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Great Britain - The Ray Simpson Collection
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  • Lot# : 6501 Great Britain

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    1840/1854, Selection of imperforate line engraved unused stamps, comprising an 1840, 1 d. black, plate 5, lettered PE, 1840 1 d. blue, Plate 1, lettered KH, three 1 d. red, die I, alphabet I, with four margins, 1841, 2 d. blue, plate 3, and an 1854 1 d. red, perf 16, die I, alphabet II, nicely centered with most part original gum, slightly mixed, noted the 1 d. black with horizontal gum crease (signed "A.D."; Alberto Diena), 2 d. has had small part of base added and regummed, impressive looking lot, very scarce selection, significant catalogue. rnProvenance: (for the 1840, 2 d. blue) Robson Lowe, 11 October 1977.
    Starting bid : 800 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,300 CHF

    Lot# : 6502 Great Britain

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    1844, 1 d. red, plate 52, lettered OC-OI / PC-PI, block of fourteen, unused, original gum, just cut into PE at base otherwise margins all round, very fresh colour, scarce multiple illustrating the irregular gaps between stamps, the margin between PC-PD especially narrow, heavy vertical crease through OF-OG / PF-PG causing small tear at base, a vertical crease through OI / PI, horizontal crease through top half of lower row, some thinning in places and a small tear between PF-PG, however a scarce and impressive block. rnProvenance: Harold W. Fisher, Phillips 22-23 September 1983, lot 191 (as a part of a larger block which was split between 1983 and 1987).rnrn 
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,200 CHF

    Lot# : 6503 Great Britain

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    1840, 1 d. black, plate 7, lettered LA-LD, used strip of four, margins all round, fresh vibrant shade, fine red Maltese Cross cancellations, illustrating pre-sale partial separation between each stamp; a practice which was not widespread and is more commonally found on single stamps, scarce on multiples; vertical crease through LC, otherwise fine. rnProvenance: Robson Lowe, 28 March 1956, lot 109; Robson Lowe 6 May 1964, lot 573 (in 1956 and 1964 not described as "pre-sale" separation).rn                    
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 900 CHF

    Lot# : 6504 Great Britain

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    1840, 1 d. black, plate 6, letters JD-JE, horizontal pair, four margins all round, large in places, deep shade, used on cover, from London to St. Helier (Jersey), dated 3 Aug 1840, tied by red Maltese Cross, showing partial separation between stamps; which would have been undertaken at the Post Office in advance of sale using a razor or open blade; horizontal filing crease well clear of stamps, a fine and attractive example of pre-sale partial separation, scarce double rate, an important early piece. 
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 800 CHF

    Lot# : 6505 Great Britain

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    1840, 2 d. blue, plate 1, lettered AD-AE, horizontal pair, used on cover, from Manchester to Edinburgh, dated 1 Feb 1841, cut into along base and small part of right side, showing an unusual partial separation between stamps, the top and bottom intact, illustrating the use of a blade or razor prior to sale, cover reduced with a vertical filing crease centrally not affecting adhesives, some soiling, however a scarce early example, especially being 1840 2 d. blue issue. 
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 300 CHF

    Lot# : 6506 Great Britain

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    1849, 1 d. red plate 98, lettered KE-KG, unused strip of three, good to large margins all round, with part JF-JG above, original gum, fresh colour, showing pre-sale partial separation with scissor cuts vertically from base between stamps, KG has a vertical crease, otherwise attractive and fine, scarce multiple example of this practice, especially in unused condition and upon an Archer plate.rnProvenance: Bill Barrell List 108. 
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 850 CHF

    Lot# : 6507 Great Britain

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    1840, 1 d. black, plate 5, lettered IB, used on cover, from Newcastle-on-Tyne to Truro, Cornwall, tied by red Maltese Cross, dated 29 Dec 1840, margins all round which illustrate improvised separation of stamps by tearing againts a straight edge, very clean uncreased cover, attractive example. 
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 280 CHF

    Lot# : 6508 Great Britain

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    1852, Seven 1 d. reds used on a Registered cover, made up of a strip of four, a horizontal pair and a single, tied by Scottish numeral "56" of Braemar, sent to Bannockburn, Scotland, 1 .d rate plus 6 d. registration fee, irregular margins indicative of an improvised separation horizontally between L and M rows; presumably affected by tearing against an individuals thumbnail; horizontal filing crease well clear of stamps, an interesting and scarce early registered cover. Also single 1d. plate 149, ML, with margins all round illustrating what appears to be a private pin perforation with additional horizontal line of pin perforation above letter squares and ONE PENNY, sold 'as is'.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 260 CHF

    Lot# : 6509 Great Britain

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    1851, 1 d. red, plate 116, lettered AL, Private Roulette, approx. gauge 8, used on cover, tied by "172" Irish numeral of Derry, Ireland sent to London, cover has faint vertical filing crease to left side not affecting stamp, very scarce Irish use, which is uncommon. Cert. RPSL (2007).rnProvenance: Stanley Gibbons, 8-9 March 1973, lot 221.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 6510 Great Britain

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    1853, 1 d. red, plate 168, letttered FG-FH, Private Rouletted horizontal pair, approx. gauge 9.5, used on cover, London to Deal, dated 27 July 1853, two vertical filing creases one through FG and horizontal filing fold well away from adhesives, some soiling and stained, two more covers from the same correspondence to "Benjamin Hulke, Deal" are recorded in the Karl Louis Card Index bearing 1d. red pairs with this private roulette, one plate 163 lettered FA-FB used 30 July 1853 (three days after this cover) and the other EJ-EK used 22 July 1853 (five days prior to this cover), Cert. RPSL (1944). rnRemarks: Exhibited "Centenary of Stamps" Exhibition 1940.rnReference: "Stamp Perforation: The Somerset House Years 1848 to 1880", by R. Simpson & P. Sargent, page 9 and Plate 1.rnProvenance: Robson Lowe 17-18 November 1938, lot 492; Robson Lowe 4-5 Oct. 1944 (incl. Gwatkin collection) lot 820; Betram McGowan, Robson Lowe 15 March 1950; Robson Lowe 8-9 July 1975, lot 311. rnrnrn 
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 750 CHF

    Lot# : 6511 Great Britain

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    1847, Embossed, 1 s. green, three singles, used on large fragment, from Liverpool to New Orleans, showing variety "Private Roulette" unofficial perforations; much the same as the famous "776 TAUNTON" correspondence of embossed stamps pin perforated/private routlettde; tied by the "466" Liverpool numeral and the "PAID/SHIP" and USA packet arrival in red, the right stamp shows part private roulette at top, the centre stamp to left and the left at top west side, adhesives cut into in places although big stamps, front is stained, however a spectacular item. 
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 340 CHF

    Lot# : 6512 Great Britain

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    1851, 1 d. red, plate 115, lettered CB, line perforation 14, of unknown origin, fixed to a General Post Office letter, numbered "12527", dated 21 April 1851, with framed handstamp "STAMPS/1851/SECRETARY" in red, sent to Thomas Keogh, Secretary to the Board of Inland Revenue, Somerset House; "Sir, I beg leave to transmit to you, for the information of the commission of Inland Revenue, the enclosed label which was affixed to a letter addressed to Mrs Gwen Evans, Barmouth, North Wales. I have the honor to be, sir, Your obedient, humble servant, J. Tilley, Assistant Secretary"; on reverse a reply which reads; "Request Mr Tiley to state if it be known who the writer of the letter is, and whether or not there was any other label stamp affixed to it, and if not whether the letter actually passed through the Post Office under the label in question which has been obliterated. 26 April 1851. The Board observe that this stamp has had applied to it the puncturing process similar to that which Mr Archer's invention is intended to effect and it is therefore desirable to trace this matter as far as possible." Intialled, presumably prepared by Ormond Hill, as there is also a roughly scripted version of this reply on a further page attached to the letter with the initials "OH" at the conclusion. The existence of this unofficial perforated stamp would no doubt have had significant implications for the ongoing financial negotiations the Inland Revenue were having, at the time, with Henry Archer for his machine and patent. An important document demonstrating Official knowledge of privately perforated adhesives. Cert. BPA (2001).rnRemark: Willcocks noted:"van Colle & (R.M.) Phillips fought for this, van Colle won at GBP 550, which must have been before 1964". rnReference: "Stamp Perforation: The Somerset House Years 1848 to 1880", by R. Simpson & P. Sargent, illustrated on page 11 and Plate 1.rnProvenance: Ex. Arthur Hind Collection; R.M. Willcocks Collection.  rnrnrn 
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,400 CHF

    Lot# : 6513 Great Britain

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    1841/1848, a study of improvised, pre-sale and private roulette separation of line engraved imperf. stamps on cover, comprises six album pages, with eight covers and one piece, noted an 1848 cover with 1 d. red showing partial private roulette gauge 6, an 1846 1 d. red with pin perforation at base, several examples of blades or razor pre-cuts, including a vertical pair on cover illustrating the uncommon practice, additionally a single 1 d. black, four margins, with rouletted perfs. believed to be non-contemporary, mixed condition, some better, a fascinating and scarce selection.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 6514 Great Britain

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    1852, 1 d. red, plate 156, lettered GJ, Treasury Roulette, used, bottom margin cut straight, with the customary four wave vertical and three horizontally, attributed to the serpertine roulette revolving cutter, thin to reverse, fine and scarce example. Cert. RPSL (1992).  SG B2aa. = £5'000. rnReference: Illustrated in "Stamp Perforation: The Somerset House Years 1848 to 1880", by R. Simpson & P. Sargent, page 9. 
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 950 CHF

    Lot# : 6515 Great Britain

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    1853, 1 d. red plate 161, lettered FJ/FK, Treasury Roulette, partially severed horizontal pair, used on small piece, tied by London Inland "15", exhibiting the classical patter of the serpentine roulette with four waves vertically and three horizontally, top margin cut straight, certificate mentions "creased and defective", otherwise fine, very scarce with only six multiples recorded. Cert. RPSL (1980). SG B2aa = £14'400 as two singles, Gi B2a = £15'000 a single on a full cover. rnProvenance: J.B.Seymour Collection, Robson Lowe, 7 November 1951, lot 522; Harmers London, 5/6 November 1997, lot 1090. rn 
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,600 CHF

    Lot# : 6516 Great Britain

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    1852, 1 d. red plate 152, lettered OE, Treasury Roulette, used on cover front, tied by black London District "74", sent locally, manuscript note on reverse states 'February 1854', stamp exhibits the less common pattern of three vertical and two horizontal waves, which is found in approx. 10-11% of genuine serpentine rouletted stamps, slight toning and soiling to cover, otherwise very fine and attractive example. Cert. BPA(1990). SG B2a = £15'000 a single on a full cover. rnReference:  "Stamp Perforation: The Somerset House Years 1848 to 1880", by R. Simpson & P. Sargent, illustrated on plate 1. rnProvenance: Christies, 12 December 1989, lot 458, (mentions Signed by W. Houtzamer), Phillips, 20 April 2000, lot 311 and Ex. M. Sayeed Collection, Spink May 2002, lot 2438. 
    Starting bid : 1,800 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6517 Great Britain

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    1853, 1 d. orange-brown, plate 165, lettered RD, Treasury Roulette, used on cover, London to Exeter, tied by London Inland "12", one of four known covers from the Fortescue/Porters correspondence, dated 7 Jan 1854, with "TOO LATE G.P.O." in black alongside, the reverse has a "St. JAMES' St" blue office mark; where a number of the known genuine Treasury Roulette covers originate from, or from an adjacent district; also Exeter arrival in red to back, envelope has opening tear top centrally, otherwise fine and attractive example. Cert. RPSL (2002) and BPA (2002). Gi B2(3)a = £15'000. rnReference: "The Postage Stamps of Great Britain, Part II" by Dr W.R.D. Wiggins (1962), illustrated on photo Plate 1.rnProvenance: Christies, Manson & Woods Auction, May 1943, lot 255; Bertram McGowan, Robson Lowe 15 March 1950, lot 250 Timothy Burgess collection (2003).rnrnrn                      
    Starting bid : 3,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 4,200 CHF

    Lot# : 6518 Great Britain

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    1848, 1 d. red, plate 70, lettered SK, Henry Archer Roulette Trail, approx. gauge 11.5 to all sides, fault to top, unused, no gum, very fresh and fine printing, comes matched with a used example from the same plate/position. Cert. BPA (1992). SG16a = £15'000.rnReference: "Stamp Perforation: The Somerset House Years 1848 to 1880", by R. Simpson & P. Sargent, illustrated on Plate 1. rnProvenance: Harmer, 21 December 1959, lot 186, Harmer, Grosvenor, 26 May 2011, lot 3799. 
    Starting bid : 800 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,200 CHF

    Lot# : 6519 Great Britain

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    1848, 1 d. red, plate 71, lettered PK, Henry Archer Roulette Trail, approx. gauge 12 to all sides, unused, with large part of original gum, very fresh and attractive, comes matched with a used example from the same plate and position. Cert. RPSL (1979).  SG16b = £15'000.rnProvenance: Colonel Bates Collection, Harmer, 3-5 December 1934, lot 655; Harmer, 18-20 July 1938, lot 439; Dendy Marshall Collection, Robson Lowe, 19-20 December 1945, lot 416; Spink, London, 28 February 2011, lot 689. rn                  rn                   rn                 
    Starting bid : 2,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 5,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6520 Great Britain

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    1848, 1 d. red, plate 70, lettered PK, Henry Archer Roulette Trail, approx. gauge 11.5 to three sides, the P row being top of the trial part sheet from plate 70 (PA-TL) and thus cut straight, unused, no gum, very fresh and fine, comes matched with a used example from the same plate and position. Cert. RPSL (1948). Gi SG16b = £15'000.rnRemark: The formerly adjoining pair PJ-PK in the H.P.Manus collection (sold by Plumridges 27 Oct. 1932, lot 13) and the adjoining single PL (ex. Maurice Burrus collection, Robson Lowe, 30 Oct. 1964, lot 149), clearly demonstrate that all stamps from the 'P' row were cut by scissors and represented the upper row of the block rouletted given to Rowland Hill.rnReference: "Stamp Perforation: The Somerset House Years 1848 to 1880", by R. Simpson & P. Sargent, Plate 1. rnProvenance: Colonel Bates Collection, Harmer, 3-5 December 1934, lot 654;   Harmer, 18-20 July 1938, lot 468; Morten Bond Collection, Harmer, 11-12 March 1946, lot 466.rn                   rn               
    Starting bid : 2,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,500 CHF

    Lot# : 6521 Great Britain

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    1848, 1 d. red, plate 70, lettered RA-SA, vertical pair, Henry Archer Roulette Trail, approx. gauge 11.5 to three sides, the left margin without roulette as can be seen on all outer specimens from that multiple, the plate 70 trial sheet being cut from PA-TL, unused, with large part of original gum, both have a tear in right side and RA a pin hole from being attached to an official document, some tone spots, otherwise fresh and attractive, formerly adjoining a block of six RB-SD which resides in the Royal Collection, rare multiple. Cert. BPA (1989). SG16b = £30'000 as two singles.rnReference: Henry Archer's Rouletting Machines, by Ray Simpson, FRPSL, The GB Journal, Volume 58, Number 6, November/December 2020.rnProvenance: Robson Lowe, 21 June 1950, lot 242; Harmer, 16 December 1997, lot 858; Timothy Burgess Collection (2003). rn                   rn                  
    Starting bid : 4,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 6,500 CHF

    Lot# : 6522 Great Britain

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    1853, Original Henry Archer signed document, dated 18 March 1853, regarding the Treasury Payment for his machine and invention, addressed to George F. Muntz MP for Birmingham, who had chaired the House of Commons Select Committee, the draft letter outlines Archer’s disappointment with the offer received. A unique and historically important document.rnTranscript:rn“I feel persuaded that when Mr Gladstone is informed that the first offer of a pecuniary nature which the late Government made to me was £1000 and £300 a year for 14 years he will not consider me unreasonable for declining to accept the one he with every desire to do me justice was pleased to propose because in point of fact instead of its being £1000 more than the offer of the late Government as he intended and supposed, it is £1000 less - Mr Gladstone has been led to suppose that the offer of the late Government was £3000 but I can assure you that no such offer was ever made to me or in point of fact any other offers than the £1000 - £300 per annum with the exception of the one made to me in december last by the Marquis of Chandos - I have therefore to request that you be so good as to explain all this to Mr Gladstone the first time you have an opportunity of speaking with him on the subject. rnFaithfully yoursrnHenry Archer”rn 
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 4,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6523 Great Britain

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    1851, “PERFORATED POSTAGE LABEL STAMPS” Archer Pamphlet, announcing the availability of the stamps at the House of Commons during the 1851 Parliamentary Session, extolling the advantages of the invention with “Perforated labels may now be had at the House of Commons.”; this particular pamphlet was sent as a letter, franked with an Archer 16 plate 94, purchased at the House of Commons by Henry Grattan, MP for Meath, sent from London to Dublin, dated 23 March 1851, some tears, creasing and imperfections as might be expected, although a very important piece and rare. Cert. BPA (1996).rnReference: “Distribution and Usage of Archer-Perforated Stamps - Updated” by R.C. Simpson, GB Journal, Volume 60, Number 1, January/February 2022, illustrated on page 5.
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 6,500 CHF

    Lot# : 6524 Great Britain

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    1848, Henry Archer Perforation Machine, Plain Paper Trial, comb perforation 16, block of fifty four, nine by six, believed to be Columns D to L, which if correct gives part margin lower right of two being cut to side; there are only five examples recorded, of which two examples are held in private hands; a block of twenty four and this example, both which derive from the same side of the original Wilkinson punch set as the example in the Royal Collection, there being a supporting letter from Sir John Marriott, Keeper of the Royal Collection -1969 to 1995, verifying its association to the example in the Royal Collection, this example, apart from the complete sheet in the German Postal Museum Archive, is the largest remaining example from the early trials of Archer's machine, it coming from the opposite side of the comb used for the sheet in Bonn, some stains, slight tone marks, with small blue ink mark, otherwise fine. An important piece. Cert. D. B. Escott (2014). rnProvenance: Stanley Gibbons, 8-9 March 1973, lot 214; Ex. Tes Collection, Christies, 5 October 1995, lot 588; Christies 18 June 1996, lot 172. rn                    rn           rn 
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,400 CHF

    Lot# : 6525 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d red, plate 91, lettered LG, Archer Perf 16, used, the only recorded Archer perforation from this plate known, clipped perfs. upper right, although extremely rare and important, a unique stamp, unpriced currently, comes matched with a good used imperf from the same plate and position. 
    Starting bid : 5,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 5,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6526 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 92, lettered HC, die I, alphabet I, wmk. small crown, Archer Perforation 16, unused, with original gum, vibrant colour, strong impression, excellent perfs. which were perforated with the Williamson Comb I, hinge remains to back, very rare plate in unused condition. Cert. RPSL (2023). Plate SG unpriced in this condition = £3'000 for standard plate, this plate being almost three times rarer. rnProvenance: Ex. Silkin Collection, Harmers, London, 14-16 June 1971, lot 112.
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,500 CHF

    Lot# : 6527 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d red, plate 92, lettered II, Archer Perf 16, used, London Inland cancel, matched with four margin imperf. from the same plate and position, good example from this scarcer Archer plate. Cert. RPSL (2009). SG16b = £1'400.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 420 CHF

    Lot# : 6528 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 93, lettered CL, Archer Perf. 16, used on cover, from Flurrybridge, Ireland to Inveraray, Scotland, addressed to "Francis Countess of Waldegrave, Inveraray Castle", dated 10 September 1853, prior to the official use, the Archer perforations consistent with Wilkinson Punch Set, Side 2; which matches the Archer Perforating Machine Plain Paper Trial sheet held in the Royal Collection, as well as the block of fifty four offered in this sale; part of backflap missing, however a fine and scarce use; one of seven recorded Archers on cover from Ireland. SG16b = £2'700+. rnRemark: Francis Elizabeth Anne Waldergrave (1821 to 1879), was a noted society heiress and the daughter of the the English tenor opera singer John Braham (1774 to 1856), who became one of Europes leading opera stars and is also remembered for writing "The Death of Nelson".  Inveraray Castle, which is set close to the shores of Loch Fyne, was the setting for the 2012 Christmas episode of "Downton Abbey", being the fictional "Duneagle Castle". Inveraray Castle is also one of the earliest examples of Gothic Revival architecture.rnProvenance: Stanley Gibbons, 10 November 1978, lot 269.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 950 CHF

    Lot# : 6529 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 93, lettered JL,  Archer Perf. 16, used on cover, from London to Holywell, dated 11 April 1851, early use, arrival to front dated 12 April 1851, well centered, good perfs which are from Hill/Addenbrooke Punch Set, smaller diameter pins, pre-fix crease to stamp does not detract from its fine appearance. Cert. RPSL (1979). SG16b = £2'200.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 6530 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 93, lettered LL, Archer Perf. 16, used on cover, from London to Blackburn, dated 10 October 1850, earliest recorded usage from the Devon distribution outside the county, tied by London Inland “2”, a very fine, well centered example, with strong colour, arrival to reverse dated 11 October 1850, light horizontal filing crease well clear of adhesive, clean cover, a rare and important usage. SG16b = £2’200 although much scarcer than this suggests.rnReference: “Distribution and Usage of Archer Perforated Stamps”, by R.C. Simpson, GB Journal, Volume 47, Number 1, 2009.  rnProvenance: Bonhams, London, 14 February 2002, lot 1475.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,900 CHF

    Lot# : 6531 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 93, lettered LD-MD, vertical pair, Archer Perf. 16, used on cover, from Aberdeen, Scotland, to Banff, dated 9 November 1853, before the official use, arrival to reverse 10 November 1853, the Archer perforations matching the Wilkinson Punch Set, Side 2, small tear lower right of envelope, very scarce multiple and one of less than twenty recorded Archer covers originating from Scotland. Cert. RPSL (1983). SG16b = £6'400 two singles on cover. rnReference: “Distribution and Usage of Archer-Perforated Stamps - Updated” by R.C. Simpson, GB Journal, Volume 60, Number 1, January/February 2022.rnProvenance: Ex. de Phillp Collection, Robson Lowe, 4 November 1959, lot 148; Grosvenor, 26 May 2004, lot 2310.rn                    
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,200 CHF

    Lot# : 6532 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 96, lettered JC-KD, Archer Perf. 16, unused block of four, nicely positioned, with small part original gum, extremely fresh colour, vibrant printing, excellent perforations all round which match those from the Hill/Addenbrooke Punch Set; distinct from the Wilkinson set as they are more precisely aligned; superb appearance and rare block. Cert. BPA (1996). SG16b = £15'000.rnReference: "The Postage Stamps of Great Britain Part Two" by Dr. W.R.D. Wiggins, illustrated on Plate 3. rnProvenance: Ex. Earl of Crawford (1912) - originally incorporated in a part sheet. 
    Starting bid : 2,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 4,400 CHF

    Lot# : 6533 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 96, lettered NA-OC, Archer Perf. 16, unused block of six, strong colour, crisp bright printing, part original gum, perf. seprartion in places reinforced by four black hinge strips and one mount, OC has small paper flaw and ink spot, however very attractive, eye catching multiple, an important and rare block from the Hill/Addenbrooke Punch Set in the third state of use. Cert. BPA (1954). SG16b = £21'000 as a block of four and two singles.rnReference: "Stamp Perforation: The Somerset House Years 1848 to 1880", by R. Simpson & P. Sargent, illustrated on Plate 1. rnProvenance: Ex. Earl of Crawford (1912) incorporated into a part sheet, Robson Lowe, 28 September 1939, lot 106; Ex. P.C. Litchfield Collection, Robson Lowe, 19 April 1950, lot 290; Ex. John Leask Collection, Robson Lowe, 14 April 1954, lot 325; Ex. Fisher Collection, Phillips, 23 March 1983, lot 288; Christies, 3 June 1994, lot 3226; David Feldman, 14-20 February 1999, lot 31181.rn                    rn                  rn                    rn           
    Starting bid : 3,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,600 CHF

    Lot# : 6534 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d red, plate 96, lettered OA, Archer Perf 16, used on cover, from Ashburton to Exeter, dated 27 December 1850, tied by superb “29” Ashburton numeral in blue, dispatch and arrival to reverse in blue also dated the same day, horizontal filing crease lower half not affecting stamp, slight soiling and tone spots to perfs. which do not detract from the eye appeal, very attractive and scarce experimental Devon distribution; only 28% of recorded Archers, used in the three discrete tranches, originate from the distribution in Devon. SG16b = £2’200 although much scarcer than value suggests. rnReference: “Distribution and Usage of Archer-Perforated Stamps”, by R.C. Simpson, GB Journal, Volume 47, Number 1, 2009; "Distribution and Usage of Archer-Perforatioed Stamps - Updated, By R. Simpson, The GB Journal, Volume 60, No. 1, January/February 2022, illustrated page 4.rnProvenance: Phillips 17 June 1999, lot 275. 
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 650 CHF

    Lot# : 6535 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 96, lettered QL and RG, Archer Perf. 16, two singles used on two mourning covers, showing severe perforation misplacement, cut from the same sheet with scissors, sent from Ifracombe to Ewell, dated 11th and 25th February 1851 respectively, tied by English numeral cancels in black, QL additionally tied by blue Epsom towndated 12 February, stamps show identical misplacement, despite the apparent faults, very scarce examples; according to the Karl Lewis Card Index and the Ray Simpson research, these are the only surviving examples of severe perforation misplacement recorded, as such important line engraved rarities.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 600 CHF

    Lot# : 6536 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 97, lettered AJ, Archer Perf. 16, used on cover, from Ireland to London, dated 3 April 1854, tied by an indistinct Irish diamond numeral, with dispatch and arrival dated 4 April 1854 on reverse, slight soiling, a fine and scarce example, there being only a handful of covers sent from Ireland with Archer Trial perforations. Cert. BPA (1967). SG CE2 = £1'500+. 
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 500 CHF

    Lot# : 6537 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 97, lettered QE, Archer Perf. 16, used on cover, tied by London Inland cancel sent to Usk, dated 17 March 1854, the Archer perforations on this example being distinctive and exhibiting the pattern known to derive from the Wilkinson Punch Set, Side 1; which is consistent with the Archer Perforating Machine Plain Paper Trial sheet held in the German Postal Museum Archive; cover has a horizontal filing crease not affecting stamp, which is a fine and attractive example with clear profile.  SG16b = £2'100. 
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 440 CHF

    Lot# : 6538 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. Red, plate 98, lettered FJ, Archer Perf. 16, used on cover, from Newmarket to London, dated 30 September 1851, tied by the Newmarket numeral cancel in black, a provincial usage from the House of Commons distribution, stained and some discolouration, otherwise fine, rare cover, with between 50 to 60 covers attributed to the 1851 distribution of which only 25% are known used in the provinces, these were doubtless carried there by Members of Parliament. SG = £2'200+.rnReference: “Distribution and Usage of Archer-Perforated Stamps” by R.C. Simpson, GB Journal, Volume 60, Number 1, 2022.rn 
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 750 CHF

    Lot# : 6539 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. Red, plate 98, lettered PL, Archer Perf. 16, used on cover, from London to Aberystwyth, dated 6 April 1854, tied by fine London Inland “7”, arrival to reverse dated 7 April 1854, very fine example from the third issue of 1853-1854, the General Distribution, light filing crease well clear of adhesive, scarce and fine example of a London usage. Cert. RPSL (1994). SG16b = £1’500.  
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 300 CHF

    Lot# : 6540 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. Red, plate 98, lettered SA, Archer Perf. 16, used on cover, from Hawarden (Wales) to Brighton, dated 25 December 1852, tied by the “182” Hawarden numeral, Hawarden and Chester transit dated Christmas day and Brighton arrival 27 December 1852 on reverse, very fine example, very minor soiling, extremely rare, only recorded Christmas Day usage of an Archer, one of only four covers used in Wales and one of eight recorded examples used in 1852. Accompanied by a matched plate 98 imperf lettered SA.rnRemark: Archers used in 1852 are believed to derive from the 1851 House of Commons distribution, this cover establishes the link, because it is in the writing hand of William E. Gladstone whose diary entry for Christmas Day 1852 specifically records that he wrote to E. Coleridge from his Hawarden Castle home. The four examples of Archers used in Wales, all from different locations, are not believed to have been issued at Welsh post offices. rnReferences: “The Gladstone Diaries”, Volume IV, 1848-1854; “Distribution and Usage of Archer-Perforated Stamps - Updated” by R.C. Simpson, GB Journal, Volume 60, Number 1, January/February 2022, illustrated on page 11.rnProvenance: Lady Mairi Bury Collection, Sothebys, 24-26 November 2010, lot  1029. 
    Starting bid : 800 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,200 CHF

    Lot# : 6541 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 99, lettered CC, DA-DC, Archer Perf. 16, single and strip of three, used on cover, from London to Wellington, dated 9 March 1854, tied by London Inland “16”, DA is damaged across base and other imperfections evident, the covers has a heavy horizontal filing crease and is soiled and stained, however a scarce example from the General Distribution of 1853-1854; which represents 50% of the total issued during the three discrete trails, of which some 60% of these stamps went to London offices, additionally franked with four Archers including a strip of three; one of eight such covers recorded with four or more Archers, an important and rare example.  SG = £6'000+ four singles on cover. rn 
    Starting bid : 800 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,500 CHF

    Lot# : 6542 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 100, lettered PA-PB, Archer Perf 16, horizontal pair, used on large fragment, sent from London to Sheffield, dated 13 June 1850, believed to be genuine, although not possible to certify that the adhesives belong to the piece, this use being over three months prior to the Devon distribution of Archers in October 1850. SG16b = £4’400 two singles on cover prior to February 1854. rnReference: “Distribution and Usage of Archer-Perforated Stamps”, by R.C. Simpson, GB Journal, Volume 47, Number 1, 2009. 
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 6543 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 100, lettered BA, Archer Perf. 16, used on cover, London to Eton, dated 4 December 1851, tied by London Inland “4”, fine perfs. all round, an attractive small envelope in fine condition with very minor imperfections, an exceptional use and rare; only 17% of Archer trials, used in the three discrete experiments between 1851-1853, are recorded from the 1851 House of Commons distribution, an attractive and scarce example. Cert. RPSL (1994). SG = £2'200+.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 500 CHF

    Lot# : 6544 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 100, lettered PB, Archer Perf. 16, used on printed wrapper, from Sheffield to London, dated 17 February 1854, tied by indistinct black numeral, arrival to reverse dated 18 Feb 1854, stamp has trimmed perfs. along base, minor soiling, a fine early date example from the General Distribution of 1853-1854 used provincially, very scarce; around 40% of the Archers issued from this distribution went to provincial offices, the rest to London. Cert. RPSL (2008). SG16b = £1'500.rnReference: “Distribution and Usage of Archer-Perforated Stamps” by R.C. Simpson, GB Journal, Volume 60, Number 1, 2022.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 280 CHF

    Lot# : 6545 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 100, lettered RJ, Archer Perf. 16, used on a House of Commons envelope, London to Nottingham, dated 7 May 1851, tied by London Inland, signed by J.P. Plumptre, MP for Kent (East), the backflap with embossed House of Commons crest, in extraordinarily fine condition, an exceptional use and rare; just 17% of Archer trials, used in the three discrete experiments between 1851-1853, are recorded from the 1851 Parliamentary Session, scarce so fine, a beautiful and important item. Accompanied by a four margin imperf. from the same plate/position. Cert. BPA (1998).  rnReference: “Distribution and Usage of Archer-Perforated Stamps” by R.C. Simpson, GB Journal, Volume 60, Number 1, 2022.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 6546 Great Britain

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    1849, 1 d. red, plate 101, lettered AF, Imprimatur, fresh deep shade, vibrant colour, four even margins all round, with part of top marginal with inscription, showing part of the Type 1 top pin mark which were incorporated in the context of the Archer machine trials, ungummed paper, horizontal crease through top margin as is usual, as well as a small rub in top margin, a horizontal paper wrinkle centrally not running entirely across and of a more natural origin, very attractive and the last of the Archer Trial plates to be used. SG Spec. BS31 = £900.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 380 CHF

    Lot# : 6547 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 101, lettered OK, Archer Perf. 16, used on cover, from Kirby Lonsdale to Lancaster, dated 11 July 1854, tied by indistinct black numeral, arrival to reverse dated 11 July 1854, a fine example of provincial use from the General Distribution of 1853-1854, very scarce, as around 40% of the Archers issued went to provincial offices, the rest to London offices. SG16b = £1'900.rnReference: “Distribution and Usage of Archer-Perforated Stamps” by R.C. Simpson, GB Journal, Volume 60, Number 1, 2022.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 420 CHF

    Lot# : 6548 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 101, lettered SC, used on cover, from Falmouth to London, dated 20 September 1850, 19 days prior to the recorded start of the Devon issue, tied by “290” Falmouth numeral, arrival on reverse 21 September 1850, soiled and slight stain, otherwise fine and attractive, a rare unofficial Archer Trial usage, very few covers known prior to the October 1850 distribution in Devon. SG16b = £2’500+.rnReference: Illustrated in “Distribution and Usage of Archer-Perforated Stamps” by R.C. Simpson, GB Journal, Volume 60, Number 1, 2022, page 7.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,900 CHF

    Lot# : 6549 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 101, Archer Perf. 16, used on cover, from London sent locally, dated 30 December 1854, tied by a London Inland cancel in black, positioned low, good perfs, a good example of a cover used at the end of the Archer period, one of the last recorded usages, the plate 101 being the last of the plates used for this issue, a scarce multiple. SG19b = £3'800 as two singles on cover. 
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 550 CHF

    Lot# : 6550 Great Britain

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    1851, 1 d. red, plate 107, lettered JC, Archer Perf. 16, used on cover, from Wigton to Carlisle, dated 12 June 1854, tied by "879" English numeral, an extremely rare example; according to the Karl Louis card index there are only two covers known and just six examples recorded from this plate; vertical filing crease not affecting stamp, comes matched with an imperf from the same plate and position, a great rarity and an important use, unpriced on cover in latest SG Specialised Volume I. Cert. RPSL (1945 and 2006).rnReference: "The Post-Trial Archer Plates", by R.C. Simpson, GB Journal, Volume 45, number 6, 2007. 
    Starting bid : 4,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 5,500 CHF

    Lot# : 6551 Great Britain

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    1851, 1 d. red, plate 108, lettered EC, Archer Perf. 16, used, cancelled by the Wigton "879" English numeral, an extremely rare example; according to explanations given in the Mike Williams collection there are only six recorded examples known from this plate; comes with an imperf. horizontal pair, lettered EC-ED, from the same plate, a superb line engraved rarity of significant importance. Cert. RPSL (2006). SG16b = £5'500. rnReference: "The Post-Trial Archer Plates", by R.C. Simpson, GB Journal, Volume 45, number 6, 2007. 
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,600 CHF

    Lot# : 6552 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 108, lettered TK, Archer Perf. 16, used on cover, from Jersey, Channel Islands, to London, dated 27 July 1855, tied by Jersey "409" numeral in black, arrival on reverse dated 28 July 1855, backflap missing and envelope damaged across the top and parts of sides, soiled, stamp with good perfs. although the odd dulled at base, couple of toned perfs at top, however a very rare late usage from the Channel Islands, this plate is unpriced on cover, a significant line engraved rarity, almost certainly unique. Cert. BPA (2012). SG16b = £5'500 as a single off cover. 
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,200 CHF

    Lot# : 6553 Great Britain

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    1851, 1 d. red, plate 116, lettered GC, Archer Perf. 16, used, well centered, fresh colour, extremely rare example; according to Bill Barrell's list 132 there are only six known examples from this plate (incl. a pair), corner crease and small thin, otherwise fine, comes matched with an imperf. from the same plate and position, a line engraved great rarity of the upmost importance. Cert. RPSL (2007). SG16b = £8'000. rnReference: "The Post-Trial Archer Plates", by R.C. Simpson, GB Journal, Volume 45, number 6, 2007. 
    Starting bid : 1,200 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,400 CHF

    Lot# : 6554 Great Britain

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    1851, 1 d. red, plate 101, lettered OC, Archer Perf. 16, used on cover in combination with 1 d. red, imperf, plate 115, lettered JL, four good margins all round, dated 14 July 1851, sent from the House of Commons, with Library seal on reverse, tied by London district "53", slight soiling, otherwise very fine example; one of only eight known mixed-frankings of Archers used in combination with imperf. stamp; an important rarity and attractive usage. Accompanied by a matched imperf. from the same Archer plate/position.rnReference: "Mixed-franking Covers", by R.C. Simpson & K.A. Louis, MJ Publications, 2020, page 62 and 72. rnProvenance: Spink, London, 7 December 2007, lot 1364; Argyll Etkin, London, 6 March 2015, lot 26. rn                    
    Starting bid : 1,200 CHF
    Hammer price : 6,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6555 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. red, plate 100, lettered JA, Archer Perf. 16, used on 1 d. pink postal stationery envelope, from London to St Albans, dated 1 March 1854, tied by London Inland “11”, good perfs and well centered, arrival to reverse dated 2 March 1854, minor soiling, some wrinkling and imperfections to envelope, however a rare combination, one of four examples of an Archer and 1 d. pink mixed-franking, an important and visually appealing example. Cert. RPSL (1986). SG16b = £1’500+ as a single Archer on cover, combination unpriced. rnReference: “Mixed-franking Covers” by R.C. Simpson & K.A. Louis, MJ Publications, 2020, pages 62 and 72.rnProvenance: H.& B. Philatelists, September 1997.rn 
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,200 CHF

    Lot# : 6556 Great Britain

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    1850, selection of six used Archer Perforation Trial stamps, comprising three which illustrate perforation machine problems, such as off-centre, broken perforation pin - which comes with a RPL certificate - a long stamp which is caused by perf. comb adjustment, and three other examples, one which is matched with an imperf. of the same lettering, a mixed lot, very presentable and scarce assembly. 
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 750 CHF

    Lot# : 6557 Great Britain

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    1850, Archer Perforation Trial study of the plates, set out on two album pages, comprising eight used Archer perf. 16 matched with imperf. from same plate/position, includes plates; 93, 94, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100 and 101, there is also a plate 95 genuine plate but with faked perforations, a mixed lot although several fine, scarce assembly, tricky to match with B2 equivilents. SG16b = £4'875 used singles excluding B2 matched singles.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,200 CHF

    Lot# : 6558 Great Britain

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    1850, Prince Consort Essay, 1 d. red-brown, lettered FJ, imperforate, fresh colour, vivid printing, from plate position 'A', good to large margins all round, surface printed on white wove paper, no gum, very small and minor disturbance to reverse, attractive, very fine example of this scarce essay prepared for Henry Archer in conncetion with his offer to produce perforated surface printed postage stamps on more favourable terms than the exisiting contract with Perkins, Bacon. DP71(2) = £3'000. rnReference: Queen Victoria Specialised Catalogue, Volume 1, 16th Edition, page 27. rnProvenance: Ex. Courtenay Collection, Grosvenor, London, 26 June 2008, lot 55.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,200 CHF

    Lot# : 6559 Great Britain

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    1850, Prince Consort Essay, 1 d. red-brown, lettered FJ, Archer Perf. 16, from plate position 'C', aligned to the right, part original gum, toned and soiled, thin top right corner, rounded corner at top, although maintains a regal air, a very rare essay in perforated form; there are only five known examples in red-brown which are perforated, two are offered in this sale. DP71(3)a = £25'000. rnReference: Queen Victoria Specialised Catalogue, Volume 1, 16th Edition, page 27. rnProvenance: Spink, London, 7 December 2007, lot 1163. 
    Starting bid : 2,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,500 CHF

    Lot# : 6560 Great Britain

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    1850, Prince Consort Essay, 1 d. red-brown, lettered FJ, Archer Perf. 16, deep colour, vibrant printing, from plate position 'J', aligned to the right, without gum, toned, small corner crease and tiny tear, blunt lower right corner, although still very attractive, very rare essay, perforated upon the Archer machines to enable him to demonstrate his offer to produce perforate surface printed postage stamps on more favourable terms than the exisiting contract; there are only five known examples in red-brown which are perforated gauge 16, two are offered in this sale. DP71(3)a = £25'000. rnReference: Queen Victoria Specialised Catalogue, Volume 1, 16th Edition, page 27. rnProvenance: Grosvenor, London, 30-31 October 2013, lot 244. 
    Starting bid : 3,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6563 Great Britain

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    1877, Specification of James Murdoch Napier Perforation Machines, printed pamphlet/booklet, by order of the Commission of Patents for Inventions, No. 4485, priced 8d, contains the original specification on four pages and technical drawings printed upon a double page, additionally included is the 1883 Specification of James Charles Stuart Wallace for Affixing Postage Stamps and Labels, printed over five pages and an additional double page technical drawing of his machine, both are fragile and have some damage, aging, tears and loss to covers, as might be expected, however remarkable items of great historical importance. 
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 900 CHF

    Lot# : 6564 Great Britain

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    1854, 1 d. red, plate 167, lettered GG-HH, perf 16, block of four, unused, no gum, perforated using the Napier machine, positioned to the right, good perfs. just one pulled, worn plate, additionally 1854 1 d. red, plate 181, lettered RG-SI, block of six, unused, with gum, also perforated on the Napier machine, positioned low to the left, good perfs. just the odd short, is toned in places, however a scarce due.  SG C1 = £5'750+ as two blocks of four and two singles. 
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6565 Great Britain

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    1854, 1 d. red, plate 170, lettered NE-NF, perf. 16, die I, alphabet II, wmk. small crown, used, horizontal pair, nicely centered, good perforations, London Inland cancel, rare plate, exceedingly uncommon as a multiple, additionally comes with an imperf. lettered NF from the same plate. Cert. Karl Louis (2023). SG C1 = £3'000 as two singles.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 500 CHF

    Lot# : 6566 Great Britain

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    1852, 1 d. red, plate 176, lettered GE, die I, alphabet II, imperf. four good to large margins, fine used example of this very scarce plate in this issue, comes with a perforated example from the same plate/position. Cert. RPSL (1993). SG8 Spec. B2 = £2'500. 
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 650 CHF

    Lot# : 6567 Great Britain

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    1852, 1 d. red, plate 177, lettered QH, die I, alphabet II, small crown wmk., imperf. four close to large margins, fine used example of this the scarcest of the Alphabet II imperf plates. Accompanied by a used example of the perforated issue for the same plate/position. Cert. RPSL (2002). SG8 Spec. B2 = £2'750. rnReference: "Stamp Perforation: The Somerset House Years 1848 to 1880", by R. Simpson & P. Sargent, Plate 2. 
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 6568 Great Britain

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    1852/1854, a study on two album pages of the first official 1 d. red perforated 16, presented by plate with matched imperforate stamps from the same plate/position, comprises 28 examples in total, including plates; 155, 157, 162 to 167, 169, 171 to 174, noted a plate 165, perf. 16, lettered II, mixed condition, although many fine, a valuable selection.  
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 6569 Great Britain

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    1854, 1 d. red, plate 176, lettered EB, die I, alphabet II, perf. 16, used on First Day Cover, from London to Ballyjamesduff (Ireland), dated 24 February 1854, on reverse an indistinct London mark with crown at foot denotes mid-day duty, arrival Dublin dated 25 February 1854 (Code C), mark confirms received on day following postage (specified in Post Office Notice), two small creases to stamp, envelope slightly soiled although remarkably fresh, faint filing crease left side, very rare, one of three covers recorded on 24 February 1854 - two of which are in this sale -, with only six examples used in February 1854. cert. BPA (2011).rnReference: "Notes on the Stamps of Great Britain", F. Philbrick, The Philatelic Record, Volume XVI, 1894, page 220. 
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,600 CHF

    Lot# : 6570 Great Britain

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    1854, 1 d. red, plate 171, die I, alphabet II, perf. 16, used on First Day Cover, in combination with two 1 s. green embossed, cut to shape, from London to New York, dated 24 February 1854, tied by London Inland "29", 2 s. double weight rate with the 1 d. red paying a Late Fee, sent via Liverpool, with "PAID" mark and an inspector mark both in red, Liverpool reciever dated 25 February 1854, also to front an arrival USA "10/Cents" due mark, 1 d. cut into along base and clipped perfs top of right side, heavy crease vertically through 1 d., soiled, however extremely rare, the first recorded use of a perforated stamp on a foreign destination cover and one of three covers recorded used on 24 February 1854.rnReference: "Notes on the Stamps of Great Britain", F. Philbrick, The Philatelic Record, Volume XVI, 1894, page 220. 
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,200 CHF

    Lot# : 6571 Great Britain

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    1848, Embossed, 10 d. brown, cut to shape, used on cover in combination with 1854, 1 d. red, perf.16, from Brighton to Montreux, dated 5 April 1854, tied by "132" numeral, with "P.D." oval crossed out, "INSUFFICIENTLY/STAMPED" mark in red, a "130" manuscript and Calais transit alongside, arrival to reverse dated 9 April 1854, toned in places, soiled, although scarce use of the newly issued perf. 16 on an overseas mail and combined with an embossed; according to Ray Simpson the third overseas usage recorded of the officially perforated penny red.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 420 CHF

    Lot# : 6572 Great Britain

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    1854, Selection of covers franked with the first official perforated stamps, comprising eight 1 d. red perf. 16 examples sent between February and March 1854, all within the first month of issue, noted two used in the first week, also two covers franked with two 2 d. blue perf. 16, sent 6th May and 22 May 1854 respectively, the former a horizontal pair sent from Dublin to Lurgan which is reportedly the earliest recorded Irish use, the latter franked with two singles, sent from Selby to Beverley, additionally there is an SG8 plate 175 used single matched with a perf. 16 used on cover from the same plate and position, condition is mixed, although a very scarce assembly there being very few examples recorded used during this first month of issue.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,700 CHF

    Lot# : 6573 Great Britain

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    1854, Two registered covers franked with embossed 6 d. lilac, used in combination with two 2 d. blue plate 4, perf. 16, sent from London to Macclesfield, 10d rate, 6d for registration and up to 2oz 4d postage, both embossed cut into, heavy filing creases through stamps and soiled, however scarce franking, a useful duo.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6574 Great Britain

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    1854, 2 d. blue plate 4, lettered HG, perf. 16, used on cover in combination with 6 d. lilac embossed, from Liverpool to Macclesfield, dated 29 April 1854, earliest recorded provincial usage, tied by "466" numeral in black, the 6d remarkably wide margins on three side and close to touching top, which is very uncommon on this issue, arival on reverse 1 May 1854, a fine cover, only two Liverpool usages of the 2d recorded in April, scarce example. 
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 6575 Great Britain

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    1854, 2 d. blue, plate 4, lettered KI-KL, perf. 16, strip of four, used on cover, from London to Amsterdam, dated 22 May 1854, tied by London Inland cancel in black, sent via Belgium, faint indistinguishable arrival on reverse, horizontal filing crease clear of stamps, scarce early use of the newly issued 2 d. blue perf. 16, only three covers recorded to overseas used in May 1854, uncommon franking.  
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 420 CHF

    Lot# : 6576 Great Britain

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    1854, 2 d. blue, plate 4, lettered SK, perf. 16, used on cover in combination with 6 d. lilac embossed, from Manchester to Dresden, dated 22 June 1854, tied by Manchester duplex, with "P" oval and German Franco arrival in red alongside, on reverse an Oxford datstamp 22 June and arrival 26 June, 6d cut into at base and touching top, clear to sides, envelope slightly soiled and reverse toned, scarce early us of 2d on overseas mail, only nine recorded between March/June 1854 and six during June. 
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 480 CHF

    Lot# : 6577 Great Britain

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    1841/1855, Album page study on the 2 d. blue, plate 4 issues, comprising a fine used matched trio of imperf., perf. 16 and perf. 14, all lettered TL, also a four margin fine used block of four 2 d. blue, plate 4, lettered QC-RD, matched with a block of four perf. 16 from the same plate and lettering, a fine and rare group, additionally comes with an 1854 registered cover franked with a strip of three 2 d. blues from the same plate, used in combination with a 1 d. red perf. 16, has faults but an impressive usage, a scarce and difficult to assemble selection. SG = £3'055+ for the stamps off cover.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,700 CHF

    Lot# : 6578 Great Britain

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    1852, 1 d red, plate 142, lettered JK, die I, alphabet II, imperf., used on cover with 1854 1 d red, perf. 16, die I, alphabet II, sent from England to Aberdeen, redirected to Fyvie, dated 27 July 1854, the imperf. paying the standard 1 d. rate and the perf. the redirection, a scarce combined franking, less than 30 examples recorded. rnReference: "Mixed-Franking Covers", by R.C. Simpson & K. Louis, MJ Publications, 2020, page 73. 
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 6579 Great Britain

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    1853, 1 d. red, plate 164, lettered RK, die I, alphabet II, imperf., used on cover in combination with 1854 1 d. red plate 175, lettered GI, die I, alphabet II, perf 16, from Windsor to Drem (Scotland), dated 12 June 1854, tied by "890" numeral, arrival on reverse dated 13 June 1854, stain and slight soiling, however a very fine combination cover example, scarce, fewer than 30 recorded. Cert. BPA (2007).rnReference: "Mixed-Franking Covers", by R.C. Simpson & K. Louis, MJ Publications, 2020, illustrated page 64, recorded page 73. rnProvenance: Harmers, 27 March 1996, lot 691; Harmers, 10 March 1998, lot 89; Ex. Courtenay Collection, Grosvenor, 26 June 2008, lot 290.rn                 rn                   
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 600 CHF

    Lot# : 6580 Great Britain

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    1854, 1 d. red, plate 176, lettered QI, imperforate, die I, alphabet II, four margins, irregular at base, used on cover in combination with 1 d. red, perforation 16, die I, alphabet II, tied by Dublin "186" Irish diamond, stamp affixed contrary to regulation lower left and placed upside down (probably as a mark of disrespect), sent from Dublin to Marlow, dated 11 April 1854, redirected to Brompton, the 1 d. imperf. paying the redirection fee, apparent staining, however extremely rare combination item, as well as plate 176 imperf. being a rare plate used on cover, important usage.rnReference: "Mixed-franking Covers", by R.C. Simpson & K.A. Louis, MJ Publications, 2020, recorded on page 73.rnProvenance: Bill Barrell list, September 2006; Grosvenor, 8 April 2010, lot 524.rn                    
    Starting bid : 800 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,400 CHF

    Lot# : 6581 Great Britain

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    1853, 1 d red, plate 169, lettered BE-BF, die I, alphabet II, imperf. pair, used in combination on cover with 1854 1 d red, plate 167, lettered JD and JE, perf 16, die I, alphabet II, paying up to 2 ounces, from London sent locally, dated 4 April 1854, the earliest recorded combination usage of a 4d rate, BE cut into side and both have creases, cover has heavy vertical crease with tears top and bottom, soiled, very rare example, less than 30 perf/imperf red combination examples recorded. rnReference: "Mixed-Franking Covers", by R.C. Simpson & K. Louis, MJ Publications, 2020, page 73. 

    Info: The lower right corner of the perforated stamp JE has been added.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 650 CHF

    Lot# : 6582 Great Britain

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    1841, 2 d. blue plate 4, lettered QH-QK, strip of four, imperf., four margins, used on cover in combination with 1854, 1 d. red, plate 164, lettered EH, perf. 16., from Cheam to Göttingen (Kingdom of Hannover), dated 5 May 1854, tied by London Inland "13", with perf. additionally tied by German Franco entry mark in red dated 6 May 1854, oval "P." alongside, with arrival on reverse in blue dated 7 May, there is also an undated Cheam (South London) circular in blue, envelope was originally folded through bottom half of the strip of four and has been opened up for display, there is a horizontal crease through the 1 d., very scarce 8d rate plus 1d Late Fee mixed-franking cover.rnReference: "Mixed-Franking Covers", by R.C. Simpson & K. Louis, MJ Publications, 2020, illustrated page 69 and recorded page 76. 

    INFO: Trace of horizontal crease across the strip of four
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 800 CHF

    Lot# : 6583 Great Britain

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    1841, 2 d. blue, plate 4, lettered JH, imperf., four margins, used on cover, in combination with 2 d. blue, plate 4, lettered HB, perf 16, from Carlise to Glasgow, dated 22 August 1854, arrival on reverse same day, vertical filing crease centrally not affecting stamps, soiled and stained, however an extremely rare combination 4 d. rate cover, 2 d. blue imperf./perf. combined are very uncommon, just seven examples receorded.rnReference: "Mixed-Franking Covers", by R.C. Simpson & K. Louis, MJ Publications, 2020, illustrated page 70 and recorded page 77.rnProvenance: Christies Auction, 12. December 1989, lot 323
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 950 CHF

    Lot# : 6584 Great Britain

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    1841, 2 d. blue, plate 4, lettered LL, imperf., three margins, used on cover in combination with 1854 1 d. red, plate 167, lettered OE, perf 16 and embossed 1847, 1 s. green, vertical pair, sent from Stalybridge to Rangoon (Burma), dated 23 March 1854, tied by "502" English numeral, endorsed 'via Marseille', a 2 s. 3d rate, arrival datestamp to reverse dated (?) May 1854, with transit in Calcutta which looks to be 16 May, horizontal filing crease clear of stamps, toned wrapper, the embossed are close to touching and one has a tear into left side, very scarce, the earliest recorded with such a combination, one of only ten covers with imperf./perf. stamps, attractive tri-colour mixed-franking to an unusual destination.rnReference: "Mixed-Franking Covers", by R.C. Simpson & K. Louis, MJ Publications, 2020, illustrated page 69 and recorded page 76. 
    Starting bid : 800 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,600 CHF

    Lot# : 6585 Great Britain

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    1841, 2 d. blue, plate 4, lettered JH, imperf., four margins, used on cover in combination with, 1857, 1 d. red, perf 14 and 1856, 6 d. lilac, plate 1, sent from London to Bombay (India), dated 3 April 1860, tied by London "80" duplex cancel, sent via Marseille, arrival datestamp to reverse dated 26 April, stained and toned around edges, a rare tri-colour mixed-franking, one of three covers from the original find about 25 years ago with this specific combination, all dated 1860 from the same sender.rnReference: "Mixed-Franking Covers", by R.C. Simpson & K. Louis, MJ Publications, 2020, illustrated page 70 and recorded page 78. 
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,500 CHF

    Lot# : 6586 Great Britain

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    1852, 1 d. red, plate 132, lettered OA, die I, alphabet II, imperf., used on Registered cover, combined with 1858 2 d. blue, plate 8, vertical strip of three, lettered DK-FK, perf. 14, large crown, sent from Falmouth to St. Columb (Cornwall), dated 7 January 1860, tied by "290" duplex, to reverse Bodmin transit dated same day and arrival 8 January 1860, the strip of three paying the registration fee on a 1 d. rate, penny red has three margins with irregular right side, ironed out horizontal filing crease which runs through 2 d. EK, otherwise fine; the unique recorded mixed-franking of the 1858, 'plate number' issue 2 d. perf. with the imperf. 1841, 1 d.; an important mixed-franking cover of the line engraved issues.rnReference: "Mixed-Franking Covers", by R.C. Simpson & K. Louis, MJ Publications, 2020, illustrated page 66 and recorded page 74. rnProvenance: John O. Griffiths collection, Christies 27 June 1985, lot 4349rnGraut collection, Spink 25 September 2003, lot 2145rnLady Mairi Bury Collection, Sothebys, 24 November 2010, lot 1127.  
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,200 CHF

    Lot# : 6587 Great Britain

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    1852, 1 d. red, plate 150, lettered AF, Imprimatur, die I alphabet II, vivid shade, strong colour, four margins all round, with part of top marginal with inscription, showing part of the Type 1 top pin mark incorporated in the context of the Archer machine trials, ungummed paper, horizontal crease through top margin as is the norm, superb ivory head to reverse, rub/disturbance in margin above, otherwise very fine, attractive, has Roschild owners mark to back. SG Spec. B2 = £900.rnReference: "Stamp Perforation: The Somerset House Years 1848 to 1880", by R. Simpson & P. Sargent, illustrated on Plate 4. 
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 6588 Great Britain

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    1854, 1 d. red, plate 178, lettered AF and AG re-united, Imprimaturs, die I alphabet II, four margins all round, with part of top marginal with inscription, presented together to illustrate the Type 2 top pin marks incorporated in the context of the Napier perforation machines, ungummed paper, horizontal crease through top margins as is case normally, ivory heads to reverse, rub/disturbance in AF top margin as well as a small thin to reverse, otherwise very fine, attractive duo. SG Spec. C1 = £1'700 as two singles.rnReference: "Stamp Perforation: The Somerset House Years 1848 to 1880", by R. Simpson & P. Sargent, page 138 & Plate 4. rnProvenance (for AG only): Robson Lowe, 27 April 1949, ex lot 75; Harold W. Fisher collection, Phillips, 22-23 September 1983, lot 298; Beresford Collection, Sotheby's, 24 November 1987, lot 251.rnrn 
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,300 CHF

    Lot# : 6589 Great Britain

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    1854, 1 d. red, plate 185, lettered AF, Imprimatur, die I, alphabet II, four margins all round, with part of top marginal with inscription, also the Type 2 top pin mark incorporated in the context of the Napier perforation machines, ungummed paper, horizontal crease through top margins as is usual, superb ivory heads to reverse, fine and attractive. SG Spec. C1 = £850.rnReference: "Stamp Perforation: The Somerset House Years 1848 to 1880", by R. Simpson & P. Sargent, page 138.rnProvenance: Harold W. Fisher, Phillips 22-23 September 1983, lot 305 .
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 280 CHF

    Lot# : 6590 Great Britain

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    1854, 1 d. red-brown, plate 192, lettered AF, Imprimatur, margins all round, top marginal showing inscription and Type 2 pin marks, no gum as issued, top margin folded horizontally as is the norm, ink mark on reverse slightly showing through, still very attractive. SG Spec. C1 = £850.rnProvenance: Ex. The Board of Inland Collection, Robson Lowe, 17 December 1975, lot 1382.    
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 380 CHF

    Lot# : 6591 Great Britain

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    1854, 1 d. red-brown, plate 201, lettered AF, Imprimatur, margins all round, top marginal showing inscription and Type 3 pin marks correctly engraved, small crown wmk., no gum as issued, top margin folded horizontally as is the norm, very attractive. SG Spec. C1 = £850.rnReference: "Stamp Perforation: The Somerset House Years 1848 to 1880", by R. Simpson & P. Sargent, illustrated on page 141 & plate 4. rnProvenance: Ex. The Board of Inland Revenue Collection, Robson Lowe 17 December 1975, lot 1391.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 600 CHF

    Lot# : 6592 Great Britain

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    1854, 1 d. red-brown, plate 204, lettered AF, Imprimatur, top marginal with part inscription, four margins, showing Type 3 pin marks, one of seven plates originally engraved with this type, no gum as issued, top margin folded horizontally, some marks also, although very fine appearance. GG Spec. C1 = £850.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 550 CHF

    Lot# : 6593 Great Britain

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    1849, 1 d. red, plate 88, lettered AF-BG, top marginal block of four, unused, with original gum, four close to very large margins, without pin marks between AF-AG, thus printed before 25 November 1849; this being the first plate to which pin marks were added after printing began, this example is a key piece, because the plate 88 specimen now in the German Postal Museum in Bonn, was sent to the Prussian Government in January 1850 and clearly display the added pin marks; vertical crease down left side of AF-BF and diagonal crease through AG-BG, however an important item and rare; additionally comes on a page with a used top marginal block of four from plate 89, used, not quite four margins and a plate 56 bottom marginal strip of three, both examples which also do not have pin marks, scarce group.  rnrn 
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 800 CHF

    Lot# : 6594 Great Britain

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    1851, 1 d. red, plate 121, lettered TA-TJ, die I, alphabet I, imperf., unused, bottom corner marginal strip of ten, with part inscription and full selvedge, margins all round, original gum, showing the complete Type 1 bottom pin mark between TF-TG, slightly soiled and toned, vertical creases, which do not detract from this spectacular piece, extremely rare marginal. Accompanied by two imperf. 1 d. red singles from plate 96, lettered TF and TG, showing part of the pin mark between, used and both cancelled by a blue "29" of Ashburton.rnProvenance: (for the unused strip): Robson Lowe, 28 September 1939, lot 102; McIntire Collection, Robson Lowe, 29 March 1956, lot 294.rnHarmer London, 29-30 April,1957, lot 36.rn 
    Starting bid : 800 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,100 CHF

    Lot# : 6595 Great Britain

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    1854, 1 d. red, plate 185, lettered TE-TF, die I, alphabet II, small crown wmk., perf. 16, unused, no gum, bottom marginal pair, with part of inscription below and full selvedge, very fresh, bright colour, showing the Type 2 vertical pin mark at extreme right edge of TF into margin, also has part of the bottom marginal of TD, stain in margin under TE-TF, otherwise very fine and attractive. Comes with part top marginal of plate 189 with inscription and showing complete Type 2 pin mark and the rarely seen holes/depressions caused by the pressure of the tympan. SG C1 = £750+ as two singles. 
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 550 CHF

    Lot# : 6596 Great Britain

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    1854, 1 d. red, plate 192, lettered AF-CJ, perf. 16, die I, alphabet II, small crown wmk., unused top marginal block of fifteen, original gum, fresh printing, strong colour, nicely centered, with inscription above and showing the Type 2 pin marks adapted to Type 3, also position AI is a reentry, has ben folded along three of the perf. columns and AJ has clipped perfs. top right side, which does not detract from this show piece, very rare in this condition. SG17 Spec.C1 = £7'625++ as two blocks of four and seven singles. rnProvenance: Phillips auction, 4-5 September 1986, lot 515; Ex. Howard O. Fraser Collection (2001).  rn               
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,800 CHF

    Lot# : 6597 Great Britain

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    1854, 1 d. red-brown, plate 204, lettered AF-BG, perf. 16, die I, alphabet II, small crown wmk., unused, top marginal block of four, with part inscription and showing Type 3 pin marks, one of seven plates originally engraved with this type, original gum, perf. separation in places has been reinforced by hinges, some tone marks top, small diagonal crease in marginal, just the odd perf. pulled, very appealing and rare, especially with selvedge, a scarce plate, standard "used" C1 catalogues at £30, this plate at £225, standard mint block of four catalogues at £2'500, making this a rare and valuable piece. SG Spec. C1 = £2'500 standard plate, plate 204 is approx. x8 more scarce. rnProvenance: Pat Lyon Collection, illustrated and discussed in The GB Journal May/June 1997, page 39.rnRemark: The block of four AF/BG originally adjoined the famous "Seymour" corner plate number block AH/BL (1951).rn     
    Starting bid : 800 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,800 CHF

    Lot# : 6598 Great Britain

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    1855, 1 d. red, plate 2, lettered SG-TG, die II, alphabet II, large crown wmk., unused, bottom marginal vertical pair, fresh colour, neatly centered, good perfs., showing the pin marks with a crudley corrected error, no gum, faint diagonal crease through TG, scarce example, attractive pair. SG Spec. C6(1) = £950 as two singles. rnRemark: The pair SG-TG originally adjoined the bottom marginal blocks SH/TI and SJ/TH which made a larger block with QH/RK, all of which are in the Mike Williams collection. rnReference: "Stamp Perforation: The Somerset House Years 1848 to 1880", by R. Simpson & P. Sargent, illustrated on page 142 and plate 4. 
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 550 CHF

    Lot# : 6599 Great Britain

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    1855, 2 d. blue, plate 4, lettered TG (late printing from the repaired state of the plate), die I, alphabet I, small crown wmk., perf. 14, bottom marginal, 'SPECIMEN', strong colour, small part original gum, showing the Type 2 pin mark adapted to Type 3, fresh stamp, minor soiling in margin, attractive and scarce example. SG23 Spec. F2s = £1'700. rnRemarks: The neighbouring stamp lettered TH  is in the N.P.M. London, Philips Collection. All 1855, 2d. plate 4, perf. 14, overprinted SPECIMEN originate from a lower half sheet KA/TL of which first multiples surfaced on the philatelic market already on a Ventom, Bull & Cooper auction in April 1889 ! The upper half of the sheet, AA-JL, is in the Philips collection, N.P.M. London, vol. XLV, page 65a.      
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 6600 Great Britain

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    1873, 1 d. red, plate 172, lettered AC-CI, top marginal unused block of twenty one, original gum, full selvedge, top showing the prominent "experimental pinning cross" above and between AF-AG, which was ordered by Ormond Hill, the perforated top margin is typical of the continuous feed systsems used in the Victorian era, the additional line of horizontal perforations indicates sheet adjustment to ensure accurate placement of the first strike, some toning/spots, creases and folds apparent, separation of perfs. in places, fault to CE, however an important piece; plate 172 was the only plate displaying this variant pinning mark, the two examples offered in this sale are the only recorded of the Ormond Hill experiment, apart from a few single stamps. 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: Harmer, London, 29-30 April 1957, lot 65.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,400 CHF

    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

    Lot# : 6602 Great Britain

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    1857, Provisional use of perf. 16 gauge, 1 d. rose-red, plate 37, lettered EA-FB, die II, alphabet III, large crown wmk. type I, mint block of four, original gum, fresh vibrant colour, nicely centered, perfs. generally very fine, slightly dulled at base of FA, very rare example, only six mint blocks of four are recorded; this previously being part of a block of twelve. Cert. RPSL (2015). SG C11 = £14'000 for a standard C11 plate unused block of four; plate 37 being rated at 50% scarcer/more valuable. rnProvenance: Ex. J. B. Seymour Collection, Robson Lowe, 29 October 1952, lot 262 (block of 12); Robson Lowe, 12 January 1955, lot 377; Robson Lowe, 28 September 1969, lot 306. rn                 rn                 rn                   
    Starting bid : 2,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,600 CHF
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