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Auction: 1020 - Summer Collectors Series - Stamps
Lot: 2353

Orange Free State 1896 (Sept.) " 1/2d" on 3d. Ultramarine A block of nine from the trial pane experimental printing which was carried out in an effort to solve the problems of the left sides of the left panes not printing clearly, [2-4] with only a "2" added, [8-10] and [11] with a "1" and a "2" added, all four without fraction bar, and [15-16] untouched, large part original gum; some minor creases and two stamps with a small fox mark, otherwise fine. A very rare and important multiple, being the largest of the two recorded blocks from this experimental printing. Also two singles (one used) from the same trial print. Photo Estimate £ 1,500-2,000 Note: The entire left side of the setting printed poorly. After the problem was noticed the printing was halted so that a solution could be found. The first attempt was to try to print by hand the individual bits that would match the weak print. This was attempted on a pane from which the block offered above emanates. Due to the time consuming nature of this correction procedure which resulted in the making up of a handstamp of Type g, complete with bar and "d" for further use. Having agreed on a Type g handstamp the sheets were corrected, generally in the first two rows of the left side, though sometimes in the third column. The only other block that exists from this trial printing is a block of eight that resides in the Mosley collection and which adjoins this block of nine

Sold for
£1,100