Great Britain 1880 5d Indigo die proof, SG169var

Great Britain 1880 5d Indigo die proof, SG169varGreat Britain 1880 5d Indigo die proof, SG169var. A superb example printed by De La Rue in black on white glazed card (92x61mm) dated twice "5 AUG 80" in blue. A scarce specialised Queen Victoria philatelic piece. The 5d stamp was required for correspondence with India and China paying double rate (1 ounce). A hand painted essay in the issued design, except that it had corner letters and was for 9d, was amongst those submitted on 31 May 1880. It

Written by the same hand that penned some of English literature’s most celebrated works

At the age of just 25

Arms of Jersey and value

It was most likely his aspirations of becoming a professional musician that prevented him from applying to this job

Philatelic Expert of Australia certificate of authenticity

Routed via Brindisi then carried by P&O steamers "Baroda"

The albino impression is 2mm above and 4mm to left of the printed frame

The Armand Barbès had a special passenger onboard

instantly recognisable autograph in superb condition

cross in circle above quartered shield of arms in treasure of eight arcs

Pierron records only 3 mint imperforate examples

Trivial gum wrinkles immaterial to overall very fine and fresh appearance