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Lot# 6601 - Auction 309-320

  • Lot# : 6601 Great Britain

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    1873, 1 d. red, plate 172, lettered AA-EH, top marginal unused block of forty, original gum, top showing the "experimental pinning cross" above and between AF-AG, which was ordered by Ormond Hill, the imperforate top margin indicates that continuous feed apparatus was not engaged until the sheet was properly positioned under the punches, the odd perf. separation reinforced by hinges, gum wrinkles, very minor folds down perf. columns, a stunning piece which illustrates the experimental 'Variable Continuous Feed Apparatus', and together with the other block from this plate, offered separately in this sale, is the only known large blocks showing this experiemental cross.rnNote: In 1874-1875 an experimental feed apparatus promising major productivity gains was developmed by Thomas Peacock, Superintendant of the Perforating Room, in response Ormond Hill instructed Perkins, Bacon in February 1875 to make the pinning cross more prominent on an existing plate (see extract). Plate 172 displays this cross.rnProvenance: (as far as one can say): Harmer, London, 14/15 February 1938, lot 131 as a block of 60, AA/EL, of which later the block of 20 AI/EL has been separated.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,400 CHF