Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 160 - The Henry "Hap" Pattiz Collection of Nepal
Lot: 2045

Hellrigl #4a, 1881 1a Dull blue on European wove paper, imperforate, complete sheet of 64, setting 2, unused without gum, a spectacular sheet being in the best condition of all the first issue sheets (there are a total of seven, possibly eight, sheets known of all values and settings, perforated or imperforate), this sheet is exceptionally fresh with strong dull blue color on fresh white paper, it possesses full untrimmed sheet margins measuring 250x323mm, the sheet has been folded as all first issue sheets are, this twice vertically and twice horizontally, all between the rows of stamps and hardly apparent on the front, all sixteen of the constant plate flaws show well, a very fine and exceedingly handsome sheet.

Setting 2 is distinguished from setting 1 by lacking the fancy ornaments that have now been removed. In addition in the second word of the inscription at left in the bottom margin the middle letter lacks two flourishes that are normally on this letter and are on setting 1 but not setting 2. This sheet is one of only two imperforate sheets of Setting 2 known. No perforated sheets are known of this setting. Additionally this is the better of the two known sheets, the other being in the Vignola collection and shown on page 69 of Hellrigl with sheet selvages somewhat reduced. This is a marvelous exhibition piece of extraordinary rarity and quality; (Scott #4; $11,200.00+; S.G. #4; £14,400+; catalog values are for 64 normal singles).

Sold for
$11,000