Tonga 1886-8 2d pale violet, 6d dull blue, SG2b, 3ab

Tonga 1886-8 2d pale violet, 6d dull blue, SG2b, 3abTonga 1886 88 2d pale violet, 6d dull blue, perforations 12 x 11, SG2b, 3ab. Fine mint examples with fresh large part original gum. Typical centring for this issue, but much better quality than normally seen for this issue. The Stanley Gibbons catalogue value is 83. Tonga became a constitutional monarchy under King George Tupou I (named after King George III), in 1875. Stamps were first issued with a King George I visage in 1886. Tonga became a

die proof in blue-black and red-brown on wove (95x62mm)

after the Supreme Court ruled it a monopoly

Lower left stamp with small faults

postage was very expensive and was paid by the recipient not the sender

Superb unmounted original gum example

He also acted as a war correspondent during both World War II and the Vietnam War shortly before his death

Hayato Ikeda (1899-1965) was a forceful Japanese politician

French India)

has been signed by Richard Burton

The 3d stamp has a tone spot and the 1s pair with faintly toned gum

France 1849-52 20c black Ceres horizontal pair

this stamp is hardly ever seen so fine and is wonderfully fresh of colour