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Auction: 24015 - Stamps and Covers of Great Britain
Lot: 1118

(x) Great Britain
Line Engraved Proofs and Essays
The Genesis of the 1840 One Penny Black
1840 later stage die proof for the second die, the accepted Die I with head now fully engraved, for the 1840 One Penny Black on soft white card (c.25x26mm), affixed to card (c.55x61mm). An immense rarity of upmost importance to the specialised collector; a show-stopping frontispiece for the most advanced collection. Spec. DP13, £150,000 Photo

Notes: In mid January, 1840 Charles Heath began his work on the second die proposed for Sir Rowland Hill's revolutionary postage stamp which he completed on the 23 January. On the 30th January, Sir Rowland Hill instructed that the inscription should read "POSTAGE ONE PENNY" as opposed to the previous essays submitted by Wyon with the inscription "HALF OZ". Engravers Charles Heath and his son Frederick began on the first, rejected die as the design was deemed too fine to transfer to the roller die and subsequently the plate. The background was then changed and a second, eventually approved die was produced. By the 20th February, a die was returned to Perkins, Bacon and Petch and on the 2nd March the Queen expressed her satisfaction with the proof.

provenance:
Spink, Chartwell, 2011 (29 June), Lot 1023

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£30,000

Starting price
£30000