Prices Realised

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series B, quarter face head,1/2d. blue-green on stout white card 'tablet', very fine. Ex Stothert. Photo.

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series B, quarter face head, 1d. lilac, on stout white card 'tablet', very fine and imposing. Ex Stothert. Photo.

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series B, quarter face head, 11/2d. dull purple and green, on stout white card 'tablet', very fine. Ex Stothert. Photo.

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series B, quarter face head, 21/2d. purple on blue paper, the perforations touched in with Chinese white, on stout white card 'tablet', 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 B, quarter face head, 3d. purple on yellow paper, the perforations touched in with Chinese white, on stout white card 'tablet', very fine. Ex Stothert. Photo.

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series B, quarter face head, 4d. green and purple-brown, perforations touched in with Chinese white at foot and slightly trimmed at left, otherwise very fine on stout white card 'tablet'. Ex Stothert. Photo.

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series B, quarter face head, 5d. dull purple and blue, on stout white card 'tablet', very fine. Ex Stothert. Photo.

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series B, quarter face head, 6d. purple on rose-red, the perforations additionally painted in with Chinese white, on stout white card 'tablet', 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 B, quarter face head, 9d. dull purple and blue, the perforations partly painted in with Chinese white at foot, on stout white card 'tablet', very fine. Ex Stothert. Photo.

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series B, quarter face head, 10d. dull purple and carmine, perforations at foot additionally painted in with Chinese white, on stout white card 'tablet', very fine. Ex Stothert. Photo.

1901 De La Rue Composite 'Paste Up' essay - Series B, quarter face head, 1s. green and carmine, a few perforations at foot additionally painted in with Chinese white, on stout white card 'tablet', very fine. Ex Stothert. Photo.

A contemporary black and white collotype reproduction of a page from De La Rue records bearing four paste-up essays of 1d. lilac with different head angles, 2d. series A, 5d. series B, titled 'Contractors' designs for some of the new stamps'; two photographic 1d. essays ''A and ''B'' with notes on the position of the heads, ''A'' endorsed endorsed 'Appd' and initialled by the King; 1d. 'Temporary plate before making the dies', 1d. 'Transvaal' head essay 'Design for changes contemplated in 1902', and the die for the unissued £5 endorsed 'Die for £5 value (abandoned)'. The page endorsed at right side 'Design chosen with autograph approval of the King', some edge tears (one at top extending into one of the 1d. lilacs), otherwise fine and a most unusual item. Tony Wiseman, author of 'The De La Rue Years' stated that he believed this to be unique. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1/2d. pale yellowish green with watermark inverted, a booklet pane of six (3 x 2) overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 17, perfs. clipped at top and lower right stamp with small marks at foot (stray overprint ink?), otherwise very fine and fresh with gum (all but upper left stamp unmounted). S.G. Spec. MB1(1)a, cat. £1,800 as singles (2005). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1/2d. yellowish green with watermark upright, a booklet pane of five plus St. Andrew's Cross, overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 17, perfs. a little trimmed at right, otherwise very fine and fresh with gum. S.G. Spec. MB2(2), cat. £1,500 (2005). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1d. scarlet with watermark inverted, booklet pane of six (3 x 2) overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 17, perfs. trimmed at top and right and upper right stamp with a little foxing at right, otherwise fine with full original gum (stamps unmounted). S.G. Spec. MB5as, cat. £1,800 as singles (2005). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1d. scarlet with watermark inverted, overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 17, superb with virtually full original gum. S.G. Spec. M5a, u, cat. £300 (2005). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 2d. pale grey-green and carmine-red on chalky paper, overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 17, very fresh with large part original gum, a few perfs. just very slightly trimmed and a trifle rubbed, otherwise fine with deep colours. S.G. Spec. M12s, Concise S125a, cat. £650. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 21/2d. ultramarine, overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 17, very fresh with large part original gum, a few perfs. just very slightly trimmed and tiny bends at one corner, otherwise fine. S.G. Spec. M16t, cat. £600 (2005). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 3d. dull purple on orange-yellow on chalky, overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 17, very fresh with large part original gum, light hinge bend. S.G. Spec. M20s, Concise S128a, cat. £650. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 4d. orange-red overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 17, very fresh with large part original gum. S.G. Spec. M25s, Concise S130, cat. £600. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 5d. dull purple and ultramarine on chalky paper overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 17, very fine with large part original gum. S.G. Spec. M29s, Concise S131a, cat. £650. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 7d. grey-black overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 17, very fresh with large part original gum, small corner crease not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. Spec. M37s, Concise S133, cat. £650. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 9d. dull purple and ultramarine on chalky paper overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 17, a little rubbed and one short perf. at top, otherwise fine with large part original gum. S.G. Spec. M40s, Concise S134a, cat. £650. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10d. dull purple and carmine on ordinary paper overprinted ''4 PIASTRES'' for use in British Levant (S.G. 10), a block of four overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 17, very fresh large part original gum, small faults, otherwise fine. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 10d. dull purple and carmine on chalky paper overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 17, very fine and fresh with large part original gum. S.G. Spec. M43s, Concise S135a, cat. £650. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1s. dull green and carmine on chalky paper overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 17, very fine and fresh with large part original gum. S.G. Spec. M46s, Concise S136a, cat. £650. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 2s.6d. dull purple on chalky paper overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 17, very fine and fresh with large part original gum, slight rubbing, very rare, one of only two examples we have seen. S.G. Spec. M49s, Concise S137a, unpriced. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 5s. bright carmine overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 17, fresh with large part original gum, rather crude corner perf. repair at upper right, otherwise fine and very rare, the only example we have seen. S.G. Spec. M51t, unpriced. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue £1 dull blue-green overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 17, faint yellowish surface marks, otherwise exceptionally fine and fresh with almost full original gum. S.G. Spec. M55t, cat. £2,500 (2005). Photo.

1911 Harrison 1d. rose-red (F) imperforate trial on gummed paper watermarked Crown, diagonally overprinted ''CANCELLED'' type 21. An upper left corner marginal block of eighteen (3 x 6), usual wrinkles and a few creases, otherwise fine and fresh with gum, the stamps mainly unmounted. See article by W.A. Wiseman in GB Journal vol. 40, no. 1, pages 6–11, in which he suggests that this is a most important trial for both KEVII and KGV issues, and that it may have been printed at Somerset House. S.G. Spec. M6t, cat. £1,170 (2005). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House 2s.6d. dull reddish-purple overprinted ''CANCELLED'' type 24, fresh with almost full original gum, two diagonal creases or heavy gum creases not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. Spec. M50(2)t, cat. £1,500 (2005). Photo.

King Edward VII: 1901 die proof for the large head used for the 1/2d., 1d., 21/2d., 6d., 7d. and 2s.6d. to £1 values, completely cleared to oval frame, in black on glazed card (92 x 60mm) without markings, very fine (insignificant soiling of card at right, well clear of proof), very rare. Photo.

A completed die proof in black on glazed card (92 x 60mm), endorsed 'Working Die No. 17/Registered 26-90-01.', very fine. Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1/2d. dull yellow-green, a most unusual upper left corner marginal multiple of thirteen comprising vertical rows 1/1-8 and 2/4-8, showing watermark misplaced 16mm to the left and 8mm down leaving the first vertical column of Crown watermarks in the sheet margin at left with the marginal ''POSTAGE'' watermark further left, printed on apparently ungummed paper, faint traces of ageing and top stamp in second row with perf. fault at right, otherwise fine. Ex Cecil Shaw. S.G. Spec. M3(1)var. Photo.The right hand vertical row of the sheet from which this piece comes would presumbably have included seven stamps missing the Crown watermark and five with the marginal ''POSTAGE'' watermark.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1/2d. dull green plate 59 ''A 11'' control corner block of six (3 x 2) printed on very translucent unsurfaced (uncalendered) paper, a coarse impression with much of the watermark showing through to the front, fine mint, the lower stamps unmounted, most unusual and rare. S.G. Spec. M3(2)var. Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1/2d. bright green (fine impression), a superb mint ''A 11'' control single, stamp with the barest trace of a hinge. S.G. 271, Spec. M3(6), cat. £275+. Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1/2d. deep bright green, a superb unmounted mint lower right corner marginal block of 24 (6 x 4, mounted in margin) from upper pane showing marginal pillars at foot, a rare muliple. Photocopy of B.P.A. certificate (1974) for block of four from the same sheet. S.G. Spec. M3(7), cat. £9,600+ (2005). Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1/2d. deep bright green, a fine unmounted mint top marginal block of four (mounted in margin), upper left stamp with faint gum crease. B.P.A. certificate (1974). S.G. Spec. M3(7), cat. £1,600+ (2005). Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1/2d. deep bright green, plate 60, a fresh mint ''A 11'' control corner block of six (3 x 2) showing 5mm vertical post in margin at lower left, a few tiny faint tone spots on gum and two stamps in upper row with creases, otherwise fine with the lower stamps unmounted. S.G. Spec. M3(7), cat. £2,025 (2005). Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1/2d. deep bright green, a fresh mint ''A 11'' control corner pair, some gum disturbance, otherwise fine, right stamp shows blurred print at upper right corner, shows trace of 5mm vertical post in margin at lower left. R.P.S. certificate (1973). S.G. Spec. M3(7). Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1/2d. deep bright green, a vertical pair, very fine used on clean uncreased 1914 (May 27th) envelope from Worksop to Louth. S.G. Spec. M3(7). Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14 1/2d., a mainly good to fine mint selection of shades etc., with controls incl. plate 58b block of four, plate 58 strip showing so-called ''A 17'' variety, plates 59 & 64 strips and plate 63 pair, other blocks of four (5), etc. (21 items, 46 stamps). S.G. Spec. M4, cat. £2,190+ as basic singles. (Photo internet).

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

1901 1d. dull purple perf. 14 colour trial on gummed paper watermarked Crown, very fine with 'dry' gum. S.G. Spec. M5, cat. £1,200 (2005). Photo.

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

1906 1d. deep carmine imperforate colour trial on gummed paper watermarked Crown, a top marginal example, natural paper wrinkles not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine with full original gum. S.G. Spec. M5, cat. £1,200 (2005). Photo.

1906 1d. carmine lake 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.

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

1906 1d. blue geranium perf. 14 colour trial on gummed paper watermarked Crown, a top marginal example, very fine and fresh with large part original gum, shows unusual printing flaw on King's nose. S.G. Spec. M5, cat. £1,200 (2005). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1d. green imperforate plate proofs in shades of green, a selection comprising a lower marginal block of four in green on wove paper, a single in pale green on thin card and two blocks of four in deep green (one double impression) on thin card, a few imperfections, mainly fine appearance. (4 items, 13 stamps). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1d. deep blood-red plate 17, control ''D4'' (continuous rule) corner marginal strip of three in an exceptional intense shade, very fresh mint, the left stamp with upper left corner perf. just blunted, otherwise very fine with the control stamp unmounted. Very rare. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1d. rose-carmine plate 9, an exceptionally fine and fresh mint ''E6'' lower right corner marginal control block of six (3 x 2) in a bright vivid shade, R20/12 showing plug (pin) repair below ''P'' of ''POSTAGE'', lower stamps unmounted. S.G. Spec. M5(4)/ha. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 1d. scarlet, five fine used examples showing prominent plug (pin) repairs, Brooks types B, C(3) and E (see GB Journal, vol. 32 May-June 1994), each cancelled well clear of the repair. (Photo internet).

1902-10 De La Rue 1d. rose-carmine plate 23 ''G7'' lower right corner marginal control pair with watermark inverted, very fine and fresh mint, a few slight offsets on gum and faint bends, slight stain in sheet margin at foot. An extremely rare inverted watermark from sheet issue. S.G. Spec. M5(4), states 'One pair of Control G7 from plate 23 with the watermark inverted exists'. Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1d. rose-red showing a virtually complete offset on reverse, a very fine and fresh mint marginal example from the left of the sheet, stamp unmounted. Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1d. aniline rose (F) plate 63 ''A 11'' (w) conrol block of six (3 x 2), very fine and fresh mint, upper stamps a little heavily mounted and perfs. separated between top right pair, lower 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 pink (F), an exceptionally fine and fresh mint block of four, upper pair just a little heavily mounted, very scarce. S.G. 275, Spec. M6(8), cat. £2,600+ (as singles). Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 14 1d. aniline pink (F), very fine and fresh mint with large part original gum. S.G. 275, Spec. M6(8), cat. £650. Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14 1d. deep rose-carmine plate 63 ''A 11'' lower right corner marginal block of six (3 x 2) in an intense shade, very fine and fresh mint, the lower stamps unmounted, striking. S.G. Spec. M7(6). Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Head Plate 1, Duty Plate 5: 11/2d. dull purple and green, very scarce interpanneau blocks of four from the left and right of the sheet, perf. H1, each showing the square cornered rules unique to plate H1, also NE corner pair (chalky) and block of six (3 x 2) from upper pane, mainly very fine and fresh mint, stamps mostly unmounted, upper left stamp of the right interpanneau block with corner perf. fault and left stamp of NE corner pair with corner fault. (16). Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 4: 11/2d. dull purple and green plate, perf. H1, a block of twenty four R1/1-2/12, the upper two rows of the sheet, with R1/7 showing damage in tablet, very fresh mint, some creasing and hinge reinforcement, 17 stamps unmounted (7 of which are creased incl. the variety). A very scarce multiple. S.G. Spec. M8(1)/b. Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 4: 11/2d. dull purple and green, perf. H1, interpanneau blocks of four from the left and right of the sheet, each showing the rounded interpane rules on plate H2, very fine and fresh mint, five stamps unmounted. (8). S.G. Spec. M8(1), cat. £480+ (as 4 corner pairs, 2005). (Photo internet).

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 6: 11/2d. slate-purple and green, perf. H1, upper left corner marginal block of eight R11/1-12/4 with R11/1 showing double serif to large ''1'' duty plate flaw, exceptionally fine and fresh mint (stamps unmounted), a rare positional piece. S.G. Spec. M8(2)var. Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 6: 11/2d. slate-purple and green, perf. H1, R19/1-20/2 SW corner block of four (cut under R20/1) exceptionally fine and fresh mint, lower pair unmounted, also 11/2d. dull purple and green complete bottom strip with just R20/1 remaining (unmounted), and 11/2d. dull purple and green SW corner block of four (three stamps unmounted). (3 items, 9 stamps). S.G. Spec. M8(1 & 2). (Photo internet).

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Head Plate 4, Duty Plate 6: 11/2d. slate-purple and bluish green, a superb unmounted mint block of ninety six [R1/1-8/12], the complete upper eight rows of the sheet, R1/1 showing split at foot of large ''1'' duty plate flaw and with duty plate marginal rule broken between R1/1 and R2/1, mounted and some creasing in sheet margin, exceptional colour and a very rare multiple. S.G. 224, Spec. M9(2), cat. £7,800+ (2005, as blocks of four). Photo.See lot 2470 for later state with duty plate marginal rule intact

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Head Plate 4, Duty Plate 6: 11/2d. pale dull purple and green [R1/1-2/2] NW corner marginal block of four, R1/1 showing split at foot of large ''1'' duty plate flaw and with duty plate marginal rule complete between R1/1 and R2/1, stamps unmounted, lower pair creased and slight rubbing, otherwise fine and rare. S.G. 223, Spec. M9(1). Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Head Plate 4a, Duty Plate 6a: 11/2d. deep slate-purple and bluish green, an exceptionally fresh mint block of forty (4 x 10) [R11/9-20/12] the right four vertical rows of the sheet with sheet margins, lower pane including R20/9 with leaf and tablet repair, three stamps [R12/10-12] with surface damage, otherwise very fine, the stamps unmounted (about 7 with slight adherences on gum), superb colour. A rare multiple. S.G. Spec. M9(3)/d, cat. £3,400+ (as singles, 2005, the variety unpriced). Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Head Plate 5, Duty Plate 5: 11/2d. slate-purple and bluish-green [R1/1-2/4] NW corner block of eight (stamps unmounted) and [R10/1-12] complete bottom strip of twelve, 11/2d. pale dull purple and green (very pale shade) [R9/1-10/3] SE corner block of six, three stamps unmounted), of very fine and fresh mint appearance but mostly with foxing on gum, also pale dull purple and green [R1/11-2/12] NE corner block of four fine mint (stamps unmounted, two with tiny gum blemishes). (4 items, 30 stamps). S.G. Spec. M9(1 & 2). (Photo internet).

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 4b, Duty Plate 7: 11/2d. dull reddish purple and bright green [R11/9-20/12], block of forty, the right four rows of the lower pane (right sheet) with coextensive rules, head plate date cuts under R20/12, perf. V1, very fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), an exceptional multiple. S.G. Spec. M10(3), cat. £2,000+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 4b, Duty Plate 7: 11/2d. dull reddish purple and bright green [R9/1-10/12] and 11/2d. dull reddish purple and green [R19/1-20/12] matching blocks of twenty four, the lower two rows of the upper and lower panes, with coextensive rules, head plate date cuts under R20/12, perf. V1, very fresh mint, about thirty five stamps unmounted, about twelve with creases or gum creases and one with small surface marks, otherwise fine, a rare pair. S.G. Spec. M10(3 & 4), cat. £2,075+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 5a, Duty Plate 7: 11/2d. dull reddish purple and green [R18/5-20/12] block of thirty two, the lower three rows of the sheet less R18/1-4, duty plate date cuts under R20/12, exceptionally fresh mint, all but two stamps unmounted, three affected by a vertical crease, otherwise fine and rare, very well centred. S.G. Spec. M10(4), cat. £1,600+ (as singles). Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 6, Duty Plate 6: 11/2d., four corner blocks of four from interpane positions showing the square dots at the interpane margin, co-extensive head plate rules and continuous duty plate rule, comprising 11/2d. reddish purple and bright green NW corner block of four from lower pane (left sheet) and SE corner block of four from upper pane (right sheet showing full interpane margin),11/2d. dull purple and green interpanneau block of four from the left of the sheet (left sheet), SW corner block of four (upper pane, right sheet), fine to very fine and fresh mint, eight stamps unmounted. (16). S.G. Spec. M10. (Photo internet).

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 6, Duty Plate 7: 11/2d. dull reddish purple and bright green [R1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four with coextensive rules, fine and fresh mint, stamps unmounted, usual gum wrinkles, S.G. Spec. M10(4). Also Blitz damaged NE corner blocks of four and six from upper and lower panes. (3 items, 14 stamps). (Photo internet).

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 6b, Duty Plate 6a: 11/2d. dull purple and green [R19/1-20/12] block of twenty four, being the lower two rows of the sheet showing head plate cut under 20/8, narrow cuts under 20/11 and purple dot under 20/12, very fine and fresh mint, seventeen stamps unmounted, two with loose perf. dimples, rare. S.G. Spec. M10(5), cat. £975+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

One Penny Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 6c, Duty Plate 7: 11/2d. dull purple and green (F) plate H6c/D7, state 4 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 four stamps unmounted, vertical creases affecting four stamps. 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).

A partly finished die proof for the proposed 11/2d. monocoloured issue, with uncleared surround, in black on glazed card on piece (48 x 49mm) from De La Rue Striking Book endorsed in red 'This die partly finished/chgd. 25 Aug 10'. Unique. Photo.It seems that the whole design has been recut from a copy of the old die. The head differs in a few lines, notably at the back of the head. The curtain folds under ''POSTAGE'' are much deeper and the horizontal cuts in the frill at the bottom are all in different places. The background to the value tablet is solid, whilst on the original issue it was lined.

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

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

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 11/2d. in a bright mauve shade on white paper watermarked Crown, perforations just barely trimmed at foot, otherwise very fine. Photo.

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

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

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

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 11/2d. dull purple on yellow paper watermarked Crown, very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 11/2d. black on orange tinted paper (white back) on thick unwatermarked chalk surfaced paper, slight wrinkling not detracting from appearance, otherwise very fine. Photo.

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

Two Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 2d. yellowish-green and carmine-red, a very fine and fresh mint block of twelve (3 x 4), ten stamps unmounted (one of which has slight gum creasing, few perfs. separated in upper row. S.G. 225, Spec. M11(1), cat. £840+ (as singles). Photo.

Two Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 2d. pale grey-green and carmine-red on thin paper which responds to the chalky test (OCP), a very fresh unmounted mint block of six (3 x 2), a few tiny adherences on gum and left pair with vertical gum crease at left not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. Spec. M12(1). Photo.

Two Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 2d. pale grey-green and carmine-red plate H2 R6/8-9/12 fresh mint block of ten (5 x 2) with R6/8 showing big ''R'' in ''REVENUE'', some foxing, right pair a little creased and R7/9 fault at foot, otherwise fine and very scarce. S.G. Spec. M12(1)/l. Photo.

Two Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 2d., a mainly good to fine mint collection of shades with blocks of ten (2), eight, four (3) and singles (18); a fine range, about 18 stamps unmounted, some foxing in places. (58).

Two Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 2d. grey-green and bright carmine plate D4 R5/9 showing deformed tablet, also showing damage to outer frame line at upper right, mint with a curious light grey discolouration to the gum, otherwise fine and scarce. S.G. Spec. M13(4)b, cat. £600 (2005). Photo.

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Head Plate 1, Duty Plate 3: 2d. yellowish green and carmine-red [R11/9-12/10] top marginal and [R11/11-12/12] NE corner, blocks of four from lower pane, the corner block with the carmine-red particularly aniline in appearance, very fine and fresh mint, seven stamps unmounted. S.G. 225, Spec. M11(1), cat. £570+ (as singles). Photo.

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Head Plate 3, Duty Plate 4: 2d. pale greyish green and carmine-red [R20/1-12] complete bottom strip with head plate cut under R20/1, perf. H1, mainly very fine and fresh mint, eight stamps unmounted, crease in sheet margin and first stamp with slight tone spots on gum, also a fine mint SE corner pair. S.G. Spec. M11(2), cat. £870+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 3: 2d. pale grey-green and scarlet [R1/1-12] complete upper row of twelve with R1/1 showing distorted tablet (''Rhombus'') variety, [R1/7] shows dent to upper frame of duty plate (Wiseman states substituted duty cliché) very fine and fresh mint, eight stamps unmounted. A very rare multiple. S.G. Spec. M12(3)/c. Photo.

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 3: 2d. dull blue-green and carmine [R20/1-3] SW corner strip of three, the lower right corner of R20/2 and lower left corner of R20/3 failing to print properly due to the final breaking of duty plate bar under R20/2 and with parts of this picked up and partly filling the missing portions, mint with slight foxing around edges of perfs. on gum, some perfs. separated between 2nd & 3rd stamps, otherwise fine and most unusual. S.G. Spec. M12(2)var. Photo.

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 3: 2d. pale grey-green and scarlet [R9/1-10/2] left marginal block of four and bottom strip also from upper pane with three stamps R10/10-12] remaining, the block including R9/1 unlisted (S.G.) tablet flaw, R10/2 with shading line below ''d'' thinned, fine mint (3 stamps unmounted in the variety). (2 items, 7 stamps). S.G. Spec. M12(3)/g. (Photo internet).

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Head Plate 4, Duty Plate 4: 2d. pale grey-green and carmine-red [R1/10-2/12] NE corner block of six, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margin). S.G. 227, Spec. M12(1), cat. £490+ (2005). Photo.

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Head Plate 4, Duty Plate 4: 2d. pale grey-green and carmine-red [R19/1-20/3] SW corner block of six, exceptionally fine and fresh mint, five stamps unmounted. S.G. 227, Spec. M12(1), cat. £415+ (as singles). Photo.

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 5, Duty Plate 5: 2d. grey-green and bright carmine [R6/1-10/12] block of sixty, the lower five rows of the upper pane showing coextensive duty plate rules, very fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), usual gum wrinkles, five stamps with creases, otherwise fine and a rare multiple. S.G. 292, Spec. M13(4), cat. £3,300 (as singles). Photo.

Two Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 5, Duty Plate 5: 2d. grey-green and bright carmine [R16/1-20/12] block of sixty, the lower five rows of the lower pane, showing coextensive duty plate rules and date dots under R20/12, mainly very fine and fresh mint, all but two stamps unmounted, twelve with creases, otherwise fine and a rare multiple. S.G. 292, Spec. M13(4), cat. £3,246 (as singles). Photo.

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

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

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 2d. deep blue on white paper watermarked Crown, one perforation pulled at top, otherwise fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 2d. brown on white paper watermarked Crown, affixed to small piece of thin card, very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 2d. scarlet on yellow paper watermarked Crown, some perforations very slightly trimmed, otherwise very fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 2d. in a dull purple shade on yellow paper watermarked Crown, tiny corner fault (repair?) at upper left corner and a few perfs. very slighly trimmed, otherwise fine. Photo.

1909 De La Rue Colour Trials for Monocolour Issue: 2d. purple on orange tinted paper (white back) on thick unwatermarked chalk surfaced paper, some trimmed perforations and slight wrinkling, otherwise fine. Photo.

The unissued 2d. Tyrian Plum: A die proof essay for a rejected design with rectangular duty frame, in olive-green on glazed card with 1mm margins, the ''2d'' partly touched in in Chinese white and with other emblishment by the engraver to lighten the area behind the King's head. A superb item of great rarity, dubbed 'the unripe plum' by Cyril Harmer! Photo.

The unissued 2d. Tyrian Plum: 1910 2d. colour trial in sage-green, perforations very slightly trimmed at left but still very fine and rare. Ex Silkin. Photo.

The unissued 2d. Tyrian Plum: 1910 2d. colour trial in deep blue, exceptionally fine and fresh, very rare. Ex Silkin. Photo.

The unissued 2d. Tyrian Plum: 1910 2d. colour trial in brown, exceptionally fine and fresh, very rare. Ex Silkin. Photo.

The unissued 2d. Tyrian Plum: 1910 2d. colour trial in grey-brown, exceptionally fine and fresh, very rare. Ex Silkin. Photo.

The unissued 2d. Tyrian Plum: 1910 2d. colour trial in black, a few perforations very slightly shallow at upper right, but very fine and fresh, very rare. Ex Silkin. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue 21/2d. imperforate plate proof in a bright ultramarine shade, a lower right corner marginal block of four with very wide margins showing parts of all adjoining stamps, very fine (slight trace of ageing on reverse). S.G. Spec. M16, cat. £4,800+ (2005).

1902-10 De La Rue 21/2d. imperforate plate proof 21/2d. in a deep bright blue shade, a lower marginal block of four, very fine (very slight trace of ageing on reverse). S.G. Spec. M16, cat. £4,800+ (2005).

21/2d. ultramarine, 1911 die proof colour trial in KE VII colour on thick ungummed, unwatermarked paper (71 x 42mm), very fine. Photo.

1911 Harrison Perf. 14 21/2d. deep bright blue with watermark inverted in a very fine and fresh mint marginal block of four from the right of the sheet, two stamps unmounted, the others with just a trace of a hinge, usual minor gum wrinkles, very scarce. S.G. 276Wi, Spec. M17(1)a, cat. £5,400+. Photo.

1911 Harrison Perf. 15 x 14 21/2d. bright blue plate ? R5/12 frame broken at lower right corner and with other breaks and damage to inner frame, fine mint with large part original gum, scarce. S.G. Spec. M18(2)j, cat. £250 (2005). Photo.

1911 Harrison Perf. 15 x 14 21/2d. dull blue with thick shiny gum, a fresh mint horizontal strip of four showing two missing vertical perf. pins on each vertical row, a little heavily mounted and right stamp with vertical crease at right not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. Spec. M18(3), see footnote re gum. Photo.

Two Pence Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Plate 2: 21/2d. deep ultramarine [R16/1-20/12] block of sixty, the lower five rows of the sheet with continuous rules with thin cut between ''2'' and ''1/2'' of R20/1, perf. H1, very fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), vertical crease affecting sixth column, 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 2: 21/2d. deep ultramarine, a very deep bright shade, [R20/1-12] bottom strip with stamps 7 & 8 missing, continuous rules with thin cut between ''2'' and ''1/2'' of R20/1, perf. H1, exceptionally fresh mint, stamps unmounted except perfs. reinforced with hinge between 3rd and 4th, colour has run in marginal rule at left of R20/1 just affecting stamp, otherwise fine (a few small tone spots in margins). S.G. Spec. M16(1). Photo.

Two Pence Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: Plate 6: 21/2d. deep ultramarine plate 6 [R13-1/20/12] block of ninety six, the lower eight rows of the sheet, continuous rules with date cut under ''1/2'' of R20/4, R19/1 shows plate crack in wreath at left, two stamps with adherence on gum and a few minor gum creases or wrijnkles, otherwise exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint, a rare multiple. S.G. Spec. M16(1)/f, cat. £4,800+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Two Pence Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 14: Plate 14: 21/2d. dull blue, a deep shade, [R9/1-10/6] SW corner block of twelve from upper pane, very fine and fresh mint, ten stamps unmounted, usual minor gum creases or wrinkles and a few tiny gum skips, scarce. S.G. Spec. M16(3), cat. £1,040+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Two Pence Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 14: Plate 14: 21/2d. bright blue [R1/1-2/2] and [R1/11-2/12] NW and NE corner blocks of four and [R20/10-12] SE corner strip of three, mainly good to fine and fresh mint, five stamps unmounted, two of the mounted stamps creased. (3 items, 11 stamps). S.G. 276, Spec. M17(2), cat. £1,090 (as singles).

Two Pence Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: Plate 2: 21/2d., a selection of marginal blocks of four (6), comprising [R911/-10/12] right marginal interpanneau block of four, [R19/1-20/2] SE corner block of four, both from left sheet, and right sheet NW, NE, SE and SW corner blocks of four showing distinctive marginal markings, the NE block incl. R2/12 with frame broken at lower right, mainly fine to very fine mint in bright and dull blue shades, 16 stamps unmounted, usual gum creases. (24). S.G. 283/284, Spec. M18, cat. £975+ (as singles). (Photo internet).

Two Pence Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: Plate 5: 21/2d. bright blue [R19/1-2-20/1-3] SE corner block of five from right sheet, thought to be rare as the vendor notes that all other plate 5 examples seen are from the left sheet, very fine and fresh mint, four stamps unmounted. S.G. 283, Spec. M18(2). Photo.

Two Pence Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: Plate 6: 21/2d., [R10/1-11/2 and R10/11-11/12] left and right marginal interpanneau blocks of four, [R11/1] single with full interpanneau margin, and [R20/1-4] SW corner strip of four with date cut under ''1/2'' of R20/4, mainly fine to very fine mint, a couple with gum creases, eight stamps unmounted. (4 items, 13 stamps). S.G. 283/284, Spec. M18(2-3), cat. £510+ (as singles). (Photo internet).

Two Pence Halfpenny Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: Plate 12: 21/2d. dull blue with thick shiny gum [R10/11-11/12] right marginal interpanneau block of four, right sheet showing pierced marginal dot opposite interpane margin, upper right stamp rather heavily mounted, others unmounted, scarce. S.G. 284var., Spec. M18(3), see footnote re gum. Photo.

3d. bright orange, 1911 die proof colour trial in proposed KG V colour on gummed unwatermarked paper (26 x 33mm), some thinning not detracting from appearance, otherwise very fine. Photo.

Three Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: 3d. deep purple on orange-yellow back, yellow front, a fresh and scarce mint block of twelve (4 x 3), six stamps unmounted (one with minor wrinkle), two of the mounted stamps with small faults not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. 232b, Spec. M19(2), cat. £690 (as singles). Photo.

Three Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 3d. pale reddish-purple on orange-yellow, an extremely pale shade in a fresh mint marginal block of four from the left of the sheet, upper pair with tiny gum thins, lower pair with just a trace of a hinge, slight rubbing. S.G. 232c, Spec. M20(1), cat. £720+ (as singles). Photo.

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

Three Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 3d. dull purple on orange-yellow in a very fine and fresh mint block of four, lower pair unmounted, upper pair very lightly mounted and with a few perfs. just blunted at top. S.G. 232a, Spec. M20(2), cat. £1,110+ (as singles). Photo.

Three Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 3d. dull reddish-purple on lemon in a very fine and fresh mint block of four, lower pair unmounted, upper pair lightest trace of a hinge. S.G. Spec. M21(4), cat. £700 (as singles). Photo.

Three Pence: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: 3d. grey on lemon, a very fine lightly mounted mint example. B.P.A. certificate (1965), sold with this opinion only, not subject to further extension. S.G. 285a, Spec. M21(3), cat. £3,250. Photo.

1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14 3d. purple on lemon showing unlisted frame break at upper right of right value tablet, fine used with neat part ''NO 30/12'' double ring c.d.s. S.G. Spec. M22var. Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Plate 1: 3d. dull purple on orange-yellow back, yellow front, [R9/1-10/2] left marginal interpanneau block of four, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), one with gum crease. S.G. 232, Spec. M19(1), cat. £350 (2005). Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Plate 1: 3d. dull purple on orange-yellow back, yellow front, [R11/1-15/12] block of sixty, the upper half of the lower pane with four stamps showing constant plate flaws, some perf. separation and reinforcement between 6th and 7th columns and in margins, otherwise exceptionally fine and fresh mint with all but three stamps unmounted except for traces trivial offset adherences on gum and the two right columns with light gum creases. A very rare multiple of superb appearance. S.G. 232, Spec. M19(1), cat. £4,395+ (as singles). Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Plate 2: 3d. dull or deep purple on orange-yellow back, yellow front, [R10/11-11/12] right marginal interpanneau block of four showing marginal dot opposite interpane margin (only present on first ordinary paper paper printing), [R10/1-11/1] NW corner pair from lower pane showing part marginal ''G'' watermark, and [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four, good to very fine and fresh mint, five stamps unmounted. (3 items, 10 stamps). S.G. 232/b, Spec. M19(1 & 2). (Photo internet).

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Plate 4: 3d. dull purple on orange-yellow back, yellow front, complete bottom strip with R20/4 date cut but with only one stamp [R20/12] remaining (unmounted), also [R1/11-12/2] NE corner block of four fresh mint (3 stamps unmounted, upper left stamp small fault) and a right marginal interpanneau plating item (no stamps). (3 items, 5 stamps). S.G. 232, Spec. M19(1). (Photo internet).

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Plate 2: 3d. dull purple on orange-yellow (S.G. 232a/Spec. M20(2)) overprinted ''11/4/PIASTRE'' for use in British Levant (S.G. 22), complete upper pane of 120 and [R11/6-20/12] right half of lower pane, very fine and fresh unmounted mint, useful study pieces. (180). (Photo internet).

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Plate 3: 3d. purple on lemon [R13/1-20/4] SW corner block of thirty two showing date cut under R20/4, upper row with gum crease and one stamp lightly mounted, R19/4 with small split on reverse, otherwise exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint, a rare multiple in a lovely deep shade. S.G. 234, Spec. M20(5), cat. £2,520+ (as singles). Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Plate 4: 3d. dull purple on orange-yellow [R1/1-2/2] NE corner block of four, fine and fresh mint, the upper pair with slight gum disturbance, lower right stamp unmounted, slight rubbing. S.G. 232a, Spec. M20(2), cat. £915+ (as singles). Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Plate 5: 3d. pale purple on lemon [R19/1-20/2] SW corner block of four including R20/2 broken scroll, very fine and fresh mint, a few tiny paper fibre adherences on gum. S.G. Spec. M20(4)/b. Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison Perf. 14: Plate 4: 3d. dull reddish purple on lemon [R1/5-3/8] top marginal block of twelve, fresh unmounted (mounted in margin), lower right stamp with small corner crease and usual natural gum creases or wrinkles, otherwise fine and scarce. S.G. 277, Spec. M21(4), cat. £2,100+ (as singles). Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison Perf. 14: Plate 5: 3d. purple on lemon, a set of four fresh mint matching corner blocks of four from the opposite corners of the top and bottom of the sheet, the two blocks from the top of the sheet with stamps unmounted but with patchy gum, the SW corner block [R19/1-20/2] includes R20/2 broken scroll, margin detached at left and rejoined with hinges, R20/1 with corner crease, the SE corner block exceptionally fresh (3 stamps unmounted but two with creases), a very scarce group. (16). S.G. 277, Spec. M21/b. Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison Perf. 15 x 14: Plate 1: 3d. purple on lemon [R15/1-20/12] block of seventy two, the lower six rows of the sheet with date cut under R20/1, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), a few gum creases or wrinkles as usual. A rare and stunning multiple. Ex Cecil Shaw. S.G. 285, Spec. M22(1), cat. £6,300+ (as blocks, 2005). Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison Perf. 15 x 14: Plate 4: 3d. purple on lemon, a selection of four marginal blocks comprising [R1/11-2/12] NE corner block of four, [R10/11-11/12] right marginal interpanneau block of four, [R11/3-12/4] top marginal block of four from lower pane, and [R16/1-20/3] SW corner block of fifteen (lacking margin for R16), mainly very fine and fresh mint, 20 stamps unmounted, usual gum wrinkles (4 items, 27 stamps). S.G. 285, Spec. M22, cat. £1,715+ (as singles). (Photo internet).

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison Perf. 15 x 14: Plate 4: 3d. purple on lemon, [R20/1-12] bottom strip of twelve with date cut under ''EN'' of R20/4, perf. V3, exceptionally fine and fresh mint, clear impression, perfs. separated and reinforced between 6th and 7th stamps, eight stamps unmounted. Rare. S.G. 285, Spec. M22(1), cat. £740+ (as singles). Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison Perf. 15 x 14: Plate 4: 3d. purple on lemon [R9/12] variety frame broken at right, two good used examples dated December 1911 (Wisbech) and April 1912 (Nottingham), latter with slight wrinkles. S.G. Spec. M22(2)e. Photo.

Three Pence Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison Perf. 15 x 14: Plate 5: 3d. [R10/1-11/2], two left marginal interpanneau blocks of four, one showing marginal guide dot opposite the interpane margin, the other a later printing without the dot, also [R10/11-11/12] right marginal interpanneau block of four, mainly fine and fresh mint, upper left stamp in the second left marginal block with fault at top, four stamps unmounted. S.G. 285, Spec. M22, cat. £640+ (as singles). (Photo internet).

Four Pence Bicoloured: A die proof of the head plate only, in black on glazed card (92 x 60mm), very fine. Photo.

Four Pence Bicoloured Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue: A remarkable collection of plated marginal pieces (mostly corner) of this complicated and interesting issue, ordinary and chalky papers, comprising two bottom strips each with one stamp remaining, nineteen blocks of four (one interpanneau), a single, two pairs and blocks of sixteen and nine, with all head plates represented combined with a variety of duty plates, mainly good to fine and fresh mint with many stamps unmounted, a few faults, excellent range of shades. Significant multiples of this value are particularly difficult to obtain. (26 items, 108 stamps). Photo.

Four Pence Bicoloured Complete Sheets Overprinted ''MOROCCO/AGENCIES'': Head Plate 1a, Duty Plate 8/6: 4d. green and chocolate-brown on chalky overprinted ''MOROCCO/AGENCIES/40 CENTIMOS'' (S.G. 117), a complete sheet of 240 (2 panes of 120), perf. type H1, exceptionally fresh mint, a few perfs. strengthened with hinges on three and some barely noticeable tissue paper fibre adherences on gum, otherwise unmounted. S.G. Spec. M24(1), cat. £420+ (as singles).

Four Pence Bicoloured Complete Sheets Overprinted ''MOROCCO/AGENCIES'': 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, dated ''15 AUG 1907'' in margin at right, 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).

Four Pence Bicoloured Complete Sheets Overprinted ''MOROCCO/AGENCIES'': 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 all but the top four stamps with 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 ten stamps with hinge reinforcement of perfs, otherwise unmounted, missing three sections of sheet margin [R1-2/1 and 20/12], about ten stamps with creases, blue biro note in sheet margin at foot of R20/12. S.G. Spec. M24(1)/c, cat. £900+ (as singles). Photo (detail).

Four Pence Bicoloured Complete Sheets Overprinted ''MOROCCO/AGENCIES'': 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, mainly exceptionally fresh mint, some barely noticeable tissue paper fibre adherences on gum, otherwise unmounted, crease at lower right corner affecting two stamps, R3/8 shows the damaged ''4'' at SW corner. S.G. Spec. M24(2)/c, cat. £600+ (as singles).

Four Pence: 1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. orange on white paper watermarked Crown, very fine. Photo.This trial can be differentiated from the issued monocolour 4d. as the 1909 trials from the bicolour plates have smaller value circles, measuring about 51/2mm in diameter compared with about 6mm in diameter on the monocolour plate.

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

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

Four Pence: 1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. purple on white paper watermarked Crown, some perforations trimmed at left and small surface abrasion at lower right, otherwise fine. Photo.

Four Pence: 1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. brown on white paper watermarked Crown, some perforations slightly shallow at foot, otherwise fine. Photo.

Four Pence: 1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. olive-brown (not listed by S.G.) on white paper watermarked Crown, tiny corner perf. imperfection at lower left, otherwise very fine. Photo.

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

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

Four Pence: 1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. red on blue tinted paper (white back) on thick unwatermarked chalk surfaced paper, without gum, small faults but good appearance and very rare. Photo.

Four Pence: 1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. purple on orange tinted paper (white back) on thick unwatermarked chalk surfaced paper, a few perfs. clipped at lower left, otherwise fine. Photo.

Four Pence: 1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Bicolour Plates: 4d. deep purple on blue tinted paper (white back) on thick unwatermarked chalk surfaced paper, perforations slightly trimmed at foot, otherwise very fine. Photo.

Four Pence: 1909 De La Rue Colour Trial for Monocoloured Issue, printed from Monocolour Plates: 4d. yellow-orange, a few perforations very slightly shallow, 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. orange, 1911 die proof colour trial in KE VII colour on thick ungummed, unwatermarked paper (70 x 41mm), very fine. Photo.

Four Pence Monocolour: 1909 De La Rue: 4d. brown-orange imperforate imprimatur, very fine and fresh with large part original gum, natural gum wrinkles. Extremely rare, probably three or less exist in private hands. R.P.S. certificate (1981). S.G. Spec. M25(1) but imprimatur not listed for this value. Photo.

Four Pence Monocolour: 1909 De La Rue: 4d. orange imperforate plate proof on poor quality buff paper, a remarkable block of forty eight being the complete top four rows of the sheet, exceptionally fine for this, spectacular and rare. Ex Cecil Shaw. S.G. Spec. M25, cat. £2,880+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Four Pence Monocolour: 1909 De La Rue: 4d. brown-orange, a very fine and fresh mint block of four, upper right stamp a little heavily mounted, lower stamps unmounted except for tiny gum blemishes, an excellent example of the shade. S.G. 239, Spec. M25(1), cat. £720+ (as singles). Photo.

Four Pence Monocolour: 1911 Harrison perf. 14: 4d., a selection of ten good to fine mint singles showing a wide range of shades from light to deep. S.G. Spec. M26. (Photo internet).

Four Pence Monocolour: 1911 Harrison perf. 14: 4d. bright orange, a duller more orange shade in fine and fresh mint block of four, lower pair unmounted, one of the mounted stamps with light gum creasing. S.G. 278, Spec. M26(1), cat. £640+ (as singles). Photo.

Four Pence Monocolour: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: 4d., a mainly good to fine and fresh mint selection of shades, comprising three blocks of four and nine singles, fine range. (21). S.G. Spec. M27.

Four Pence Monocolour Plating Pieces: 1909 De La Rue: Plate 6a: 4d. orange-red [R1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four and [R18/1-20/3] SW corner block of nine with fine 1/2 cut under R20/2, 4d. pale orange [R1/9-2/12] NE corner block of eight and [R10/11-11/12] right marginal interpanneau block of four, mainly very fine and fresh mint, all but one stamp unmounted, three with gum creases. (4 items, 25 stamps). S.G. 240/241, Spec. M25(2 & 3), cat. £1,100+ (as singles). (Photo internet).

Four Pence Monocolour Plating Pieces: 1909 De La Rue: Plate 7a: 4d., a complete bottom strip with just one stamp [R20/1] remaining, [R19/1-20/2] SW corner block of four and [R20/1-3] SW corner strip, all showing the added fine 1/2 cut under R20/1, also [R19/10-20/3] SE corner block of six, mainly very fine and fresh mint, ten stamps unmounted (2 creased). (4 items, 14 stamps). (Photo internet).

Four Pence Monocolour Plating Pieces: 1909 De La Rue: Plate 8: 4d. [R1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four, [R1/10-2/12] NW corner block of six, [R10/1-11/2] left marginal interpanneau block of four and [R10/1-11/1] NW corner pair from lower pane showing large part ''D'' marginal watermark, mainly very fine and fresh mint, thirteen stamps unmounted (a few gum creases). S.G. 240/241, Spec. M25(2 & 3), cat. £645+ (as singles). (Photo internet).

Four Pence Monocolour Plating Pieces: 1909 De La Rue: Plate 10: 4d. pale orange or orange-red [R1/1-2/2] NW corner blocks of four (2), [R1/11-2/12] NE corner block of four, [R19/1-20/2] SW corner block of four and [R20/12] SE corner single, mainly fine and fresh mint, 12 stamps unmounted, a few imperfections, also 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14 4d. bright orange [R10/11-11/12] right marginal interpanneau block of four very fine and fresh mint with there stamps unmounted. S.G. 240/241 & 286, cat. £850+ (as singles). (Photo internet).

Four Pence Monocolour Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: Plate 6a: 4d. bright orange [R11/1-15/12] block of sixty, the upper five rows of the lower pane, perf. V3, exceptionally fresh mint, perfs. divided between 6th and 7th columns and rejoined with hinges and some other perf. reinforcement, 32 stamps unmounted, some creasing or gum creasing, otherwise fine and a very scarce multiple. Ex Cecil Shaw. S.G. 286, Spec. M27(1), cat. £2,760+ (as singles). Photo.

Four Pence Monocolour Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: Plate 6a: 4d. bright orange, a selection of five corner marginal blocks, comprising [R1/1-3/3] NE block of nine, [R1/1-2/3] NE block of six, [R1/11-2/12] NW block of four, and two [R10/11-11/12] right marginal interpanneau blocks of four both perf. V3, one with pierced orange dot in margin opposite interpane, mainly good to very fine fresh mint, 21 stamps unmounted (2 creased). (5 items, 27 stamps). S.G. 286, Spec. M27(1), cat. £1,440+ (as singles). (Photo internet).

Four Pence Monocolour Plating Pieces: 1911 Harrison perf. 15 x 14: Plate 7a: 4d. bright orange [R19/1-20/3] SW corner block of six with fine 1/2 cut under R20/1, also [R1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four in a deep shade, [R10/1] SW corner single from upper pane and [R20/12] SE corner single, mainly good to fine fresh mint, seven stamps unmounted (one with small tone spot), usual gum wrinkles. (4 items, 12 stamps). S.G. 286, Spec. M27, cat. £570+ (as singles). (Photo internet).

Five Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue: 5d. dull purple and ultramarine imperforate plate proof on poor quality buff paper, a block of forty eight, the top four rows of the sheet, head plate 3, duty plate 6, with R1/12 variety broken cross on crown (S.G. Spec. M29/30b), tear in sheet margin at top well clear of stamps and a few light creases as usual not detracting from appearance but in exceptional quality for such a multiple. Spectacular and rare. Ex Cecil Shaw. S.G. Spec. M28-30, cat. £2,880+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Five Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: 5d. dull purple and ultramarine variety frame broken at right, a used example showing the frame at right clearly broken away, neat ''GRAVESEND/NO 4/05'' squared circle, one perf. missing at lower right, otherwise fine. S.G. Spec. M28(1)b, although this appears to be a much clearer frame break than that illustrated in the catalogue. Photo.

Five Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: 5d. slate-purple and ultramarine, head plate 2, duty plate 4 [R1/1-2/2] 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), lovely deep shade, possibly just a trifle soiled. S.G. 242, Spec. M28(1). Photo.

Five Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 5d. dull purple and ultramarine [R19/7-20/8] block of four, the lower right stamp R20/8 showing head plate 2 break over lion's tail, very fine and fresh mint, three stamps (incl. variety) unmounted, tiny natural gum bubbles, lower left stamp with blunted perf. at foot, also [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four with patchy gum and diagonal crease affecting three. (2 items, 8 stamps). S.G. 242a, Spec. M29(1)/h. Photo.

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Head Plate 1, Duty Plate 3: 5d. dull purple and ultramarine [R16/1-20/12] block of sixty, the lower five rows of the lower pane, with head plate date cut under R20/2, perf. H1, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), some tiny paper fibre adherences on gum mostly in sheet margins and one stamp with insignificant tone spot on gum, folded vertically between central columns and a few perfs. separated. Trevor Clarke noted this plate as a great rarity. S.G. 242, Spec. M28(1), cat. £8,100+ (as singles). Photo.

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 4: 5d. dull purple and ultramarine [R3/1-10/12] block of ninety six, the lower eight rows of the upper pane, showing continuous head plate rule and short bar duty plate rules, very fresh unmounted mint, gum just a trifle yellowed and the third row with horizontal crease, a few other gum creases or wrinkles but otherwise in exceptional condition for such a rare multiple. S.G. 242, Spec. M28(1), cat. £14,400 (2005) as blocks of four and £12,960 as singles (Concise 2009). Photo.

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 4: 5d. slate-purple and ultramarine [R10/1-11/2 and R10/11-11/12] matching interpanneau marginal blocks of four from the left and right of the sheet, showing continuous head plate rule and short bar duty plate rules, very fresh mint, the lower pair in each block unmounted, the first block with slight creasing or gum creasing not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. Spec. M28(2), cat. £740+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Head Plate 3, Duty Plate 3: 5d. dull purple and ultramarine [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four, R20/11 showing frame break at foot of left value tablet, matched with a similar block of four on chalky paper with R20/11 showing further development (or possible attempted repair?) of the frame break with distortion to the frame line at lower right and upper right, mainly very fine and fresh mint, the lower pair in each block unmounted, the chalky block with slight rubbing. S.G. 242/242a, Spec. M28(1) & M29(1), cat. £790+ (as singles). Photo.

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Head Plate 3, Duty Plate 3: 5d. slate-purple and ultramarine, [R1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four, continuous head plate rules and short bar duty plate rules, exceptionally fine and fresh mint, three stamps unmounted (one with tiny gum blemishes). S.G. 242, Spec. M28(1), cat. £465+ (as singles). Photo.

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 5: 5d. complete bottom strip with one stamp [R20/1] remaining (unmounted), and [R19/1-20/2] SW corner block of four very fine mint (lower pair unmounted), each showing head plate cut under R20/1 and continuous duty plate rules, also [R1/11-2/12] NE corner block of four and [R9/11-10/12] SE corner block of four from upper pane fresh mint but with some foxing on gum. (4 items, 13 stamps). S.G. 242a/244, Spec. M29(1 & 2).

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Head Plate 3, Duty Plate 6: 5d. slate-purple and (bright) ultramarine [1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four and 5d. slate-purple and ultramarine [R1/11-2/12] matching NE corner block of four, the latter with R1/12 variety broken cross on crown, the first block with stamps unmounted but faint tone spots on gum of right pair, latter block with three stamps unmounted but some foxing on gum, both of superb colour and appearance. (8). S.G. Spec. M29(2)/b, cat. £950+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 3a, Duty Plate 5: 5d., a selection of four items, comprising a complete bottom strip with one stamp [R20/1] remaining, [R20/7-12] SE corner strip of six and [R19/10-20/12] SE corner block of four, all showing head plate date cuts under R20/11 and the two strips also showing the cut under R20/7, also [R19/1-20/2] SW corner block of four with R20/1 showing constant dot in third ''E'' of ''REVENUE'' (also showing on the bottom strip), all with continuous head plate rules, mainly very fine and fresh mint, twelve stamps unmounted, a few imperfections. (4 items, 17 stamps). S.G. Spec. M30. (Photo internet).

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 4b, Duty Plate 5: 5d. [R20/1-12] bottom strip of twelve and a further bottom strip with two stamps R20/11-12] remaining, printed in fluorescent plum inks, and [R20/10-12] SE corner strip in non fluorescent ink, each showing head plate cuts under R20/12, the complete bottom strip with perfs. separated between centre pair, otherwise fine with ten stamps unmounted, the other bottom strip with stamps unmounted but left stamp torn, the SE corner strip with R20/11 broken harp string (S.G. Spec. M30e but only 1st string broken), some tone spots and left stamp small thin, otherwise fine. (3 items, 17 stamps). S.G. Spec. M30. Photo.

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 4b, Duty Plate 5: 5d. dull reddish purple and bright blue complete sheet skeleton with one stamp [R20/1] remaining, shows head plate date cuts filled under R20/11 and added under R20/12 but those under R20/11 reappearing (unlisted by S.G. but very similar to the date cuts under both 11th and 12th stamps listed for 6d. plate 13c), affixed to a large sheet by margins to aid preservation. Thought to be extremely rare. Photo (detail).

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 4c, Duty Plate 5: 5d. deep plum and cobalt blue [R19/10/20/12] SE corner block of six, head plate date cuts filled under R20/11 and added under R20/12 but purple dot removed, gap in duty plate rule under R20/10; R20/11 with harp strings normal but R20/12 second lion 'headless' in upper left segment of shield, fine and fresh mint, three stamps unmounted. S.G. Spec. M30(4). Photo.

Five Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 4d, Duty Plate 5: 5d. deep plum and cobalt blue [R1/1-7/12] block of eighty four, the upper seven rows of the sheet including R1/1 with ''E'' of ''POSTAGE'' with top strokes joined (S.G. Spec. M30h) and R3/3 broken first harp string, exceptionally fresh mint with all but two stamps unmounted, some creasing and gum creasing not detracting from the superb appearance, a rare multiple. Ex Cecil Shaw. S.G. Spec. M30(4), cat. £4,595+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Six Pence Colour Trial: 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 purple, centre stamp with small fault at top almost certainly due to the nature of these trials, otherwise very fine and fresh with gum, the right stamp overprinted ''Purp(le)'' in green and with purple marginal rule at right, most unusual and very rare. S.G. Spec. M31, cat. from £9,000 (as singles). Photo.

Six Pence Die Proof Colour Trial: 6d. violet, 1911 die proof colour trial in proposed KG V colour on gummed unwatermarked paper (23 x 37mm), very fine. Photo.

Six Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 6d. dull lilac (F), a deep shade, plate 9 [R9/11-10/12] SE corner block of four from upper pane, exceptionally fine and fresh mint with three stamps unmounted, the mounted stamp with gum a little disturbed. S.G. Spec. M33(8), cat. £900+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Six Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 6d., a collection of purple shades on ordinary paper, a wide variety of shades in both fluorescent and non-fluorescent inks, comprising eight blocks of four, a plate 9 SE corner pair, and twelve singles, a most attractive assembly, about 13 stamps unmounted. (21 items, 46 stamps). S.G. Spec. M33. (Photo internet).

Six Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 6d. pale dull purple on plate glazed paper plate 9d. [R10/11-11/12] right marginal interpanneau block of four including R11/11 no cross on crown (also with light patch between King's head and crown) and R10/12 ''J'' flaw, R10/11 also shows clear dent in frame and lower right, purple dots in marginal scoops removed, R10/11 with tone spot at foot otherwise very fine and fresh mint with the lower pair unmounted. Ex Cecil Shaw. R.P.S. certificate (1958) erroneously states 'deep plum'. S.G. Spec. M33(6)/d/f, Concise cat. £1,615+ (as singles). Photo.

Six Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 6d. on plate glazed paper, a selection comprising three plate 11 SE corner pairs with date cuts under and just to right of ''P'' of R20/12, two blocks of four (one with lower right stamp showing break in oak leaf on right frame line), and three singles showing minor plate varieties, mainly very fine mint, six stamps unmounted, also 6d. deep plum on chalky, three mint blocks of four but with some foxing. (11 items, 29 stamps). S.G. Spec. M33(6 & 7) & M36. (Photo internet).

Six Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 6d. dull reddish purple on Dickinson coated paper, a fresh mint block of four, the upper pair with some gum disturbance, otherwise fine and fresh with the lower right stamp unmounted. S.G. 301, Spec. M34(2), cat. £1,150 (as singles). Photo.

Six Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 6d. bright magenta on chalky paper, a block of four overprinted ''SPECIMEN'' type 22, part original gum (disturbed in places), left pair with light gum creasing at left not detracting from appearance, lower right stamp with minor surface rubs, otherwise fine and a very rare multiple. Ex Cecil Shaw. B.P.A. certificate (2009). S.G. 296, Spec. M35s, Concise S148a, cat. £22,000 (as singles). Photo.

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Plate 1: 6d. pale dull purple [R1/1-7/12] block of eighty four, the top seven rows of the sheet, exceptionally fine and fresh mint, perfs. between six stamps in central columns reinforced with hinges and 5th column with unusual natural(?) shiny lines on gum, otherwise unmounted and in superb condition for such a rare multiple. S.G. 245, Spec. M31(1), cat. £6,090+ (as singles). Photo.

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Plate 6: 6d. pale dull purple [R1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four, 6d. slate-purple [R10/1-11/2 and 10/11-11/12] matching interpanneau marginal blocks of four from the left and right of the sheet showing purple dots in margin opposite the interpane margin, mainly very fine and fresh mint, seven stamps unmounted, upper pair (mounted) of last block with faint tone spot at top. (3 items, 12 stamps). S.G. 245/246, Spec. M31, cat. £725+ (as singles). (Photo internet).

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Plate 6: 6d. dull purple overprinted ''21/2/PIASTRES'' for use in British Levant (S.G. 24), a complete sheet divided into four blocks of sixty (12 x 5), R2/1 showing inner frame break at NW, R3/1 break under crown, cut under R20/1, superb with all but four stamps unmounted. (4 items, 240 stamps). S.G. Spec. M32(2).

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Plate 13: 6d. slate-purple [R20/11-12] SE corner pair, unused, treated to remove foxing which has removed virtually all of the gum. Very rare. Photo.

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 2a: 6d. dark purple [R1/1-3/12-4/5-12] block of forty four being the top three rows of the sheet less the first four stamps of the fourth row, continuous rules (the only plate used by Somerset House with continuous rules), exceptionally fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), five stamps creased not detracting from appearance, otherwise very fine, usual gum creases or wrinkles. S.G. 300, Spec. M33(5), cat. £2,420+ (as singles). Photo.

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 2a: 6d. dark purple [R10/11-11/12] right marginal interpanneau block of four showing the two circular scoops containing purple dots cutting into the last two pillars in interpane margin between, R11/12 showing frame broken at lower right, fine and fresh mint, a very scarce postional multiple. S.G. Spec. M33(5)/ba. (Photo internet).

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 2a: 6d. dark purple [R10/12-11/12] right marginal interpanneau pair showing the two circular scoops containing purple dots cutting into the last two pillars in interpane margin between, R11/12 showing frame broken at lower right, a later stage with the breaks very clear, fresh mint, a little heavily mounted with slight gum seepage on top stamp, and fold in interpane margin, a very scarce positional multiple. S.G. Spec. M33(5)/ba. (Photo internet).

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 9: The balance of the study of the states of plate 9 with coextensive rules, including plate 9a [R20/1-12] complete bottom strip of twelve and another bottom strip with six stamps remaining, plate 9c [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four, plate 9d [R18/11-20/12] SE corner blocks of eight, six and four, plate 9d 6d. deep plum on chalky bottom multiple of sixteen comprising the complete bottom strip and R18/11-19/12 block of four, and a variety of other marginal multiples. (13 items, 78 stamps). S.G. Spec. M33 & 36. (Photo internet).

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 9a: 6d. dull lilac (F) [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four with date cuts and margin dot under R20/12, the portion of sheet margin by R19/12 detached and rejoined with hinges and also with slight staining clear of stamps, the stamps good to very fine and fresh mint with one unmounted and one with gum wrinkles. S.G. Spec. M33(8), cat. £700+ (as singles, 2005) but the plate state unpriced and rare. Photo.

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 9b: 6d. dark purple (blackish shade showing golden brown fluorescence) [R19/9-20/12] SE corner block of eight with date cuts and margin dot under R20/12, and white rule dot in margin at right of the same position, fine and fresh mint, two stamps in upper row a little heavily mounted, lower four stamps unmounted, very scarce. S.G. Spec. M33(5), plate state unpriced. Photo.

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 10: 6d. dull purple on Dickinson coated paper, an atttractive pale shade [R20/10-12] SE corner strip of three with date cuts under and just to left of ''P'' of R20/12, right sheet, fine and fresh mint, the centre stamp a little heavily mounted, the other two with just a trace of a hinge. S.G. 301, M34(1), cat. £750+ (as singles). Photo.

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 10: 6d. dull reddish purple on Dickinson coated paper, [R10/11-12] SE corner pair from upper pane, right sheet, showing caharteristic shape of marginal rule opposite the interpane margin, fresh very lightly mountedmint, the left stamp with almost imperceptible trace of a hinge, faint foxing mainly in intepane margin, otherwise fine. S.G. 301, M34(2), cat. £500. Photo.

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 11: A selection of corner marginal pieces (6), comprising ordinary paper 6d. reddish purple [R10/11-11/12] right marginal interpanneau block of four (right margin detached and rejoined with hinges), [R11/1-12/6] NW corner block of twelve from lower pane, [R18/11-20/12] SE corner block of six, deep plum on chalky [R1/11-2/12] NE corner block of four, [R20/1-4] SW corner strip of four and [R18/11-20/12] SE corner block of six, both the SE corner blocks of six with date cuts under and just to the right of R20/12 and white rule dot at right of R18, mainly good to very fine fresh mint, about 27 stamps unmounted (3 with creases and a few of the chalky paper with foxing on gum). (6 items, 36 stamps). S.G. 298 & 303, M33 & 36, cat. £1,755+ (as singles). (Photo internet).

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 11: 6d. on Dickinson paper, [R9/11-10/12] SE corner block of four from upper pane, and [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four (clipped sheet margins) with cuts under and just to the right of R20/12, some foxing particularly on the latter block, otherwise fine mint with four stamps unmounted, contrasting shades. S.G. 301, cat. £2,600 (as singles). Photo.

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 11: 6d. pale reddish purple, distinctly mauve shades on ordinary or plate glazed papers, [R19/11-20/12] SE corner blocks of four (2) and [R19/10-20/12] SE corner block of six, each with date cuts under and just to the right of R20/12, one block of four and the block of six also showing bulge to rule at right of R19, also [R1/1-2] NW corner pair, good to very fine and fresh mint, ten stamps unmounted. S.G. Spec. M33. Photo.

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 13a: 6d. Royal purple (F) [R11/1-20/12] the complete lower pane of 120, date cuts under R20/2, 4 and 11, exceptionally fine and fresh mint, three stamps with gum disturbance or adherences, otherwise unmounted, some perf. separation and reinforcement in sheet margins where folded, natural diagonal gum creasing and about ten stamps with heavier gum creases or creases not detracting from appearance. The watermark is misplaced to left with around half of the marginal ''POSTAGE'' watermark at right appearing on the stamps. A stunning and probably unique multiple in this spectacular shade. S.G. 295, Spec. M33(1), cat. £11,265+ + (as singles). Photo.

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 13a: 6d. very deep reddish purple (F) [R20/1-10] bottom strip of ten and [R20/11-12] corner pair from a different sheet, combined to make a complete bottom strip of twelve with date cuts under R20/2, 4 and 11, good to very fine and fresh mint, six stamps unmounted. S.G. 299, Spec. M33(3), cat. £810+ (as singles). Photo.

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 13b: 6d. dull lilac (F) [R20/11-12] SE corner pair with date cuts under ''EN'' R20/12 almost obscured, fresh lightly mounted mint, right stamp with heavy diagonal gum crease not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine and rare. S.G. Spec. M33(8), plate state unpriced. Photo.

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 13b: 6d. dull lilac (F) [R10/11-12] SE corner pair from upper pane with full sheet margin showing marginal pillars with scoops and dots under R10/12, purple dot to right of interpane margin removed, fine and fresh mint with large part original gum, right stamp with gum creases, rare. S.G. Spec. M33(8). Photo.

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 13c: 6d. dark purple (golden brown fluorescence) [R20/11-12] SE corner pair showing the rare variety date cuts under both ''CE'' R20/11 and ''P'' of R20/12, also showing the white rule dot to right of R20, very fine and fresh mint, left stamp unmounted. S.G. Spec. M33(5), plate state unpriced. Photo.

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 14a: 6d. Royal purple (F) and 6d. reddish purple (F), matching [R1/11-2/12] NW corner blocks of four showing development of R1/11 '4th leaf flaw' at upper left which shows very clearly on the second block, fine and fresh mint, natural gum crease or wrinkles, former block with upper pair unmounted, latter with all stamps unmounted. A most attractive pair in vividly contrasting shades, each showing added dot in margin above R1/12. S.G. 295/298var. Spec. M33(1 & 3)var. Photo.

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 14a: 6d. dull purple (F) and 6d. reddish purple (F) [R19/11-20/12] matching SE corner blocks of four showing date cuts under ''EN'' of R20/11 and margin dot below R20/12, each with R19/11 showing plate damage to right frame line, good to fine and very fresh mint, lower pair in each unmounted, former with tiny printing ink offsets on gum. S.G. 297 & 298, Spec. M33(2 & 4), cat. £340+ (as singles). Photo.

Six Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 14a: 6d. very deep reddish purple (F) [R19/11-20/12] SE corner block of four showing date cuts under ''EN'' of R20/11 and margin dot below R20/12, R19/11 shows plate damage to right frame line, fine and very fresh mint, upper pair a little heavily mounted, lower pair unmounted, superb colour. S.G. 299, Spec. M33(3), cat. £270+ (as singles). Photo.

Seven Pence: 1910 Colour Trials on white paper watermarked Crown: 7d. in yellow-olive, a few perforations trimmed at lower left, otherwise fine. Photo.

Seven Pence: 1910 Colour Trials on white paper watermarked Crown: 7d. in sage-green, very fine. Photo.

Seven Pence: 1910 Colour Trials on white paper watermarked Crown: 7d. in pale blue, perforations a little trimmed at right, otherwise very fine. Photo.

Seven Pence: 1910 Colour Trials on white paper watermarked Crown: 7d. in bright mauve (Tyrian-plum), horizontal crease at foot and some perforations very slightly trimmed at left, otherwise fine. Ex J.T. Clarke. Photo.

Seven Pence: 1910 Colour Trials on white paper watermarked Crown: 7d. in pale red-brown, a few perforations very slightly trimmed at left, otherwise very fine. Photo.

Seven Pence: 1910 Colour Trials on white paper watermarked Crown: 7d. in brown, a few perforations very slightly trimmed at left, otherwise very fine. Photo.

7d. pale blue, 1911 die proof colour trial in proposed KG V colour on gummed unwatermarked paper (24 x 33mm), slight thining, otherwise very fine. Photo.

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

Seven Pence Plating Pieces: 1910 De La Rue: Plate 2: 7d. grey-black [R20/1-12] complete bottom strip with cut under R20/1, perf H1, very fine and fresh mint, nine stamps unmounted, usual minor natural gum creasing, scarce. S.G. 249, Spec. M37(1). Photo.

Seven Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 1a: 7d. slate-grey [R20/1-12] complete bottom strip with cuts under R20/2 and ''& R'' of 12th, perf. V1A, two [R20/11-12] SE corner pairs, and [R19/1-20/2] SW corner block of four, mainly good to very fine and fresh mint, the strip with all stamps unmounted (last stamp corner fault), the upper pair of the block with some foxing on gum. (4 items, 20 stamps). S.G. 305, Spec. M38(2). (Photo internet).

Seven Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Plate 2a: 7d. slate-grey [R20/1-12] complete bottom strip with cuts under R20/1 and ''RE'' of 12th, perf. V1, [R19/10-20/12] SE corner block of six, [R20/1-12] SE corner strip, [R19/1-20/2] SW corner block of four and [R1/1-22] NW corner block of four, mainly good to fine and fresh mint, nineteen stamps unmounted (one with corner fault), a few gum creases, the two strips in deeper shades. (4 items, 29 stamps). Photo.

Nine Pence Die Proof: A die proof of the head plate only, in black on glazed card (92 x 60mm) without markings, gum remnants on reverse and indentation on reverse from pencilled number, well clear of the proof, otherwise very fine and rare. S.G. Spec. M39. Photo.

Nine Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 9d. reddish purple and light blue, both very pale pastel shades, head plate 2, duty plate 1, pane A [R1/1-2/2] top marginal block of four with head plate cut over R1/2, very fine and fresh mint, three stamps unmounted, some perfs. separated between and reinforced in sheet margin. S.G. 306var., Spec. M41(1)var. Photo.

Nine Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 9d. in a reddish purple and light blue shade similar to the first Somerset House printing but under UV the blue matches the cobalt blue of the sixth printing and the purple is very fluorescent confirming the sixth printing, shows distorted ''d'' in SW tablet (pane C R3/5), fine mint and very rare. Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Head Plate 1, Duty Plate 1: 9d. dull purple and ultramarine, pane E [R1/3-2/4] top marginal block of four, very fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margin). S.G. 251, Spec. M39(2), cat. £800 (2005). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Head Plate 1, Duty Plate 1: 9d. dull purple and ultramarine, a superb mint block of twelve, being the first three columns of pane F, all but one stamp unmounted, three with small gum creases or wrinkles. S.G. 251, Spec. M39(2), cat. £1,560+ (as singles). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Head Plate 1, Duty Plate 1: 9d. dull purple and ultramarine, the lower half of a complete Post Office sheet, comprising panes G and H se-tenant with head plate cut under R5/1 of pane G, superb unmounted mint (mounted in margins), a remarkable multiple. S.G. 250, Spec. M39(1), cat. £7,800+ (as singles). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 2: 9d. slate-purple and deep ultramarine, complete pane (A) of twenty with head plate cut over R1/2, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins and one stamp with slight natural gum blemish), rare. S.G. Spec. M39(3), cat. £4,000+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 2: 9d. slate-purple and ultramarine, complete pane (D) of twenty with R1/5 showing single head plate crack at lower left (early stage of S.G. M40b but not listed on ordinary paper), very fine and fresh mint, sixteen stamps unmounted, a few gum wrinkles and tiny paper fibre adherences on gum. S.G. 251, Spec. M39(2), cat. £3,480+ (as singles). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 2: 9d. dull purple and ultramarine pane G [R1/1-2] NW corner pair, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), watermark misplaced to top. S.G. 250, Spec. M39(1), cat. £390+ (as singles). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Head Plate 1, Duty Plate 1: 9d. slate-purple and ultramarine, unbroken sheet centre interpanneau block of four (panes E, F, G and H), lower left stamp with perfs. just a trifle trimmed at left, otherwise very fine and fresh mint with the lower stamps unmounted, a very scarce multiple in this format. S.G. 251a, Spec. M40(3). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 2: 9d. slate-purple and ultramarine, pane D [R1/4-2/5] NE corner block of four with R1/5 showing head plate cracks at lower left (S.G. Spec. M40b), of excellent deep colour and very fine appearance but rather foxed on gum, also pane D [R3/4-4/5] SE corner block of four in a very pale shade, fine mint with one stamp unmounted. (8). S.G. Spec. M40. Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 2: 9d. slate-purple and ultramarine complete pane (H) of twenty mainly very fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), a few slight printing ink offsets on gum and very faint trace of tone spots on back of a few perfs., superb colour and appearance. S.G. Spec. M40(2)/var., cat. £3,500+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 1: 9d. reddish purple and light blue, pane B [R1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four including with R1/1 left frame cracked (S.G. Spec M41g) and R1/2 showing significant damage to duty plate at right including weakening of the frame line and damage to the SW frame line around the 9d. at upper right, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins). S.G. 306, Spec. M41(1)/g/var., cat. £700+ (as singles). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 1: 9d. reddish purple and light blue, the top half of the Post Office sheet comprising panes E and F se-tenant (divided between and rejoined with hinges), exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), usual minor gum bends or wrinkles, a deeper shade. S.G. 306a, Spec. M41(2), cat. £7,000+ (as singles). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2, Duty Plate 1: 9d. reddish purple and light blue, complete pane (H) of twenty, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins). S.G. 306, Spec. M41(1), cat. £3,500+ (as singles). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2a, Duty Plate 1: 9d. deep dull reddish purple and deep bright 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, very fine and fresh mint, three stamps unmounted, one with slight gum crease. S.G. 306a, Spec. M41(2), cat. £605+ (as singles). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2a, Duty Plate 1: 9d. deep dull reddish purple and deep bright blue pane E [R1/1-2] NW corner pair, fine and fresh mint, right stamp unmounted (gum crease), also 9d. dull reddish purple and blue pane E [R4/4-5] pair, fine and fresh mint, left stamp unmounted. (2 items, 4 stamps). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2a, Duty Plate 1: 9d. dull reddish purple and blue panes F-H se-tenant skeleton with one stamp [pane H R1/5] remaining and showing the added purple date dots under pane H R4/4, the stamp fine unmounted mint, also pane 9d. deep dull reddish purple and bright blue pane E [R1/1-2/2] NW corner block of four, fine mint (upper pair with gum crease). (Photo internet).

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2a/2b, Duty Plate 1: 9d. dull reddish purple and blue head plate 2a panes D and H [R4/4-5] SE corner pairs with added dots under R4/4, former matched with two SE corner pairs (one with complete bottom margin of pane) head plate 2b with dots removed and two cuts added under R4/4, and latter matched with plate 2b [R3/4-4/5] SE corner block of four and pane G-H se-tenant bottom strip with one stamp remaining [pane G R1/1] with dots removed and two cuts added under R4/4. Mainly good to fine mint, five stamps unmounted, a rare group. (6 items, 13 stamps). Plate 2a pane H pair with R.P.S. certificate (1951). S.G. 307, Spec. M41(3). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2c, Duty Plate 1: 9d. slate-purple and cobalt-blue (F), a partial reconstruction of panes A to D, comprising pane A [R1/1] NW corner single, panes A-B top marginal interpanneau block of four, panes A-C left marginal and right marginal interpanneau pairs, pane C [R4/1 and 4/5] corner singles, [R3/4-4/5] block of four (without sheet margins, R3/5 showing distorted ''d'' in SW tablet), and pane D [R4/4-5] SE corner pair with fine cuts under R4/5, fine to very fine and fresh mint, five stamps unmounted, also three 'Blitz' damaged pieces, pane A [R1/1-2/1] NW corner block of four, [R1/4-5] NE corner pair, and pane B [R1/4-5] NE corner pair, pane E [R1/1-2] NW corner pair and [R3/1-4/2] SW corner block of four. A remarkable assembly. (13 items, 31 stamps). S.G. 308, Spec. M41(4), cat. £3,180+ (as singles for the 17 fine stamps). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 2c, Duty Plate 1: 9d. slate-purple and cobalt-blue (F), complete pane (G) of twenty, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), two stamps with light gum crease and another with tiny natural paper flaw on reverse mentioned only for accuracy. A superb and 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, a reconstructed Post Office sheet of eighty, comprising a se-tenant pair of panes A and B (head plate 1 replacing head plate 2), together with single panes C and D, showing head plate cut above R1/2 of pane A and fine cuts added under R4/5 of pane D, pane B includes R1/1 and R4/1 both with left frame cracked, and pane D head plate flaws R1/2 damaged upper right corner and R2/2 damaged upper right corner but both stamps with surface abrasion, the pair of panes a little toned, otherwise mainly fine and fresh mint with all but about eight stamps unmounted, pane C with four stamps creased. S.G. 307, Spec. M41(3), cat. £9,120+ (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, being the substituted pane A from head plate 1 with cut over R1/1, very fresh mint, some perfs. and reinforced with hinges, fourteen stamps unmounted, one stamp creased and several with gum creases or bends, otherwise fine and rare. S.G. 307, Spec. M41(3), cat. £2,040+ (as singles). Photo.

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 3, Duty Plate 3: 9d. dull reddish purple and blue pane D [R3/4-4/5] SE corner block of four, [R4/4-5] SE corner pair and 9d. deep plum and blue [R4/4-5] SE corner pair, all showing serrated head plate cuts under R4/5, good to fine fresh mint, the pairs rather heavily mounted. (3 items, 8 stamps). S.G. 307/307a, Spec. M41(3 & 5), cat. £480+ (as singles).

Nine Pence Plating Pieces: 1911-13 Somerset House: Head Plate 3, Duty Plate 3: 9d. dull reddish purple and blue panes G-H se-tenant bottom strip of ten with serrated date cuts under R4/5 of pane H, mainly very fine and fresh mint, eight stamps unmounted, one of the mounted stamps (pane H R4/5) creased, not detracting from appearance. S.G. 307, Spec. M41(3), cat. £1,080+ (as singles). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue: 10d. dull purple and carmine imperforate plate proof on poor quality buff paper, head plate 2, duty plate 2, complete pane (Z) of forty eight, a few marginal imperfections but the stamps mainly very fine, an exceptional and probably unique pane. S.G. Spec. M42, cat. £4,800++ (2005, as singles). Photo.

Ten Pence: Complete Sheet Skeletons: 1902-10 De La Rue 10d. ordinary paper head plate 1, duty plate 1, 10d. chalky paper head plate 2, duty plate 2, 1911-13 Somerset House 10d., head plate 2a, duty plate 1 and head plate 2b, duty plate 1, complete sheet skeletons, all panes W and X and each with one stamp remaining, wonderful reference, each written up with detailed notes indicating constant flaws in the marginal rules etc. (4 items).

Ten Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: 10d. slate-purple and carmine pink, the truly magnificent complete pane of forty eight, being pane W, head plate 1, duty plate 1, superb unmounted mint (mounted in margins), R1/8-10 and 12 and R3/11-12 each showing no cross on crown or very nearly so, stunning vibrant colours. One of the gems of the collection. B.P.A. certificate (2009). S.G. Spec. M42(3), cat. £22,800++ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: 10d. slate-purple and carmine-pink, a very fine and fresh mint block of four, lower pair unmounted, upper pair very lightly mounted. B.P.A. certificate (2009). S.G. Spec. M42(3), cat. £1,550+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: 10d. slate-purple and carmine-pink, a very fine and fresh mint NW corner pair from lower pane, stamps with virtually full original gum. B.P.A. certificate (2009). S.G. Spec. M42(3), cat. £600+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: 10d. slate-purple and carmine, an exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint SW corner block of four (mounted in margins), from upper pane, pane W, head plate 1, duty plate 1 [R3/1-4/2], just a little rubbed as usual. S.G. 255, Spec. M43(2), cat. £900+ (as singles). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 10d. slate-purple and carmine on thin paper reacting to the chalky test (OCP), a fine and fresh mint top marginal block of four (head plate 2, pane Y R1/5-2/6), stamps unmounted, one with small natural gum line and internal wrinkle and another with short gum crease at foot. S.G. Spec. M43(2), cat. £900+. Photo.

Ten Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 10d. slate-purple and carmine, a fine and fresh mint lower marginal block of four from upper pane, pane W, head plate 1, duty plate 1 [R3/10-4/11], just a little rubbed as usual, lower pair unmounted. S.G. 255, Spec. M43(2), cat. £630+ (as singles). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 10d. slate-purple and deep carmine, an unmounted mint top marginal block of six from lower pane (mounted in margins), pane X [R1/7-2/9] with R1/9 showing quoin damage, a trifle rubbed as usual and R1/8 with small colour suffusion spot, otherwise fine and very scarce, typical De La Rue gum. S.G. Spec. M43(3), cat. £2,400+ (as singles). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 10d. slate-purple and deep carmine, NE corner pair [R1/11-12] from pane Y, head plate 2, duty plate 2, each stamp with very weak cross on crown (left stamp with crown almost completely missing), fine lighty mounted mint with typical slightly brownish De La Rue gum, sheet margins trimmed. S.G. Spec. M43(3), cat. £500+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 10d. slate-purple and deep (glossy) carmine overprinted ''4 PIASTRES'' for use in British Levant, a complete Post Office sheet of ninety six, head plate 2, duty plate 2, panes W and X, superb unmounted mint (mounted in margins and some perfs. separated and reinforced in interpanneau margin between). An extraordinary example of this shade, wonderful reference and stunning appearance. B.P.A. certificate (2009). (S.G. Spec. M43(4) and would catalogue £240,000 (2005) without the overprint!). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 10d. dull purple and scarlet, an exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint upper marginal block of four from lower pane (head plate 2, pane Z R1/7-2/8), mounted in margin, one stamp with tiny gum disturbance. S.G. 256, Spec. M43(5), cat. £960+ (as singles). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 10d. dull purple and scarlet, a block of twenty four, the left half of pane Y [head plate 2, duty plate 2, R1/1-4/6], R1/5 and R4/5 both shoing quoin damage and R4/4 with flaw to left of base of right ''1'' of ''10d'', exceptionally fine and fresh mint, stamps unmounted except one with tiny adherence on gum, R4/2 with slight surface marks, folded horizontally between 3rd and 4th rows, a rare multiple. S.G. 256, Spec. M43(5), cat. £5,760+ (as singles). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 10d. dull purple and scarlet, a very fine and fresh unmounted mint NW corner block of four from upper pane (mounted in margin), head plate 1, duty plate 1, slight corner crease in sheet margin well clear of stamps. S.G. 256, Spec. M43(5), cat. £960+ (as singles). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 10d. dull purple and scarlet, a very fine and fresh mint marginal block of four [R1/11-2/12] from pane Z, head plate 2, duty plate 2, lower pair unmounted, . S.G. 256, Spec. M43(5), cat. £670+ (as singles). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 10d. dull purple and scarlet, a fresh mint SE corner block of four from lower pane [head plate 2, duty plate 2, pane X R3/11-4/12], lower right stamp with diagonal crease or heavy diagonal gum crease and upper right stamp a little soiled, otherwise fine with the lower pair unmounted. S.G. 256, Spec. M43(5), cat. £670+ (as singles). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 10d. dull reddish purple and scarlet, a very fine and fresh mint block of four, lower pair unmounted. B.P.A. certificate (2009). S.G. Spec. M44(1), cat. £1,000+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 10d. dull purple and scarlet (F) NW corner block of four from lower pane, head plate 2, duty plate 1, pane X [R1/1/2/2], exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins). S.G. 309, Spec. M44(2), cat. £640+ (as singles). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 10d. dull purple and scarlet (F) SE corner block of four from lower pane, head plate 2a, duty plate 1a, pane X [R3/11-4/12] with head plate date cutes under R4/11 and red margin dot under R1/12, fine and fresh mint, lower pair unmounted, upper pair lightly mounted, minor gum creases. S.G. 309, Spec. M44(2), cat. £480+ (as singles). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 10d. dull reddish purple and deep scarlet (slight fluorescence), a fresh mint SW corner pair, pane Z, head plate 2, duty plate 1, head plate 2 cut under R4/1 and white duty plate flaw to left of the same stamp, large part original gum, small imperfections not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine and very scarce. B.P.A. certificate (2009). S.G. M44(4), cat. £520+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 10d. dull reddish purple and aniline pink (F), an exceptionally fine and fresh mint block of twenty four (mounted in margins), the complete lower half of pane Z, head plate 2a, duty plate 1a, head plate 2 cut under R4/1 and white duty plate flaw to left of the same stamp, date cuts added under R4/8 and 11, all but six stamps unmounted, a few gum wrinkles and four with gum creases, a very rare multiple. B.P.A. certificate (2009). S.G. 310, Spec. M44(5), cat. £10,200+ (as singles). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 10d. dull reddish purple and aniline pink (strong fluorescence), a fine and fresh mint SW corner pair, pane Z, head plate 2, duty plate 1, head plate 2 cut under R4/1 and white duty plate flaw to left of the same stamp, large part original gum with minute blacks specks. Ex Cecil Shaw. R.P.S. certificate (1952). S.G. 310, Spec. M44(5). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 10d. dull reddish purple and carmine, a very fine and fresh mint block of four, lower pair unmounted. S.G. 311, Spec. M43(6), cat. £440+ (as singles). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 10d. deep dull purple and carmine, head plate 2, duty plate 1, pane Z [R2/1-4/7] SW corner block of twenty one, exceptionally fine and fresh mint, all but two stamps unmounted, R4/5 shows unusual carmine printing ink flaw above left ''10''. S.G. Spec. M44(7), cat. £2,560+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 10d. deep dull purple and carmine, head plate 2, duty plate 1, pane Y [R4/11-12] - pane Z [R1/11-12] right marginal interpanneau block of four, very fine and fresh mint, two stamps unmounted. S.G. Spec. M44(7), cat. £360+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 10d. deep dull purple and carmine, head plate 2b, duty plate 1a, pane Z bottom strip with two stamps [R4/11-12] remaining, shows head plate date cuts to left of centre of R4/12, very fine and fresh mint, stamps unmounted, very scarce. S.G. Spec. M44(7), cat. £220+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 10d. dark plum and carmine (plate glazed paper), a block of twenty four, the left half of pane X, head plate 2, duty plate 1 [R1/1-4/6], exceptionally fresh mint, R4/5 shows early stage of quoin damage, perforations between two stamps reinforced with hinge and another with creasing 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 lower margin. S.G. Spec. M44(8), cat. £2,560+ (as singles, 2005). Photo.

Ten Pence: 1911-13 Somerset House: 10d. dark purple and carmine, pane Y, head plate 2, duty plate 1 [R2/2] single showing the very rare repaired SW corner ('nine dot flaw'), very fine and fresh mint. S.G. Spec. M44(8)h, 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.

One Shilling: 1902-10 De La Rue: 1s., a mainly good to fine mint collection of corner marginal plating pieces comprising four blocks of four (one ordinary paper H1/B2 NW corner block with R2/1 showing frame break at left), two strips of three (one irregular), pairs (5, one a Blitz damaged H1/B2 SW corner pair, another chalky paper H1/B2 NW corner block with R2/1 showing frame break at left), and two singles (one with full left sheet margin), about fifteen stamps unmounted, some imerfections, also a block of 35 (probably R4/8-10/12) on chalky paper overprinted ''5 PIASTRES'' for use in British Levant. (14 items, 69 stamps).

One Shilling: 1902-10 De La Rue Ordinary Paper: 1s. dull green and bright carmine, a NE corner block of four, head plate 1, border plate 2, upper pane [R1/11-2/12], matched with a similar block of the 1900 1s. green and carmine showing use of the same border plate (corner cut away on the KE VII piece), mainly very fine and fresh mint, the QV block with stamps unmounted but colour a little run on upper pair, KE VII block with two stamps unmounted. S.G. 214 & 257, Spec. K41 & M45(2), cat. £840+ (as singles). Photo.

One Shilling: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 1s. dull green and carmine, a very fresh mint left marginal block of twenty four, head plate 1 [R5/1-8/6] (mounted in margin), R7/4 showing large 'bullet hole' flaw above King's forehead due to a circular piece of foreign matter being attached during printing and which has since been removed, about six stamps with traces of slight foxing on gum not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine and a rare multiple of excellent colour and appearance with all but one stamp unmounted. S.G. 257a, Spec. M46(1), cat. £4,220+ (as singles). Photo.

One Shilling: 1902-10 De La Rue Chalky Paper: 1s. dull green and carmine on thin paper which responds to the chalky test (OCP), head plate 2, border plate 3, upper pane [R9/1-10/2] SW corner block of four, very fresh mint, gum a little disturbed, otherwise fine. S.G. 257a, Spec. M46(1), cat. £425 (2005). Photo.

One Shilling: 1911-13 Somerset House: 1s. dark green and scarlet head plate 2, border plate 5, lower pane NW corner block of four, very fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins). S.G. 312, Spec. M47(1), cat. £880+ (as singles). Photo.

One Shilling: 1911-13 Somerset House: 1s. dark green and scarlet head plate 2a, border plate 5, lower pane SE corner block of four [R19/11-20/12] with no date cuts or margin dot but with R20/11 frame broken at foot but without scratch behind ear, fine and fresh mint, the lower pair unmounted (one with tiny gum blemish). Very rare. S.G. 312, Spec. M47(1), plate state unpriced. Photo.

One Shilling: 1911-13 Somerset House: 1s. dark green and scarlet, exceptionally intense shades, a fine and fresh mint pair. S.G. Spec. M47(1)var. Photo.

One Shilling: 1911-13 Somerset House: 1s. deep green and scarlet, head plate 2b, border plate 5, lower pane SE corner block of four with wide head plate date cuts under R20/11 which also shows scratch behind ear and frame broken at foot, very fine and fresh mint, the lower pair unmounted but most unusually a pre-perforation paper fold has left a section of sheet margin folded under and adhering to the reverse of R20/12 and which has then been perforated through. S.G. 313, Spec. M47(2)/da. Photo.

One Shilling: 1911-13 Somerset House: 1s. deep green and scarlet, head plate 2b, border plate 5, upper pane SE corner block of four with wide head plate date cuts under R10/11, very fine and fresh mint, two stamps unmounted, unusually thick shiny gum. S.G. 313, Spec. M47(2), cat. £480+ (as singles). Photo.

One Shilling: 1911-13 Somerset House: 1s. green and scarlet with watermark inverted and misplaced, upper pane, a SW corner block of six [R9/1-10/3], fine and very fresh mint, three stamps unmounted, some perfs. separated between lower left stamp and sheet margin. S.G. 313Wi, Spec. M47(4), cat. £1,035+ (as singles). Photo.

One Shilling: 1911-13 Somerset House: 1s. green and scarlet, lower pane, head plate 2b, border plate 5a SE corner block of six [R19/10-20/12] showing wide date cuts under R20/11 which also shows scratch at back of ear and frame break at foot repaired, red margin dot under R20/12, upper stamps with some gum disturbance and small stain affecting two, lower stamps very fine unmounted, also upper pane NE corner single very fine and fresh mint (stamp unmounted) and a Blitz damaged NE corner block of four from lower pane. (3 items, 11 stamps). S.G. Spec. M47(4). Photo.

One Shilling: 1911-13 Somerset House: 1s. green and carmine, head plate 2c, border plate 5a, the complete lower pane of 120 with head plate cuts under R20/12 and red margin dots, 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, unmounted mint except one with paper fibre adherence on gum (mounted in margins), gum a little toned and one row with gum creasing but not detracting from the appearance of this very rare and probably unique item. S.G. 314, cat. £15,000+ (as singles), Spec. M47(5), cat. £19,500+ (as blocks of four, 2005). Photo.

One Shilling: 1911-13 Somerset House: 1s. green and carmine, a lower marginal block of twenty four, head plate 2d, border plate 5b, upper pane [R8/5-10/12] with head plate cuts under R10/12 and red margin dot removed, very fresh mint with all but two stamps unmounted, about twelve stamps with vertical creases and some gum creasing but of very fine appearance. S.G. 314, Spec. M47(5), cat. £2,860+ (as singles). Photo.

One Shilling: 1911-13 Somerset House: 1s. green and carmine, head plate 2c, border plate 5a, two SE corner pairs from upper pane and two from the lower pane, all with head plate date cuts and red margin dot under right stamp, the lower pane pairs also with left stamps with vertical scratch behind King's ear (S.G. Spec. M47dc), also NE corner block of four from upper pane and SW corner block of four from lower pane, mainly good to very fine fresh mint, nine stamps unmounted. (6 items, 16 stamps). S.G. 314, Spec. M47(5), cat. £1,760 (2005).

2s.6d. die proof in black on glazed card (92 x 61mm), stamped ''BEFORE/HARDENING'' and dated ''8 NOV. 01'' in blue, very fine. S.G. Spec. M48, cat. £2,250 (2005). Photo.

10s. die proof in black on glazed card (92 x 61mm), stamped ''AFTER/HARDENING'', dated ''22 NOV. 01'' in blue, endorsed 'HW' and further dated '25/11/01' in manuscript, very fine. S.G. Spec. M53, cat. £2,500 (2005). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue: 2s.6d. dull purple, double impression, imperforate plate proof on poor quality buff paper, [6/1-72] SW corner block of four from upper pane showing marginal pillars, very fine, some creasing in sheet margin. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue: 2s.6d. dull purple on chalky paper overprinted ''12 PIASTRES'' for use in British Levant (S.G. 11b), a complete lower pane of fifty six, mainly very fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), folded with some perf. separation and minor creasing, traces of a few tiny fox spots on gum, superb colour and appearance. S.G. cat. £2,128+ (as singles, £30,800 without the overprint!). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue: 5s., a selection of five mainly fine and fresh mint shades showing different degrees of suffusion and fluorescence of the printing ink, one being quite extreme and probably due to chemical treatment. (5). S.G. 263, Spec. M51(1 & 2), cat. £1,750. Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue: 5s. bright carmine (F) overprinted ''24 PIASTRES'' for use in British Levant (S.G. 12), a complete upper pane of fifty six, mainly very fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted in margins), folded with some perf. separation and minor creasing. S.G. cat. £1,792+ (as singles, £42,000 without the overprint!). Photo.

1902-10 De La Rue: 10s. ultramarine plate 1 (without markings), [R14/7-8] SE corner pair from lower pane, (mounted in margin), usual minor gum wrinkles, some creasing in sheet margins. Rare. S.G. 265, Spec.M53(1), cat. £1,700+ (as singles). Photo.

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

1911-13 Somerset House: 2s.6d. dull reddish purple [R1/4-2/8] NE corner block of eight, exceptionally fine and fresh unmounted mint (mounted and gum disturbance in sheet margin), some gum creasing or wrinkles, a scarce multiple. S.G. 316, Spec. M50(2), cat. £4,800+ (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House: 2s.6d. dull greyish purple (F) and 2s.6d. dull reddish purple, good to fine fresh mint contrasting shades, large part original gum, gum wrinkles. S.G. 315 & 316, Spec. M50(1 & 2), cat. £975. Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House: 2s.6d. dark purple (F), a blackish shade, plate 1b [R7/7-8] SE corner pair from lower pane showing 1912 date cuts, fine and fresh mint with large part original gum, slight gum seepage from hinge just shows through between. S.G. 317, Spec. M50(3), cat. £600+. Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House: 5s. carmine, an exceptionally fine and fresh mint marginal block of four from the right of the sheet, right pair with gum creasing, lower pair unmounted. S.G. 318, Spec. M52(2), cat. £2,400+ (as singles). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House: 5s., three examples, good to fine and fresh mint except one with horizontal crease. S.G. 318, Spec. M52(1 & 2), cat. £1,200. Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House: 10s. blue plate 1a [R7/7-8] SE corner pair from upper pane showing very fine date cuts in the rule between the two stamps, exceptionally fine and fresh mint, the right stamp unmounted. Very rare indeed, unpriced by S.G. Ex H.C.V. Adams and Cecil Shaw. S.G. 319, Spec. M54. Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House: 10s. blue plate 1b [R7/7-8] SE corner pair from upper pane showing date cuts under R7/8, very fresh mint with almost full original gum, some gum creasing not detracting from appearance, otherwise fine. S.G. 319, Spec. M54, cat. £1,850 (2005). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House: £1 deep green plate 1a [R20/4] SE corner single from lower pane showing 1911 date cuts, fresh mint with large part original gum, a little heavily mounted, some gum creasing and centred to left, otherwise fine. S.G. 320, Spec. M56, cat. £2,000+ (as normal single). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House: £1 deep green plate 1b [R10/4] SE corner single from upper pane showing 1912 date dot, fine and fresh mint with large part original gum, centred high. S.G. 320, Spec. M56, cat. £2,000+ (as normal single). Photo.

1911-13 Somerset House: £1 deep green plate 1b [R20/4] SE corner single from lower pane showing 1912 date dot, exceptionally fresh mint with full original gum (unmounted except for possible slightest trace of a hinge), minute pinhead tone spot on gum, otherwise fine. S.G. 320, Spec. M56, cat. £2,000+ (as normal single). Photo.

1911-13 £1 deep green, the 'Lowden' forgery fine 'used' on piece with light ''JERSEY'' circular cancellation. Ex Cecil Shaw. S.G. Spec. vol. 2, page 110, cat. £950 (2005). Photo.