue, a few perforations very slightly shallow but still very fine and rare. Ex Silkin. Photo.

1910 unissued 2d. colour trial in deep red-brown, some perfs. clipped at foot, otherwise fine, fresh and very rare. Ex Silkin. Photo.

1910 unissued 2d. colour trial in deep brown, exceptionally fine and fresh, very rare. Ex Silkin. Photo.

1910 unissued 2d. colour trial in grey, some perforations slightly trimmed, otherwise very fine and fresh, very rare. Ex Silkin. Photo.

1910 unissued 2d. colour trial in yellow-ochre, some perforations trimmed, otherwise fine and fresh, very rare. Ex Silkin. Photo.

1901 De La Rue 21/2d., the set of nine colour trials, perforated 14 on Crown watermarked paper, affixed to a piece of quadrille ruled paper (115 x 233mm) from De La Rue archives numbered above each trial, mainly very fine, a few slight traces of soiling. A rare document, this is the way in which such trials were presented to the committee who made the final choice of colour for the issue. S.G. Spec. M16, cat. £10,800+ (2005). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 21/2d. imperforate plate proof in a greenish blue shade, an upper left corner marginal block of four, very fine (slight trace of ageing on reverse). It is interesting to note that the marginal pillars in the margin at top are printed in a different ink (a deep bright blue shade) which would seem to indicate that only a few rows were printed, the different colours appearing on the same piece of paper. S.G. Spec. M16, cat. £4,800+ (2005). Photo.

21/2d. indigo, 1911 die proof colour trial in proposed KG V colour on gummed unwatermarked paper (24 x 32mm), very fine. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 21/2d., a mainly good to fine mint collection of shades with blocks of ten, eight, six (4), four (6) and singles (17); a fine range, about 40 stamps unmounted. (83).

1911 Harrison Perf. 14 21/2d., a mainly good to fine and fresh mint selection, comprising two blocks of six (2 x 3), a block of four and nine singles, nine stamps unmounted but most of these with gum creases or wrinkles. (25). S.G. 276, Spec. M17.

1911 Harrison Perf. 14 21/2d. deep bright blue with watermark inverted and showing apparent frame break at right due to pre-printing paper crease, fine mint, most unusual. S.G. 276Wi, var. Spec. M17(1)a, var. cat. £1,000+. Photo.

1911 Harrison Perf. 15 x 14 21/2d., a mainly good to fine mint collection with a fine range of shades, comprising blocks of twelve (2), ten, nine (2), four (4), pairs (2) and singles (19), about thirty eight stamps unmounted, with one of the blocks of twelve showing minor 'kiss print' or 'ink drag' doubling affecting six stamps, both the pairs and two singles with thick shiny gum (some fox spots). (93).

1902-10 De La Rue 21/2d., a collection of plated marginal items, comprising plate 1 [R1/1-2/2] NW block of four, plate 2 R1/11-2/12] NE corner block of four, [R10/1-11/2] left marginal interpanneau block of four in a deep bright shade, plate 5 [R1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four, R1/10-2/12 NE corner block of six with R1/12 showing constant white gap in scroll to lower right of ''d'', [R20/1-3] SW corner strip with date cut under ''2'' of R20/3, [R11/1] NW corner single, plate 6 [R1/1-2/2] NW corner blocks of four (2, one in a very deep bright shade), [R1/11-2/12] NW corner block of four, plate 7 complete bottom strip but with only R20/1 remaining, plate 11 [R1/11-2/12] NE corner block of four, [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four R19/12 showing interesting constant(?) 'black eye' flaw, [R10/1-11/2] left marginal interpanneau block of four, plate 12 [R1/11-2/12] and [R19/11-20/12] NE and SE corner blocks of four, [R10/12] SE corner single from upper pane, also a complete bottom strip but with no stamps remaining, mainly fine and fresh mint, the stamps mostly unmounted. (18 items, 60 stamps). S.G. 230/231, Spec. M16(1-3).

Two Pence Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Plate 2: 21/2d. deep ultramarine [R11/1-15/12] block of sixty, the upper five rows of the lower pane, perf. H1, very fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), sixteen stamps with creases, otherwise fine and very scarce. S.G. Spec. M16(1), cat. £3,000+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Two Pence Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Plate 5: 21/2d. pale ultramarine [R1/1-10/5] block of fifty, the complete first columns of the upper pane, very fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), fifth column creased and some other gum creases or wrinkles, one stamp with small tone spot on gum, otherwise fine. S.G. 231, Spec. M16(3), cat. £1,600+ (as singles). Photo.

Two Pence Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Plate 12: 21/2d. deep ultramarine [R19/1-20/2] SW corner block of four, co-extensive rules with date cut under ''2'' of R20/1, a wonderfully clear printing, exceptionally fine and fresh mint, three stamps unmounted. S.G. Spec. M16(1). Photo.

Two Pence Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 14: Plate 14: 21/2d. dull blue, a deep shade, [R9/9-10/12] SE corner block of eight from upper pane, very fine and fresh mint, four stamps unmounted, usual minor gum wrinkles, perfs. reinforced with hinge between stamps and margin at right. S.G. Spec. M16(3), cat. £560+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Two Pence Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 14: Plate 15: 21/2d. bright blue [R1/1-1/2] NW corner pair and [R1/11-2/12] NE corner block of four, the block with lower pair unmounted, upper pair rather heavily mounted, the pair very fine mint. S.G. 276, Spec. M17(2), cat. £540 (as singles). Photo.

Two Pence Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: Plate 5: 21/2d., a selection of marginal pieces, all left sheet, comprising a complete skeleton of the lower pane (thick shiny gum) with just R20/12 remaining, [R1/1-2/2] NE corner block of four, [R1/11-12] NW corner pair, R10/12-11/12] right marginal interpanneau pair, [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four, and [R20/9-12] SE corner strip of four, mainly fine to very fine mint in bright and dull blue shades, 11 stamps unmounted, also [R1/1-2/3] NW corner block of six overprinted ''1 PIASTRE'' for use in British Levant (S.G. 26). (7 items, 25 stamps). S.G. 283/284, Spec. M18, cat. £858+ (as singles).

Two Pence Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: Plate 6: 21/2d., four corner marginal blocks of four in most attractive contrasting shades, comprising [R19/1-20/2] SW corner block of four perf. V3, [R19/11-20/12] SE corner blocks of four perf. V3 and V3A(2), mainly very fine and fresh mint, ten stamps unmounted, gum crease affecting one pair. (16). S.G. 283/284, Spec. M18(1-3).

Two Pence Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: Plate 12: 21/2d., a selection of seven marginal pieces comprising [R1/11-2/12] NE corner block of four with thick shiny gum (small tone spots on lower pair), [R9/1-10/3] SW corner block of six from upper pane, [R19/1-20/-2] SW corner blocks of four (2, one lacking left margin), [R20/1-2] SW corner pair with unusually large sheet margins showing full perf. V3A comb, a bottom strip with one stamp [R20/1] remaining (thick shiny gum), mainly good to fine and fresh mint, 13 stamps unmounted. (7 items, 23 stamps). S.G. 283/284, Spec. M18.

3d. purple on yellow, 1911 die proof colour trial in KE VII colours on ungummed, unwatermarked paper (72 x 40mm), very fine. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 3d., a mainly good to fine mint collection of shades comprising ordinary paper blocks of four (5), singles (18), ten stamps unmounted, a few slight creases or gum creases. (38). S.G. 232/232b, Spec. M19(1 & 2).

1902-10 De La Rue 3d. pale reddish-purple on orange-yellow on chalky, a very fine and fresh mint block of four, lower pair unmounted, upper pair very lightly mounted. S.G. 232c, Spec. M20(1), cat. £1,110+ (as singles). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 3d. pale reddish-purple on orange-yellow on chalky, a very fine and fresh lightly mounted mint block of four. S.G. 232c, Spec. M20(1), cat. £720+ (as singles). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 3d. dull purple on orange-yellow on chalky, in a very fine and fresh mint block of four, lower pair unmounted, a few tiny natural gum specks. S.G. 232a, Spec. M20(2), cat. £1,110+ (as singles). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 3d. dull purple on orange-yellow on thin paper which responds to the chalky test (OCP), a fine mint marginal block of four from the right of the sheet, natural gum wrinkles. S.G. 232a, Spec. M20(2), cat. £720+ (as singles. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 3d. on chalky, a mainly good to fine mint collection of shades, with blocks of eight (2), four (4) and 25 singles, an excellent range with all the S.G. Spec. listed shades represented, 16 stamps unmounted. (57). S.G. Spec. M20(1-5).

1902-10 De La Rue 3d. dull reddish-purple on lemon back, yellow front, on chalky, a fresh mint block of six (3 x 2), four stamps fine unmounted, one mounted stamp with tone spot, the other with gum crease. S.G. 233, Spec. M20(3), cat. £1,860+ (as singles). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 3d., a mainly fine mint selection of shades, comprising eight singles, a pair in a deep shade, and a marginal block of six (3 x 2, five stamps unmounted, slight creasing). (16). S.G. Spec. M21.

1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14 3d. plate 4, a lower marginal block of four [R19/3-20/4] showing cut unter ''EN'' of [20/4], in a most unusual pale purple shade very similar to the De La Rue printing, exceptionally fine and fresh mint, lower pair unmounted, upper pair with the barest trace of a hinge. S.G. Spec. M22. Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14 3d., a mainly good to fine mint selection of shades comprising three blocks of four and twelve singles, four stamps unmounted, also a used single. (25). S.G. Spec. M22, cat. £1,180 (2005).

1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14 3d. purple on lemon, an exceptionally clear printing, a very fresh mint marginal block of twelve (3 x 4) from the left of the sheet (plate 5), nine stamps unmounted, usual gum creases or wrinkles and a few minor gum blemishes, very fine appearance. S.G. 285, Spec. M22(1), cat. £810+ (as singles). Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Plate 1: 3d. dull purple on orange-yellow back, yellow front, [R1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), one with minor gum wrinkle. S.G. 232, Spec. M19(1), cat. £350 (2005). Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Plate 1: 3d. dull purple on orange-yellow back, yellow front, [R12/1-20/12] block of sixty, the lower half of the lower pane with date cut under R20/1, perf. H1A, some perf. separation and reinforcement between 6th and 7th columns and the upper pair reinforced with hinge, otherwise exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint, traces of trivial offset adherences on gum, four stamps with light gum crease. A very rare multiple of superb appearance. S.G. 232, Spec. M19(1), cat. £4,430+ (as singles). Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Plate 2: 3d. dull purple on orange-yellow back, yellow front, [R1/1-2/2] exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint NW corner block of four (mounted in margins). S.G. 232, Spec. M19(1), cat. £350 (2005). Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Plate 2: 3d. deep purple on orange-yellow back, yellow front, [R20/1-2] SW corner pair in an exceptionally deep shade, superb mint, the right stamp unmounted. S.G. 232b, Spec. M19(2). Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Plate 1: 3d. pale reddish purple on orange-yellow on chalky [R20/1-2] SW corner pair with date cut under R20/1, fine mint if a little heavily mounted, a trifle rubbed, also 3d. pale purple on lemon [R10/11-11/12] right marginal interpanneau block of four, perfs. separated between upper left stamp and margin and tear in interpanneau margin reinforced with hinge, otherwise fine with the lower pair unmounted. S.G. Spec. M20(1 & 4), cat. £490 (as singles, 2005).

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Plate 2: 3d. pale purple on lemon on chalky [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four and 3d. purple on lemon [R19/1-20/2] SW corner block of four with date cut under R20/2, good to very fine and fresh mint, six stamps unmounted, upper pair of first block with gum crease. S.G. 233b/234, Spec. M20(4 & 5), cat. £560+ (as singles).

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Plate 3: 3d. pale purple on lemon on chalky [R1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four and [R1/12] NE corner single fine mint, three stamps unmounted, also 3d. purple on lemon complete bottom strip but with only one stamp [R20/12] remaining and reattached with hinge. (3 items, 6 stamps). S.G. 233b/234, Spec. M20(4 & 5).

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Plate 5: 3d. pale purple on lemon on chalky [R1/11-2/12] NE corner block of four very fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), one stamp with minor gum skip. S.G. 233b, Spec. M20(4), cat. £320+ (as singles). Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Plate 5: 3d. pale purple on lemon on chalky [R19/1-20/2] SW corner block of four including R20/2 broken scroll, very fine and fresh mint, two stamps unmounted. S.G. Spec. M20(4)/b. Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 14: Plate 4: 3d. greyish purple on lemon [R9/11-10/12] SE corner block of four from upper pane including R9/12 frame broken at right, upper pair with gum crease not detracting otherwise fine lightly mounted mint (lower pair unmounted). Rare. S.G. Spec. M21(2)/b. Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 14: Plate 5: 3d. purple on lemon [R9/1-10/3] SW corner block of six from upper pane, fine and fresh mint, five stamps unmounted, usual gum wrinkles, centred low, also [R11/1] NW corner single from lower pane, blunted perf. at foot, otherwise fine unmounted mint. S.G. 277, Spec. M21(1), cat. £1,125 (as singles). Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: Plate 1: 3d. purple on lemon [R19/1-20/2 and R19/11-20/12] SW and SE corner blocks of four in slightly contrasting shades, very fine and fresh mint, three stamps in each unmounted, usual minor gum wrinkles. S.G. 285, Spec. M22(1), cat. £510+ (as singles). Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: Plate 4: 3d. greyish purple on lemon [R9/11-12] horizontal marginal pair, R9/12 variety frame broken at right, very fine and fresh mint, the variety with full original gum. S.G. Spec. M22(2)/e. Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: Plate 5: 3d. purple on lemon [R20/1-4] SW corner strip of four with date cut under ''VE'' of R20/4, perf. V3, matched with [R20/1-2] SW corner pair, perf. V3A, both including R20/2 broken scroll, very fine and fresh mint, three stamps unmounted (incl. variety on the strip). (2 items, 6 stamps). S.G. 285, Spec. M22(1)/b. Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: Plate 5: 3d. purple on lemon [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four and a complete bottom strip showing R20/4 date cutwith two stamps [R19/1-20-1] remaining, mainly very fine and fresh mint, three stamps unmounted. (2 items, 6 stamps). S.G. 285, Spec. M22(1).

1902-10 De La Rue 4d. bicoloured, a mainly good to fine mint collection of shades, comprising six blocks of four and five singles, ten stamps unmounted (two creased and one with tone spots on gum), good range. (29). S.G. 235/236, Spec. M23(1-3), cat. £2,050.

1902-10 De La Rue 4d. bicoloured on chalky, a mainly fine and fresh mint collection of shades, comprising blocks of twelve, six (2), four (4), and five singles, eighteen stamps unmounted. (45). S.G. 236a/238, Spec. M24(1 & 2), cat. £2,340. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 4d. green and chocolate-brown on chalky, head plate 4a duty plate 10 [R11/10-14/12] NE corner block of twelve from lower pane, fine and fresh mint, perfs. separated and reinforced with hinges between upper stamps and interpanneau margin, seven stamps unmounted. S.G. 236a, Spec. M24(1), cat. £690+ (as singles). Photo.

Head Plate 1, Duty Plate 8/6: 4d. green and chocolate-brown on chalky overprinted ''MOROCCO/AGENCIES/40 CENTIMOS'' (S.G. 117a), a complete sheet of 240 (2 panes of 120), perf. type H1, mainly exceptionally fresh mint, some barely noticeable tissue paper fibre adherences on gum and six with hinge reinforcement of perfs., otherwise unmounted. S.G. Spec. M24(1), cat. £600+ (as singles).

Head Plate 3, Duty Plate 8/6: 4d. green and chocolate-brown on chalky overprinted ''MOROCCO/AGENCIES'' (S.G. 34), a complete sheet of 240 (2 panes of 120), rare perf. type V2 with unusually wide sheet margin at right perforated through leaving stamp sized 'blanks' perforated on all sides (including marginal rules), mainly exceptionally fresh mint, some barely noticeable tissue paper fibre adherences on gum and two stamps with hinge reinforcement of perfs, otherwise unmounted. S.G. Spec. M24(1), cat. £900+ (as singles).

Head Plate 4, Duty Plate 7/5: 4d. green and chocolate-brown on chalky overprinted ''MOROCCO/AGENCIES'' (S.G. 34), a complete sheet of 240 (2 panes of 120), rare perf. type V2 with unusually wide sheet margin at right perforated through leaving stamp sized 'blanks' perforated on all sides (including marginal rules), R3/8 shows the damaged ''4'' at SW corner, mainly exceptionally fresh mint, some barely noticeable tissue paper fibre adherences on gum and two stamps with hinge reinforcement of perfs, otherwise unmounted, lower right stamp with small corner crease. S.G. Spec. M24(1)/c, cat. £900+ (as singles). Photo (detail).

Head Plate 4, Duty Plate 7/5: 4d. green and chocolate-brown on chalky overprinted ''MOROCCO/AGENCIES'' (S.G. 34), a complete sheet of 240 (2 panes of 120), perf. type H1, R3/8 shows the damaged ''4'' at SW corner, mainly exceptionally fresh mint, some barely noticeable tissue paper fibre adherences on gum, otherwise unmounted. S.G. Spec. M24(1)/c, cat. £900+ (as singles). Photo (detail).

Head Plate 4, Duty Plate 7/5: 4d. deep green and chocolate-brown on chalky overprinted ''MOROCCO/AGENCIES/40 CENTIMOS'' (S.G. 117a), a complete sheet of 240 (2 panes of 120), perf. type H1, R3/8 shows the damaged ''4'' at SW corner, mainly exceptionally fresh mint, some barely noticeable tissue paper fibre adherences on gum, otherwise unmounted, 6th horizontal row creased. S.G. Spec. M24(2)/c, cat. £600+ (as singles).

1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. carmine-lake on white paper watermarked Crown, very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. orange-yellow on white paper watermarked Crown, a few perforations very slightly shallow at lower right but very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. dull blue-green on white paper watermarked Crown, very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. violet on white paper watermarked Crown, very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. Tyrian plum on white paper watermarked Crown, some perforations slightly trimmed at left, otherwise fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. deep brown on white paper watermarked Crown, very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. slate on white paper watermarked Crown, very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. green on yellow paper watermarked Crown, very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. purple on yellow paper watermarked Crown, affixed to small piece of thin white card, slight crease or wrinkle not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. purple on pink tinted paper (white back) on thick unwatermarked chalk surfaced paper, very fine and striking. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. purple on blue tinted paper (white back) on thick unwatermarked chalk surfaced paper, minute printing blemish at lower right corner, otherwise superb. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. black on orange tinted paper (white back) on thick unwatermarked chalk surfaced paper, superb. Photo.

A completed die proof of the monocolour design, in black with partly cleared irregular black surround, on glazed card (92 x 60mm), dated ''30 AUG 09'' in blue and stamped ''BEFORE/HARDENING'', very fine. Ex J.T. Clarke. S.G. Spec. M25. Photo.This proof is particularly interesting in that it reveals De La Rue's method of construction for the new plate. In the design for the unified die eventually printed in shades of orange the white space between the previous two parts of the design had been thinned now that considerations of registrations of the two colours no longer applied. The fringe around the top and right hand side made it possible to construct most of the plate from leads struck from this die. The left and bottom fringes of the upper and lower half sheets may well have been made from separate fringe leads.

1910 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocolour Issue printed from Monoclour Plate: 4d. yellow, a few perforations slightly trimmed, otherwise very fine and extremely rare. Photo.The 1910 colour trials printed from the monocolour plates can be differentiated from the 1909 trials from the bicolour plates by the value circles which are larger, measuring about 6mm in diameter on the monocolour plate compared with about 51/2mm on the bicolour.

4d. sage-green, 1911 die proof colour trial in proposed KG V colour on gummed unwatermarked paper (24 x 33mm), very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue 4d., a mainly good to fine and fresh mint collection of shades, comprising blocks of eight, six and four (4), and singles (13), an interesting range including brown-orange and intermediate shades. (47).

1909 De La Rue 4d. brown-orange, a very fine and fresh unmounted mint NE corner pair [R1/11-12] (mounted in margins), probably from the first state of plate 7. S.G. 239, Spec. M25(1), cat. £680+ (as singles). Photo.

1909 De La Rue 4d. orange-red, an exceptionally deep shade, in a very fine and fresh mint block of four, lower pair unmounted. S.G. Spec. M25(3). Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 4d. bright orange, a fine and fresh mint block of four, lower pair unmounted. S.G. 278, Spec. M26(1), cat. £640+ (as singles). Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 4d. deep bright orange in a very fine and fresh mint block of six (3 x 2), four stamps unmounted. S.G. 278var., cat. £1,080+ (as singles), Spec. M26(2). Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14 4d. deep bright orange in a very fresh mint block of twelve (6 x 2), seven stamps unmounted, left vertical pair (one unmounted) with creasing. S.G. Spec. M27(2), cat. £725+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Four Pence Monocolour Plating Pieces: 1909 De La Rue: Plate 8: 4d. pale orange [R20/1-12] complete bottom strip of twelve with fine 1/2 cut under R20/4, good to very fine and fresh mint, seven stamps unmounted, perfs. separated between 6th and 7th and reinforced with rather heavy hinge, very scarce. S.G. 240, Spec. M25(2). Photo.

Four Pence Monocolour Plating Pieces: 1909 De La Rue: Plate 10: 4d. pale orange (S.G. 240) overprinted ''13/4 PIASTRE'' for use in British Levant, the complete upper pane of 120 (12 x 10), including columns 1 and 7 with thin pointed ''4'' in fraction and R7/3 with missing top to ''4'' in fraction, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted, folded between 6th and 7th columns with some perf. separation. A useful study piece. S.G. 23/b, cat. £160+ (as singles).

Four Pence Monocolour Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: Plate 6a: 4d. bright orange [R16/1-20/12] block of sixty, the lower five rows of the sheet showing fine 1/2 cut under R20/2, perf. V3, exceptionally fresh mint, some hinge reinforcement of perfs., 43 stamps unmounted (5 with vertical creasing and a few other gum creases), a very scarce multiple. Ex Cecil Shaw. S.G. 286, Spec. M27(1), cat. £3,090+ (as singles). Photo.

Four Pence Monocolour Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: Plate 6a: 4d. bright orange two matching [R20/1-12] complete bottom strips of twelve in contrasting shades, each with fine 1/2 cut under R20/2, left and right feed perf. V3 and V3A, R20/12 in each strip showing constant variety short hatch lines at foot, mainly very fine and fresh mint, perfs. separated and reinforced with hinge between 6th and 7th stamps in each, seventeen stamps unmounted. (2 items, 24 stamps). S.G. 286, Spec. M27(1), cat. £1,230+ (as singles). Photo.

Four Pence Monocolour Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: Plate 6a: 4d. bright orange [R19/1-20/2] SW corner block of four with fine 1/2 cut under R20/2, and [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four showing constant variety short hatch lines at foot, very fine and fresh mint, six stamps unmounted, usual gum wrinkles. S.G. 286, Spec. M27(1), cat. £620+ (as singles).

1902-10 De La Rue 5d., a mainly good to fine mint selection, comprising blocks of six and four, two pairs and four singles, good range of shades, five stamps unmounted but three with small tone spots on gum, one of the pairs with the right stamp showing white dot in the base of the ''5'' in the left value tablet. (18). S.G. 242, Spec. M28, cat. £1,455.

1902-10 De La Rue 5d. dull purple and ultramarine, a most unusual pale shade, head plate 2, duty plate 4 NE corner block of four showing continuous head plate rule and short bar duty plate rules, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins). S.G. 242, Spec. M28(1). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 5d. on chalky, a mainly good to fine mint selection comprising a block of six, three blocks of four and four singles, fine range of shades, nine stamps unmounted including five in the block of six but this with some light foxing on gum. (22). S.G. 242a/244, Spec. M29, cat. £1,550+ (as singles).

1911-13 Somerset House 5d., a mainly good to fine mint selection, comprising eight blocks of four and two singles, a fine range of shades, about 16 stamps unmounted, one of the blocks with unusually thick shiny gum (small tone spots). (34). S.G. 293/294, Spec. M30, cat. £1,420+ (as singles).

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 4: 5d. dull purple and ultramarine [R19/1-20/3] SW corner block of six and a complete bottom strip with only one stamp R20/1 remaining (stamp unmounted), each showing head plate cut under R20/1, perf. H1, very fresh mint, the block with lower stamps unmounted, left vertical pair creased, otherwise fine. (2 items, 7 stamps). S.G. 242, Spec. M28(1).

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 3, Duty Plate 3: 5d. dull purple and ultramarine, an attractive pale shade, [R1/11-2/12] NE corner block of four, continuous head plate rules and short bar duty plate rules, exceptionally fine and fresh mint, lower pair unmounted. S.G. 242, Spec. M28(1), cat. £390+ (as singles). Photo.

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 3, Duty Plate 3: 5d. dull purple and ultramarine, an attractive pale shade, [R20/1-2] SW corner pair, continuous head plate rules (no cut) and short bar duty plate rules, right stamp with small imperfections, otherwise fine and fresh mint, very scarce fourth printing positional piece. S.G. 242, Spec. M28(1), cat. £275 (2005). Photo.

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 3, Duty Plate 6: 5d. slate-purple and ultramarine on chalky [R11/7-12/8] top marginal block of four from lower pane with R12/8 showing gap in shield at right of top lion in lower right segment of shield, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margin). S.G. 242/var., Spec. M29(2)/var., cat. £500+ (2005). Photo.

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 4, Duty Plate 4: 5d. dull purple and ultramarine on chalky [R6/10-7/12] marginal block of six and 5d. slate-purple and ultramarine [R1/11-2/12] NE corner block of four, each showing co-extensive head plate rules, fine unmounted mint (mounted in margins) except for usual slight rubbing and the block of six with vertical crease affecting middle pair, typical De La Rue gum. The only use of a coextensive head plate rule on chalk surfaced paper, Major Beaumont considered this combination of plates to be very scarce. S.G. Spec. M29(1 & 2). Photo.

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 3a, Duty Plate 5: 5d., a selection of five items, comprising [R1/1-2 and 11-12] corner pairs, [R1/11-2/12] top marginal block of four, [R10/11-11/12] right marginal interpanneau block of four, and [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four, all showing continuous head plate rules, the SE corner block also showing head plate date cuts under R20/11, mainly very fine and fresh mint, nine stamps unmounted, the two pairs with 'dried' gum. (5 items, 16 stamps). S.G. Spec. M30.

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 4b, Duty Plate 5: 5d. [R10/1-12] complete bottom strip of twelve and R9/11-10/12] SE corner block of four, from upper pane with head plate cuts under R20/11 filled, [R1/11-2/12] NE corner blocks of four showing purple dots above R1/12, and [R20/11-12] SE corner pair with head plate cuts under R20/12 and R20/11 showing 1st and 2nd harp strings broken (S.G. Spec. M30e) and R20/12 damaged duty tablet at right (M30g), mainly fine and fresh mint with twenty one stamps unmounted, a few imperfections. (5 items, 26 stamps. S.G. Spec. M30.

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 4b, Duty Plate 5: 5d. dull reddish purple and cobalt blue [R20/1-20/12] complete bottom row of twelve, head plate date cuts filled under R20/11 and added under R20/12, gap in duty plate rule under R20/10; R20/11 showing 1st and 2nd harp strings broken (S.G. Spec. M30e) and R20/12 damaged duty tablet at right (M30g), very fresh mint, ten stamps unmounted, R20/5 creased and a few other bends or wrinkles . S.G. Spec. M30(1). Photo.

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 4b, Duty Plate 5: 5d. dull reddish purple and bright blue [R19/10-20/12] SE corner block of six, head plate date cuts filled under R20/11 and added under R20/12, gap in duty plate rule under R20/10; R20/11 showing 1st and 2nd harp strings broken (S.G. Spec. M30e) and R20/12 damaged duty tablet at right (M30g), very fresh mint, four stamps unmounted (upper left stamp with blunted corner perf.), natural gum creasing or wrinkles. S.G. 293, Spec. M30(2). Photo.

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 4d, Duty Plate 5: 5d. deep plum and cobalt blue [R14/1-20/12] block of eighty four, the lower seven rows of the sheet with white dot in head plate rule right of R20/12, R14/5 shows broken first and second harp strings (S.G. Spec. M30d) and R18/2 damaged shield (M30f), exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), upper row with slight creasing and a few other minor gum creases or wrinkles, a superb and rare multiple. Ex Cecil Shaw. S.G. Spec. M30(4), cat. £4,670+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

6d. colour trial on unwatermarked chalky paper, the selvedge of British Colonial 1/2d. imperforate on three sides and showing green marginal rule along perforated edge, a strip of three in grey-black, very fine and fresh with gum, the first stamp with ''7'' printed in red on reverse and with a little red ink also on surface, most unusual and very rare. S.G. Spec. M31, cat. from £9,000 (as singles). Photo.

6d. imperforate colour trial in orange on thin ungummed paper watermarked Crown, a lower marginal example, trivial creasing mainly in margin, otherwise fine and very rare. S.G. Spec. M31, cat. from £3,000. Photo.

6d. dull purple, 1911 die proof colour trial in KE VII colour on thick ungummed, unwatermarked paper (70 x 40mm), very fine. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 6d., a mainly good to fine mint selection of seven blocks of four, fine range of shades, nine stamps unmounted, a scarce group. (28). S.G. 245/246, Spec. M31, cat. £1,435+ (as singles).

1902-10 De La Rue 6d. on chalky, a mainly good to fine mint selection of six blocks of four and four singles, fine range of shades, eight stamps unmounted, a few imperfections. (28). S.G. 245a & 248, Spec. M32, cat. £1,400 (as singles).

1911-13 Somerset House 6d., a most attractive range of eleven mainly fine mint blocks of four including most of the listed shades with Royal purple (F), very deep reddish purple (F) (an exceptionally deep shade, tiny tone spots), dull purple on Dickinson paper and dull reddish purple on Dickinson paper, an exceptional group, most with the lower pairs unmounted, a few small imperfections. (44). Ex Cecil Shaw. S.G. Spec. M33, M34 & M36, cat. approx £3,250+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 6d. dull lilac (F) plate 9 [R10/11-11/12] right marginal interpanneau block of four, fine and very fresh mint, one stamp unmounted, superb appearance, the cross on crown of R11/11 is intact. S.G. Spec. M33(8), cat. £700+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 6d. Royal purple (F) and dull purple (F), a mainly very fine mint selection comprising four blocks of four (one from NW corner) in contrasting Royal purple shades (one very deep) and a single, and dull purple singles (4) and a plate 9 SE corner pair with 1912 dates cuts and purple margin dot under R20/12, nine of the Royal purples unmounted. (10 items, 23 stamps). S.G. 295 & 297, Spec. M33(1 & 4), cat. £1,435+ (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 6d. pale dull purple plate 9 [R1/11-12] NE corner pair, R1/11 showing clear no cross on crown as the listed R11/11 (S.G. Spec. M33d) and also showing chamfered frame at NW corner and R1/12 dent in frame at top right, fresh mint but gum disturbed leaving it thick and shiny, otherwise fine. Ex Cecil Shaw. R.P.S. certificate (1958) erroneously states 'deep plum'. S.G. Spec. M33(6)d/var. Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 6d. dull purple (an unusual pale shade) and 6d. dull reddish purple both on Dickinson coated paper, both in fresh mint blocks of four, the former [R19/11-20/12] SE corner plate 10 with date cuts under and just to left of ''P'' of R20/12, upper left stamp with corner perf. fault, otherwise good to fine with the lower right stamp unmounted, the latter block with upper pair fine mint, lower pair unmounted but right stamp with some foxing. (8). S.G. 301, Spec. M34(1 & 2), cat. £2,450 (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 6d. dull reddish purple on Dickinson coated paper, plate 10 [R19/3-20/4] lower marginal block of four, right sheet, very fresh mint, one stamp very lightly mounted, the others unmounted, just the faintest trace of light tone spots on gum, not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. 301, M34(2), cat. £1,450+ (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 6d. bright magenta on chalky paper plate 13a [R20/11-12] SE corner pair with date cuts under ''CE'' of R20/11, exceptionally fresh mint, the left stamp a little heavily mounted with slight yellowish marks on gum from hinge gum, the right stamp very fine. Rare. Ex Cecil Shaw. R.P.S. certificate (1953). S.G. 296, Spec. M35, cat. £22,000+ (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 6d. deep plum on chalky paper plate 9d [R10/11-11/12] right marginal interpanneau block of four including R11/11 no cross on crown and R10/12 ''J'' flaw, purple dots in marginal scoops removed, very fine and fresh mint, R11/11 unmounted. S.G. 303/a, Spec. M36/d/f, cat. £1,790++ (as singles). Photo.

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Plate 2: 6d. [R16/1-17/3-18/1-20/2] SW corner block of tewlve with date cut under ''P'' of R20/2, [R1/1-2] NW corner pair, [R1/11-2/12] NE corner block of four and [R20/11-12] SE corner pair, mainly fine and fresh mint, six stamps with creases or gum creases, fifteen stamps unmounted, also a skeleton bottom strip without stamps. (4 items, 20 stamps). S.G. 245/246, Spec. M31. Photo.

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Plate 5: 6d. dull purple on chalky [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four showing damage to rule right of R19/12, fresh mint, some foxing on gum, otherwise fine with lower pair unmounted, very scarce. S.G. 248, Spec. M32(2).

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Plate 14: 6d. on chalky, a selection of four marginal pieces, comprising [R20/1] SW corner single showing cut under ''X'', [R1/11-12] NE corner pair and [R10/1-11/2] left marginal interpanneau block of four, also [R1/3-4/6] top marginal block of sixteen thought to be from this plate, mainly fine and fresh mint, about 19 stamps unmounted, a few small imperfections. (4 items, 23 stamps). S.G. Spec. M32. Photo.

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Plate 8: 6d. dull purple on chalky [R7/10-10/12] SE corner block of twelve from upper pane, some foxing but of fine fresh mint appearance, 6d. pale dull purple [R19/1-20/2] SW corner block of four, [R19/9-20/10] lower marginal block of four and 6d. slate-purple [R20/11-12] SE corner pair mainly good to fine mint. (4 items, 22 stamps). S.G. Spec. M32(1-3).

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 2a: 6d. dark purple [20/1-12] complete bottom strip of twelve with cut under ''P'' of R20/2 and added cuts under ''EN'' of R20/12, very fine and fresh mint, six stamps unmounted. S.G. 300, Spec. M33(5), cat. £510+ (as singles). Photo.

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 2a: 6d. dark purple [R9/11-10/12] SE corner block of four from upper pane with full interpanneau margin showing the two circular scoops containing purple dots cutting into the last two pillars in interpane margin, and [R8/1-10/3] SW corner block of twelve, both showing continuous rules (the only plate used by Somerset House with continuous rules), good to very fine and fresh mint, eleven stamps unmounted, usual gum wrinkles. S.G. 300, Spec. M33(5), cat. £700+ (as singles).

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plates 2a/2b: 6d. dark purple plate 2a [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four showing date cuts and purple dot under R20/12 and white rule dot to the right of R19 denoting ink MB 10394D/24816; 6d. reddish purple plate 2b [R18/11-20/12] SE corner block of six with date cuts under R20/12 and purple dot removed, white rule dot to right of R18 denoting ink MB 25598, and [R9/11-10/12] SE corner block of four from upper pane with full interpanneau margin showing the two circular scoops with purple dots removed, good to very fine and fresh mint, nine stamps unmounted, usual gum wrinkles. (3 items, 14 stamps). S.G. Spec. M33(2 & 5).`

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 9: A selection of plate 9 interpanneau marginal multiples (5) including the R10/12 ''J'' flaw, comprising plate 9a [R10/12-11/12] right marginal interpanneau pair showing 3/4 cut under R10/12, plate 9d [R10/11-11/12] right marginal interpanneau block of four with cut under R10/12 filled but dots remaining in circular scoops (not listed in S.G., R11/11 possibly no cross but perforation encroaches the crown), plate 9d on plate glazed paper [R9/11-10/12] SE corner block of four (watermark much misplaced) and [R10/11-12] SE corner pair, plate 9d 6d. deep plum on chalky [R9/10-10/12] SE corner block of six, mainly good to very fine and fresh mint, six stamps unmounted. (5 items, 18 stamps). S.G. Spec. M33/f & M36/f. Photo.

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 9a: 6d. dull lilac (F), a pale shade, [R20/11-12] SE corner pair with date cuts and margin dot under R20/12, fine and fresh mint, slight printing ink offsets on gum. S.G. Spec. M33(8), plate state unpriced and rare. Photo.

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 10: 6d. dull reddish purple on Dickinson coated paper, [R18/11-20/12] SE corner block of six with date cuts under and just to left of ''P'' of R20/12 and white rule dot at right of R18, right sheet, some foxing, otherwise fine mint with five stamps unmounted. S.G. 301, M34(2), cat. £2,250+ (as singles). Photo.

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 10: 6d. pale reddish purple [R18/12, 19/12 and 20/1-12] bottom strip multiple of fourteen with date cuts under and just to left of ''P'' of R20/12 and white rule dot at right of R18, right sheet, R19/12 showing slight plate damage to top frame line, three stamps with creases not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine and very fresh mint, ten stamps unmounted (two of which are creased), rare. S.G. Spec. M33(7). Photo.

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 10: 6d. reddish purple [R18/11-20/12] SE corner block of six with date cuts under and just to left of ''P'' of R20/12 and white rule dot at right of R18, right sheet, also 6d. pale reddish purple on plate glazed paper [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four with the same date cuts, R19/12 showing slight plate damage to top frame line, good to very fine and fresh mint, five stamps unmounted, a few slight imperfections. (10). S.G. Spec. M33(2 & 7).

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 11: 6d. dull purple [R11/1-12/12-13/2-12] block of thirty five being the top three rows of the sheet less one stamp, very fresh mint with all but one unmounted, about ten stamps with creases or wrinkles not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine, a very scarce multiple. Ex Cecil Shaw. S.G. 297, Spec. M33(4), cat. £1,900+ (as singles). Photo.

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 11: 6d. reddish purple [R18/11-19/12-20/1-12] bottom strip multiple of sixteen with date cuts under and just to the right of R20/12 and white rule dot at right of R18 denoting ink MB 25598, mainly very fine and fresh mint with at least seven stamps unmounted, three mounted stamps with some staining. Rare. S.G. Spec. M33(2). Photo.

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 13a: 6d, a selection of five corner marginal blocks of four and a pair, showing various fluorescent reactions, comprising 6d. Royal purple [R1/11-2/12] NE corner block of four and [R10/11-11/12] right marginal interpanneau block of four with vivid orange UV reaction, 6d. redddish-purple shades [R1/11-12] NE corner pair with bright orange reaction, [R1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four and [R10/1-11/2] left marginal interpanneau block of four with dull orange reaction, [R1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four with dark brown reaction, an interesting group, mainly good to fine and fresh mint, about twelve stamps unmounted (two creased). (6 items, 22 stamps). S.G. Spec. M33.

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 13a: 6d. reddish purple (F) [R20/1-10] bottom strip with two stamps [R20/1-2] remaining, with date cuts under R20/2, 4 and 11, also [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four and [R20/11-12] SE corner pair, each showing R20/11 date cuts, mainly fine and fresh mint, three stamps unmounted (one with fox mark from paper imperfection). S.G. 298, Spec. M33(2).

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 13b: 6d. dull lilac (F) [R20/12] SE corner single with date cuts under ''EN'' R20/12 almost obscured, fine and fresh mint, rare. S.G. Spec. M33(8), plate state unpriced. Photo.

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 13b: 6d. dull lilac (F) [R20/1-2] SW corner pair with cut under ''E'' of R20/2, fine mint, a few perfs. separated and reinforced with hinge and gum crease not detracting, rare. S.G. Spec. M33(8). Photo.

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 13d: 6d. dark purple (golden brown fluorescence) [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four with fresh date cuts under ''P'' of R20/12 and white rule dot to right of R19, fresh mint, some gum disturbance and diagonal crease affecting three but not detracting from appearance, also 6d. dull purple [R10/12-11/12] right marginal interpanneau pair fresh mint but small imperfections. Photo.

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 14a: 6d. reddish-purple (F) [R10/1-11/2] left marginal interpanneau block of four showing purple dot opposite interpane margin, matched with 6d. very deep reddish purple (F) [R10/11-11/12] right marginal interpanneau block of four, also 6d. dull purple (F) [R9/11-10/12] SE corner block of four from upper pane, fresh mint, some gum creasing and a few small tone spots, otherwise fine with nine stamps unmounted. (3 items, 12 stamps). S.G. 297-298, Spec. M33(2-4).

Six Pence Plating pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 14a: 6d. very deep reddish purple (F), complete skeleton of the lower pane with single stamp [R20/1] remaining (unmounted), showing date cuts under R20/1 and 11 and dots below R20/12 and to left of interpane margin, also 6d. very deep reddish purple (F) [R19/1-20/3] SW corner block of six with date cut under R20/1 (llower stamps unmounted except one with tiny gum blemishes) and 6d. Royal purple (F) [R20/11-/12] SE corner pair showing date cuts under ''EN'' of R20/11 and margin dot below R20/12, good to very fine and fresh mint. (3 items, 9 stamps). S.G. 295 & 298, Spec. M33(1 & 3).

7d. die proof ex De La Rue archives, in black with fringe added but still with surround uncleared, in black on glazed card cut down to 83 x 47mm, dated ''7 DEC 09'' and stamped ''BEFORE/HARDENING'', a little soiled well clear of proof, otherwise fine. Photo.

1910 Colour Trials on white paper watermarked Crown: 7d. in olive, a few perforations trimmed, otherwise fine. Photo.

1910 Colour Trials on white paper watermarked Crown: 7d. in slate-green, very fine. Ex J.T. Clarke. Photo.

1910 Colour Trials on white paper watermarked Crown: 7d. in bright mauve (Tyrian plum), very fine. Photo.

1910 Colour Trials on white paper watermarked Crown: 7d. in red-purple, some perforations clipped at foot, otherwise fine. Photo.

1910 Colour Trials on white paper watermarked Crown: 7d. in black, very fine, a much deeper colour than the issued stamp. B.P.A. certificate (2009). Photo.

7d. slate-grey, 1911 die proof colour trial in KE VII colour on thick ungummed, unwatermarked paper (70 x 43mm), very fine. Photo.

1910 De La Rue 7d., a selection of seven blocks of four and three blocks of six, with a wide range of shades from pale to deep with at least two of the blocks of four in deep grey-black, mainly fine to very fine fresh mint. S.G. 249/249a, Spec. M37(1 & 2).

1910 De La Rue 7d. deep grey-black, a very fine and fresh mint block of four, lower pair unmounted (one with small printing ink offset on gum). S.G. 249a, Spec. M37(2), cat. £540+ (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 7d., a mainly fine mint collection of shades from deep slate-grey to pale grey, comprising three blocks of four, two interpanneau marginal pairs, a strip of five and eleven singles, some on coarser paper. (17 items, 32 stamps). S.G. 305, Spec. M38(1-3).

Seven Pence Plating Pieces: 1910 De La Rue: Plate 1: 7d. grey-black bottom strip with one stamp [R20/1] remaining, cut under R20/2, perf H1, also NW and NE corner blocks of four from upper pane, SW corner block of four from upper pane and [R10/1-11/2] left marginal interpanneau block of four, fine or very fine and fresh mint. (4 items, 17 stamps). S.G. 249, Spec. M37(1).

Seven Pence Plating Pieces: 1910 De La Rue: Plate 2: 7d. grey-black [R19/1-20/3] SW corner block of six with cut under R20/1, perf H1, also [R1/1-4/4] NW corner block of sixteen, [R1/10-2/12] NE corner block of six and [R20/11-12] SE corner pair, mainly fine and fresh mint, twenty five stamps unmounted (2 with faults), one of the mounted stamps with a tone spot. (4 items, 30 stamps). S.G. 249, Spec. M37(1), cat. £610 (as singes).

Seven Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 2a: 7d. slate-grey [R1/1-7/5] NW corner block of 35, [R8/1-10/5-11/1-13/6] left marginal interpanneau block of 33 and [R14/1-20/6] SW corner block of 42, all originally forming the left portion of a sheet, about 30 with creases or gum creases not detracting from appearance, and some other wrinkles, otherwise mainly very fine and fresh mint with all but 5 stamps unmounted. (3 items, 110 stamps). S.G. 305, Spec. M38(2), cat. £2,700 (as singles).

Seven Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 3: 7d. pale grey [R20/1-12] complete bottom strip showing thin date cuts under ''&'' R20/12, perf. V1A, very fine and fresh mint, nine stamps unmounted, a few slight gum creases or wrinkles. S.G. Spec. M38(3), cat. £645+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Seven Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 3: 7d. pale grey [R20/11-12] SW corner pair showing thin date cuts under ''&'' R20/12, perf. V1, also [R19/1-20/2] SW corner block of four (no cuts under 1st or 2nd), and R9/11-10/12] SE corner block of four from upper pane, good to fine and fresh mint, five stamps unmounted. (3 items, 10 stamps). S.G. Spec. M38(3), cat. £475+ (as singles, 2005).

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 1, Duty Plate 1: 9d. dull purple and ultramarine, a complete Post Office sheet of eighty, comprising se-tenant pairs of panes A and B and C and D, divided between horizontally and rejoined with hinges, head plate cut over R1/1 of pane A, pane B R4/2 shows malformed ''T'' (appearing as a ''7'') in ''POSTAGE'' (S.G. Spec. M40d but not listed on ordinary paper), exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), stunning and of great rarity. S.G. 250, Spec. M39(1), cat. £15,600++ (as singles). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 1, Duty Plate 1: 9d. slate-purple and ultramarine, a superb unmounted mint block of eight, being the lower half of pane F less R3/2 & 3, mounted in margins. S.G. 251, Spec. M39(2), cat. £1,560+ (as singles). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 2: 9d. pane B [R1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four (R1/1 showing dent to frame line at left opposite ''OS'' of ''POSTAGE), pane C [R4/1-2] SW corner pair, and pane D complete skeleton with R4/5 remaining, mainly fine and fresh mint, three stamps unmounted. S.G. Spec. M39.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 2: 9d. dull purple and ultramarine pane G [R1/4-2/5] NE corner block of four, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), watermark much misplaced to top. S.G. 250, Spec. M39(1), cat. £780+ (as singles). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 1, Duty Plate 1: 9d. dull-purple and ultramarine on chalky, panes E, F, G and H, a complete skeleton of the Post Office sheet of 80 with one stamp (pane H R4/5) remaining and a skeleton of panes E and G se-tenant with two stamps (pane E R1/1, and G R4/1) remaining, showing head plate cut under pane G R1/1, two stamps unmounted (one with pulled perf. at top), the other creased. Rare plating pieces. (2 items, 3 stamps). S.G. 250a, Spec. M40(1).

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 2: 9d. slate-purple and pale ultramarine on chalky complete pane (E) of twenty including R1/5 with excellent frame break above ''9'' at lower right, R2/5 -3/5 broken pillar line between, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint with typical 'mottled' De La Rue gum. S.G. Spec. M40(2)/var., cat. £3,500+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 2: 9d. slate-purple and deep ultramarine on chalky, an intense shade with both colours very deep, pane H [R/4/5] SE corner single, fresh mint, diagonal gum crease and two perfs. just blunted, otherwise fine and striking. S.G. Spec. M40(4)var. Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 1: 9d. reddish purple and light blue, pane A [R1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four with head plate cut over R1/2, exceptionally fine and fresh mint, three stamps unmounted, pencil note 'B'mout/July 1911' on reverse of sheet margin. S.G. 306, Spec. M41(1), cat. £605+ (as singles). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 1: 9d. slate-purple and cobalt-blue (F) pane C [R1/5] NE corner single showing head plate rule damage at right due to quoin being overtightened, leading to the purple being printed over the blue and proving that the duty colour (blue) was printed first, fine unmounted mint (mounted in margin), usual gum wrinkles. An important proving piece. S.G. 308, Spec. M41(4). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 1: 9d. reddish purple and light blue, complete pane (D) of twenty including head plate flaws R1/2 damaged upper right corner and R2/2 damaged upper right corner, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), most attractive. S.G. 306, Spec. M41(1)/d/e, cat. £3,500++ (as singles). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 1: 9d. reddish purple and light blue, pane G [R3/1-4/2] SW corner block of four with head plate cut under R4/2, fresh mint, upper pair heavily mounted and one thinned, lower pair unmounted, some gum creasing, also pane C [R1/1] NW corner single, stamp unmounted, vertical bends. S.G. 306, Spec. M41(1). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2a, Duty Plate 1: 9d. dull reddish purple and blue pane A [R1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four with head plate cut over R1/2 and R1/1 with nick in left frame line, the head plate is very badly registered being placed to left of centre, most unusual for these issues, very fine and fresh mint, three stamps unmounted. S.G. 307, Spec. M41(3). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2a, Duty Plate 1: 9d. panes A and C se-tenant skeleton (no stamps), also 'Blitz' damaged pane A [R1/3-5] Ne corner strip of three and pane C 9d. dull reddish purple and blue [R4/1-2] SW corner pair fine unmounted mint (mounted in margin). (3 items, 5 stamps).

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2a, Duty Plate 1: 9d. dull reddish purple and blue panes E-F top marginal interpanneau block of four, fresh mint, three stamps unmounted, one with fault at foot, otherwise fine. S.G. 307, Spec. M41(3). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2b, Duty Plate 1: 9d. dull reddish purple and blue complete pane (D) of twenty with two head plate cuts added under R4/4, including head plate flaws R1/2 damaged upper right corner and R2/2 damaged upper right corner, also showing non constant damage to inner side of head plate rule at right of R4/5, very fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), a few gum creases or bends and one stamp creased not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. 307, Spec. M41(3)/d/e, cat. £2,400++ (as singles). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2c, Duty Plate 1: 9d. slate-purple and cobalt-blue (F), complete pane (F) of twenty, exceptionally fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), the central column with vertical crease not detracting from appearance but the other sixteen stamps extremely fine. A very rare pane. S.G. 308, Spec. M41(4), cat. £6,000+ (as singles). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2c/1, Duty Plate 1: 9d. dull reddish purple and blue, complete pane (E) of twenty, thought to be prior to the substitution of this pane by pane A from head plate 1, very fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), usual gum wrinkles. S.G. 307, Spec. M41(3), cat. £2,400+ (as singles). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 3, Duty Plate 3: 9d. deep plum and blue, two sheet centre interpanneau blocks of four in contrasting shades, from the two Post Office sheets (panes A-D and E-H), good to very fine and fresh mint, the upper pairs a little heavily mounted, the lower pairs unmounted, a spectacular pair. S.G. 307a, Spec. M41(5), cat. £720++ (as singles). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 3, Duty Plate 3: 9d. deep plum and blue, a complete Post Office sheet of eighty, comprising se-tenant pairs of panes E and F and G and H, divided between horizontally, with serrated head plate date cuts under pane H [R4/5] and R1/1 of this pane showing break in base of upper right value tablet (S.G. Spec. M41f), pencil note of date of purchase 'Rugeley Oct 17 1913' in margin at lower left, mainly very fine and fresh mint, all but six stamps unmounted (separated between the 5th column of pane F and sheet margin and rejoined with hinges), about 20 stamps with creasing or gum creasing not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. 307a, Spec. M41(5), cat. £9,240+ (as singles). Photo.

1901 De La Rue 10d., a die proof of the head plate only, in black on glazed card (92 x 60mm) without markings, from De La Rue archives with traces of gum on reverse, fine and rare. S.G. Spec. M42. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10d. dull purple and carmine imperforate imprimatur, very fine and fresh with part original gum, very rare. R.P.S. certificate (1981). S.G. Spec. M42(1), imprimatur not listed for this value. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10d. slate-purple and carmine, a very fine and fresh mint block of four, lower pair unmounted. S.G. Spec. M42(2), cat. £510+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10d. slate-purple and carmine pink overprinted ''4 PIASTRES'' for use in British Levant (S.G. 10), complete pane of forty eight, pane X, head plate 1, duty plate 1, exceptionally fine and fresh mint, all but three stamps unmounted, about eight with gum creases or wrinkles. S.G. Spec. M42(3), cat. £720++ (as singles, £22,275 without the overprint!). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10d. slate-purple and carmine-pink, a deep shade showing aniline suffusion on reverse, a very fine and fresh mint SE corner marginal block of four from upper pane, lower pair unmounted, upper pair with almost full original gum. B.P.A. certificate (2009). S.G. Spec. M42(3), cat. £1,550+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10d. dull purple and carmine on chalky overprinted ''4 PIASTRES'' for use in British Levant (S.G. 10b), interpanneau blocks of 32 and 24 from the left and right of the sheet, head plate 1, duty plate 1, panes W and X, stamps mainly superb unmounted, six in the larger block with adherences on gum. (56). S.G. 254b, Spec. M43(1), cat. £336+ (as singles, £11,790 without the overprint!).

1902-10 De La Rue 10d. slate-purple and carmine on chalky, a block of twenty two being the left half of pane Z lacking the lower right corner pair, head plate 2, duty plate 2, with head plate cut under R4/1, two stamps with tiny surface scrapes and R3/6 with tear at right, otherwise mainly very fine and fresh mint with typical slightly mottled De La Rue gum, stamps unmounted except two with adherence on gum. S.G. 255, Spec. M43(2), cat. £4,680+ (as singles). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10d. slate-purple and carmine on chalky, a very fine and fresh mint SW corner block of four [head plate 2, duty plate 2, pane X, R3/1-4/2], watermark misplaced to foot, lower pair unmounted. S.G. 255, Spec. M43(2), cat. £630+ (as singles). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10d. slate-purple and carmine on chalky, an attractive SW corner block of four from upper pane, some foxing on gum not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine, lower pair unmounted. S.G. 255, Spec. M43(2), cat. £630 (as singles). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10d. slate-purple and deep carmine on chalky, a fresh mint lower marginal block of four from upper pane (head plate 2, R3/5-4/6, probably pane Y), R4/5 shows a fine example of the quoin flaw, slight rubbing, upper pair with perfs. reinforced with hinge and right stamp torn at foot, otherwise fine with the lower pair unmounted. S.G. Spec. M43(3), cat. £1,300+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10d. slate-purple and deep (glossy) carmine on chalky, a very fresh mint SW corner block of four (head plate 1, pane W) of this very rare stamp, top pair with large part original gum (left stamp slight toning on gum and small gum bend at upper left corner), lower pair unmounted (right stamp with some gum toning), superb appearance. The mirror like appearance of the carmine resembles enamel, according to 'The Postage Stamps of Great Britain' volume 3 (revised edition), page 276-277 'Not more than twenty examples are known'. B.P.A. certificate (2009). S.G. Spec. M43(4), cat. £7,600+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10d. dull purple and scarlet on chalky, a complete pane of forty eight (head plate 2, duty plate 2, pane W), exceptionally fine and fresh mint, some perfs. separated and reinforced between six stamps in the two central columns, a few tiny paper fibre adherences on gum mention for accuracy only, otherwise superb unmounted, brilliant colour and very rare. S.G. 256, Spec. M43(5), cat. £10,650+ (as singles). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10d. dull purple and scarlet on chalky, a block of twenty four, the right half of pane Y [head plate 2, duty plate 2, R1/7-4/12, lacking bottom margin], two stamps with surface abrasions otherwise exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint, three stamps with slight gum blemishes or adherences, a rare multiple. S.G. 256, Spec. M43(5), cat. £5,760+ (as singles). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10d. dull purple and scarlet on chalky, an exceptionally fine and fresh mint lower marginal block of four from upper pane (head plate 2, pane Z R3/4-4/5), a deep shade, three stamps unmounted. S.G. 256, Spec. M43(5), cat. £815+ (as singles). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10d. dull purple and scarlet on chalky, a fine and fresh mint SE corner block of four from lower pane (head plate 2, pane Z R3/11-4/12), a deep shade, large part original gum, upper right stamp with trivial rubbing, watermark misplaced to top. S.G. 256, Spec. M43(5), cat. £380+ (as singles). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10d. on chalky in a distinct slate-purple and scarlet shade, a pair, fine mint with large part original gum, a few blunted perfs. at foot of right stamp. S.G. Spec. M43(5)var. Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 10d. dull reddish purple and scarlet, head plate 2a, duty plate 1a, pane X bottom strip with one stamp [R4/1] remaining, very fine and fresh mint (stamp unmounted), centred to upper left, perfs. separated and rejoined in margin at position 1/12, very scarce. S.G. Spec. M44(1).

1911-13 Somerset House 10d. dull purple and scarlet (F) NE corner block of four from upper pane, head plate 2, duty plate 1, pane W [R1/11-2/12] with red margin dot above R1/12, fine and fresh unmounted (mounted in margins and tone spot in sheet margin well clear of stamps), some gum creasing. S.G. 309, Spec. M44(2), cat. £640+ (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 10d. deep dull purple and scarlet, a very fine and fresh mint block of four, lower pair unmounted, upper pair with gum creases or wrinkles. The deep dull scarlet a particularly intense shade leaving the King with 'black eyes'. S.G. Spec. M44(3), cat. £1,000+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 10d. dull reddish purple and aniline pink, a very fine and fresh mint block of four. B.P.A. certificate (2009). S.G. 310, Spec. M44(5), cat. £1,100+ (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 10d. dull reddish purple and carmine, an exceptionally fine and fresh mint pane of forty eight, head plate 2b, duty plate 1a, pane X with central head plate date cuts under R4/12, stamps unmounted except perforations between sheet margins and R4/1-2 and 11-12 partly separated and reinforced with hinges, a few minor gum creases or wrinkles, excellent colour and a rare mutiple. S.G. 311, Spec. M44(6), cat. £6,480+ (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 10d. dark plum and carmine, a fine and fresh mint block of four. S.G. 311, Spec. M43(8), cat. £350 (2005). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 10d. deep dull purple and and carmine and 10d. dark purple and carmine, matching NW corner blocks of four from pane Y, head plate 2, duty plate 1 [R1/1-2/2], the latter with R2/2 showing the very rare repaired SW corner ('nine dot flaw'), the former the earlier state without the flaw, very fresh mint, former block with three stamps unmounted, upper pair gum creased and thin in sheet margin at left, latter with all stamps unmounted, upper left stamp with barely noticeable crease at foot, the others (including the variety) very fine. S.G. Spec. M44(7) and (8)/h (the S.G. listing erroneously stating pane W), the variety unpriced. Photo.The SW corner of R2/2 was extensively damaged just before the end of the last printing. The crude repair (possibly by solder) makes one of the best flaws of this reign, nine irregularly arranged dots replace the usual twelve.

1911-13 Somerset House 10d. deep dull purple and and carmine, a block of four, pane X, head plate 2, duty plate 1 [R3/4-4/5], R4/5 showing distinct quoin damage which also affects the lower ornament of R4/3, very fine and fresh mint with full original gum, lower pair unmounted, one of upper stamps with small natural flaw in gum. S.G. Spec. M44(7), cat. £260+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 10d. dark plum and carmine (plate glazed paper), a block of twenty four, the left half of pane W, head plate 2, duty plate 1 [R1/1-4/6], exceptionally fine and fresh mint, perforations between two stamps reinforced with hinge, otherwise brilliantly fresh unmounted, a few gum bends or wrinkles, gum disturbance at extremities of sheet margins not detracting, pencil note of place and date of purchase 'Manchester Sep 29 1913' in top margin. S.G. Spec. M44(8), cat. £2,560+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 10d. dark plum and carmine (plate glazed paper), a block of twenty four, adjoining the previous lot, being the right half of pane W, head plate 2, duty plate 1 [R1/6-4/12] showing red margin dot above R1/12 and left sheet marginal guide cross at upper right, the stamps exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint, perforations between some perforations reinforced in margins, gum disturbance at extremities of top sheet margin and thin in margin at foot not detracting, pencil note of date and place of purchase 'Sep 29 1913 Manchester' in top margin. S.G. Spec. M44(8), cat. £2,640+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.Note, the NE corner single (lot 4655) shows right sheet marginal watermark cross indicating that Somerset House cut the sheets in half before printing.

1911-13 Somerset House 10d. dark plum and carmine (plate glazed paper), NE corner single, head plate 2, duty plate 1, pane W [R1/12] showing red margin dot above and right sheet marginal watermark cross, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted (mounted in margin). S.G. Spec. M44(7). Photo.Note, the right half pane (lot 4657) shows left sheet marginal watermark cross indicating that Somerset House cut the sheets in half before printing.

One Shilling, a die proof of the head plate only with cleared surround, in black on glazed card (92 x 60mm) without markings, a little gum on reverse, otherwise very fine. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1s., ten examples on ordinary paper and ten on chalky paper showing the range of head and frame shades used by De La Rue, mainly good to fine mint. (20). S.G. 257/259, Spec. M45 & M46, cat. £1,600 (as cheapest shades).

1902-10 De La Rue 1s. dull green and carmine on chalky showing variety ''Full beard'' to portrait, corner perforation missing at upper right and a corner perf. from another stamp has been hinged in place to improve appearance, otherwise fine mint with large part original gum, rare. This is the example illustrated in 'The British Philatelist', volume XX, no. 7. S.G. Spec. M46(1)d, cat. £3,500 (2005). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1s. dull green and carmine on thin paper which responds to the chalky test (OCP), head plate 2, border plate 3, lower pane [R19/1-20/2] SW corner block of four with head and border plate cuts under R20/1, R19/1 with frame break at left, very fresh mint, upper left stamp rather heavily mounted, the others unmounted, upper right stamp small corner crease not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. 257a, Spec. M46(1)/e, cat. £825+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 1s. dark green and scarlet head plate 2, border plate 5, matching upper and lower pane NE corner blocks of four without red margin dots, very fine and fresh mint, the upper block with lower pair unmounted, lower block with all stamps unmounted. S.G. 312, Spec. M47(1), cat. £1,560+ (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 1s. dark green and scarlet head plate 2, border plate 5, lower pane NE corner pair without red margin dot, very fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margin). S.G. 312, Spec. M47(1), cat. £440+ (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 1s. dark green and scarlet head plate 2a, border plate 5, upper pane SE corner block of four [R19/11-20/12] with no date cuts or margin dot, fine and fresh mint, the lower pair unmounted (one with gum crease), upper pair a little heavily mounted. Very rare. S.G. 312, Spec. M47(1), plate state unpriced. Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 1s. deep green and scarlet (a bright shade) and 1s. green and carmine, contrasting blocks of four, fine and very fresh mint, a little gum creasing, lower pairs unmounted, also 1s. green and carmine top marginal block of four fine and lightly mounted mint (minor gum creasing). S.G. 313 & 314, Spec. M47(2 & 5), cat. £1,060+ (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 1s. deep green and scarlet, an unusually pale shade, head plate 2, border plate 5, lower pane SW corner block of four with head plate cut under R20/1, exceptionally fine and fresh mint with the lower pair unmounted, extremely wide bottom margin showing the full 17 extension holes of perf. type V1A. S.G. 313, Spec. M47(2), cat. £480+ (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 1s. green and scarlet with watermark inverted and misplaced, upper pane, a top marginal block of twelve [R1/4-2/9], the upper row showing complete ''POSTAGE'' watermark (inverted) and just a small portion of the crown watermark at the foot of each stamp due to the misplacement, superb unmounted mint (mounted in margin), a very rare multiple. S.G. Spec. M47(4)b/c. Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 1s. green and scarlet with watermark inverted and misplaced, upper pane, head plate 2b, border plate 5a SE corner block of six [R9/10-10/12] showing wide date cuts under R10/11 and red margin dot under R10/12, very fresh mint, upper stamps with horizontal crease or heavy gum crease and some perfs. separated and reinforced, lower stamps very fine unmounted, very rare. S.G. 313Wi, Spec. M47(4), cat. £1,035+ (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 1s. green and carmine, head plate 2d, border plate 5b, the complete lower pane of 120 with head plate cuts under R20/12 and margin dots removed, showing the substitution of the SW corner section of twenty stamps [R16/1-20/4] by head plate 1 including the head plate cut under R20/2, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), R13/9 shows break in crown and damaged ''E'' in ''POSTAGE'' (M47g, unpriced) and R20/11 scratch behind ear (M47dc) and a number of other plate flaws, just a few slight creases or gum creases as to be expected with such a multiple. A stunning and almost certainly unique item. S.G. 314 cat. £15,000+ (as singles), Spec. M47(5), cat. £19,500+ (as blocks of four, 2005). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 1s. green and carmine, head plate 2d, border plate 5b, lower pane SE corner block of four [R19/11-20/12] with head plate date cuts under R20/12 and margin dot removed, R20/11 scratch behind ear (M47dc), an unusual pale shade, very fine and fresh mint, three stamps unmounted, also a matching block in a deeper shade overprinted ''5 PIASTRES'' for use in British Levant (S.G. 21). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 1s. green and carmine, an unusual block of fourteen, head plate 2d, border plate 5b, upper pane, the first two vertical columns of the pane lacking R7/1-9/2 block of six, with full sheet margins, very fine and fresh mint with eleven stamps unmounted (a couple with small gum blemishes). S.G. 314, Spec. M47(5), cat. £1,790+ (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 1s. green and carmine, head plate 2d, border plate 5b, upper pane, NE corner block of four, vertical SW crner strip of four and a complete bottom strip with two stamps [R10/11-12] remaining and showing head plate date cuts under R10/12 and red margin dot removed, mainly very fine and fresh mint, seven stamps unmounted, two with gum creases. (3 items, 10 stamps). S.G. 314, Spec. M47(5), cat. £1,040+ (as singles). Photo.

2s.6d. die proof in black on glazed card (92 x 61mm), stamped ''AFTER/HARDENING'', dated ''12 NOV. 01'' in blue, endorsed 'AB' and further dated '12 Nov 01' in manuscript, very fine. S.G. Spec. M48, cat. £2,250 (2005). Photo.

5s. die proof in black on glazed card (92 x 61mm), without markings, very fine. S.G. Spec. M51, cat. £2,400 (2005). Photo.

10s. die proof in black on glazed card (92 x 61mm), stamped ''BEFORE/HARDENING'' and dated ''22 NOV. 01'' in blue, very fine. S.G. Spec. M53, cat. £2,500 (2005). Photo.

£1 die proof in black on glazed card (92 x 61mm), stamped ''BEFORE/HARDENING'' and dated ''16 DEC. 01'' in blue, very fine. S.G. Spec. M55, cat. £2,800 (2005). Photo.

Unissued £5 die proof in black on glazed card (92 x 61mm), stamped ''BEFORE/HARDENING'' and dated ''11 MAR. 02'' in blue, very fine and rare, a few peripheral surface specks. S.G. Spec. cat. £9,000 (2005). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 2s.6d. lilac [R1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four, exceptionally fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margin), some slight offsets on gum and the right hand pair with some creasing or gum creasing not detracting from appearance, a lovely delicate shade. S.G. 260, Spec. M48(1), cat. £2,000 (as singles). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 2s.6d. on chalky paper, three shades, also a SE corner marginal example overprinted ''12 PIASTRES'' for use in British Levant (S.G. 11b), good to fine and fresh mint. (4). S.G. 261/2, Spec. M49(1-3). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 5s. carmine imperforate plate proof on poor quality buff paper, a left marginal block of four, lower pair with faint crease not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine and scarce. S.G. Spec. M51. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10s. ultramarine, a very fine and fresh unmounted mint NE corner block of four R1/7-2/8], from upper pane, mounted in margins, usual minor gum wrinkles. Rare. S.G. 265, Spec.M53(1), cat. £7,600+ (as singles). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue £1 dull blue-green fine and fresh mint with large part original gum (a little disturbed). S.G. 266, cat. £2,000. Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 2s.6d. dull greyish purple (F) fine and fresh unmounted mint, gum wrinkle, lower pane R10/8 still attached to a complete skeleton of plate 1a lower pane showing 1911 date cuts under position R14/7, the skeleton stuck down for preservation purposes, unusual. S.G. 315, Spec. M50(1), cat. £1,200+.

1911-13 Somerset House 2s.6d. pale dull reddish purple plate 1c [R7/7-8] SE corner pair from upper pane showing 1912 date cuts and added white dot in rule at right, very fine and fresh mint. S.G. 316, Spec. M50(4), cat. £550+. Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 2s.6d. plates 1a, 1b and 1c, six SE corner date cut pairs, representing all the upper and lower pane date cut positions, also a SE corner single, upper pane plate 1b, a fine range of shades, mainly good to fine and fresh mint, a few small imperfections. S.G. 316/317, Spec. M50(2-4), cat. £3,700+ (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 5s. plates 1a and 1b, four SE corner pairs representing all the upper and lower pane date cut positions, also plate 1b SE corner single from upper pane, and plate 1a NE corner pair from upper pane overprinted ''24 PIASTRES'' for use in British Levant (S.G. 34), mainly good to fine and fresh mint in a variety of shades, a scarce group. (6 items, 11 stamps). S.G. 318 etc., Spec. M52, the date cut pairs cat. £3,900 (2005), the single and Levant pair cat. £520. Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 10s. blue plate 1a [R14/7-8] SE corner pair from lower pane showing date cuts in the rule below R14/7, exceptionally fine and fresh mint, the left stamp just the barest trace of a hinge. Very rare. S.G. S.G. 319, Spec. M54, plate state unpriced. Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 10s. blue plate 1b [R14/7-8] SE corner pair from lower pane showing date cuts under R7/8, very fresh mint with almost full original gum, left stamp with small imperfections, otherwise fine. S.G. 319, Spec. M54, cat. £1,850 (2005). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 10s. blue plate 1a/b [R1/7-2-9] NE corner block of six with blue dot added in margin above R1/8, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), some gum creasing or wrinkles not detracting and lower right stamp with slight internal crease, a rare multiple in a most attractive deep shade. S.G. 319, cat. £12,000+ (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House £1 deep green plate 1a [R10/4] SE corner single from upper pane showing 1911 date cuts, fine and very fresh mint with large part original gum, a little heavily mounted. S.G. 320, Spec. M56, cat. £2,000+ (as normal single). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House £1 deep green plate 1b [R1/4] NE corner single from upper pane showing 1912 date dot, exceptionally fresh mint with virtually full original gum (just traces of hinge at foot), trace of a tiny tone spot on gum, otherwise fine and of superb colour and appearance. S.G. 320, Spec. M56, cat. £2,000+ (as normal single). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House £1 deep green plate 1b [R11/4] NE corner single from lower pane showing 1912 date dot, exceptionally fine and fresh mint with virtually full original gum (just traces of hinges at foot), minor natural gum bends or wrinkles, superb colour and very well centred for this issue. S.G. 320, Spec. M56, cat. £2,000+ (as normal single). Photo.