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Auction: 26009 - World & British Banknotes featuring the Jersey Collection Part II
Lot: 272

Government of Gibraltar, [2 notes] hand-executed essays for proposed issue of 10 Pounds, ND (ca. 1977-1988),

A fascinating set mounted on card, providing a fascinating insight into the design process and evolution of Government of Gibraltar banknotes. Produced by Colin Roger Braun, a world banknote designer for Bradbury Wilkinson and Harrison & Sons. Braun began working for Bradbury in 1977 and Harrison's in 1987, suggesting that these designs may represent a proposed redesign or development of the existing 1975 10 Pound issue, which was ultimately not adopted.

The most intriguing aspect is the comparability between these proofs and the adopted 1975-1986 issues printed by Thomas de la Rue. Braun retains the established portrait of a young Queen Elizabeth II by Anthony Buckley in the same pose and style, showing the Queen wearing Queen Alexandra's Kokoshnik Tiara. Whilst maintaining similarities to the issued notes, Braun experiments with the surrounding composition, colourways and decorative elements.

Many elements are reduced to basic lines and a reduction in the guilloche decorative technique that we see and recognise on many Government of Gibraltar notes, suggesting that we may be looking at one of Braun's early design developments where his focus is to test new compositions.

The design features the 'Ragged Staff Gates' on the reverse; historic fortification openings with an interesting link to Gibraltar's history. An intriguing choice of design which has not been seen on any issued Government of Gibraltar banknote. The most comparable design can be seen on the 5 Pounds 1995 issue featuring another fortification opening, the Southport Gates.

The design is completed in colour pencil, with the example signature of Traynor in fine pen, which also appears on issued £10, £20 and £50 notes dated 1986.

(Pick unlisted), uncirculated, mounted on card, presented in a Harison & Sons Limited presentation folder (front & back essays)

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Estimate
£300 to £400

Starting price
£210