Australia 1889 2½d to 1s values Die Proofs, SG97/102

Australia 1889 2½d to 1s values Die Proofs, SG97/102Western Australia 1889 (Jan) matched pair of die proofs in black on glazed cards (92x60mm) from the undenominated master die for the 1890 93 2d to 1s values (x5), respectively '1 JAN 89, BEFORE HARDENING' and '14 JAN 89, AFTER HARDENING' with appropriate handstamps, the second with M S initials 'GN', SG97 102. A rare and important pair, probably impossible to replicate. The iconic Swan issue of Western Australia was used as it was the emblem of the

A light blue "X" is marked over the text

The Stanley Gibbons catalogue value is £650+

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lower marginal block of 6 (3x2) with the lower left stamp showing variety Wide space (2¼mm) between "TWO" and "SHILLINGS" (R10/3)

Princess Mary's governess Lady Charlotte Finch (1725-1813) collected this set of three one-inch strands of hair in December 1782

lower left corner block of 8 (4x2) with 'OTTAWA-No-2A' imprint

Some minor marginal creasing does not detract from overall quality

Although a consulate was established in 1863 no organised postal agency was provided until 1 January 1903 when one was opened on the premises of Curtis Brothers

left marginal block of 4 showing variety 'line through 'O' of 1910' on upper right stamp (R4/2)

000 in 1991

He fought against both Mexico and the United States over their expansion into Apache tribal lands in the 19th Century

SG Catalogue Price: £6