Recess by Perkins Bacon 1855: Perkins Bacon 2 d. rose-carmine, wmk. Large Star, imperforate, a used horizontal strip of three with ample to large margins all round and showing large portion of adjoining stamp at right, lightly cancelled by "25" numeral obliterator of Gawler in black. Delightful.rn 

On 18 April 1861 Ormond Hill, the nephew of Rowland Hill, wrote to Joshua Butters Bacon the head of Perkins Bacon and Co.:rn“My dear Sir, Two or three of my friends who are collectors of Postage Stamps have asked me to procure for them specimens of new or uncommon stamps whenever I have it in my power. It occurs to me that perhaps you may be able to give me a few ...”rnHe added on 24 April:rn“... I should be glad to have six stamps of each...

Adelaide Printing 1856/58: Adelaide 2 d. red, wmk. Large Star, imperforate, a used example with huge to enormous margins all round and showing portion of adjoining stamps at left and at right, neatly cancelled by "66" diamond numeral obliterator of Morphett Vale. Superb.rnProvenance: Collection Michael Blake, Prestige, Melbourne, 7 Feb 2014, lot 1080.

Adelaide Printing 1856/58: Adelaide 1 s. orange, wmk. Large Star, imperforate, a used example with large margins round and showing portion of adjoining stamp at base, cancelled by part "Adelaide SA" circular datestamps (1858) in blue. Scarce so fine Gi = £ 500.rn 

Adelaide Printing 1858/59: Adelaide 2 d. red, wmk. Large Star, rouletted, a used example showing variety "Printed on Both Sides" with reverse showing parts of two inverted stamp impressions, cancelled by Adelaide datestamp (March 21) in blue. Rare Gi = £ 950.rnProvenance: Collection Julius Beresford, RL, London, 5 Feb 1958, lot 387; Collection Michael Blake, Prestige, Melbourne, 7 Feb 2014, lot 1137.

Second Rouletted Issue 1860/67: 2 d. pale red, wmk. Large Star, rouletted, a used example on 1861 cover to North Adelaide cancelled by pen stroke endorsed "Pre Paid" by writer and further endorsed by Postmaster "P.O. / Pt. Macdonnell / 21 March 1861" at upper left. Reverse with weak "Mt. Gambier" transit and Adelaide G.P.O. cds (March 28). A fine and scarce cover.rnProvenance: Prestige, Melbourne, 7 Dec 2012, lot 717; Collection Michael Blake...

Second Rouletted Issue 1860/67: 6 d. dull blue, wmk. Large Star, rouletted, an unused horizontal strip of six, two with ironed vertical creases and minor surface stains, otherwise fresh and fine, unused without gum. Rare: the largest recorded multiple. Cert. RPSV (2014).rnProvenance: Collection John O. Griffiths, Christie's, London, 3 June 1992, lot 1144; Collection Michael Blake, Prestige, Melbourne, 7 Feb 2014, lot 1156.

First Perforated Issue 1868/79: 1 d. dark green, wmk. Large Star, perf. 11½-12½ all round, an unused block of four of rich colour, fresh and fine but for one or two toned perfs. not affecting the appearance, large part og. A delightful multiple Gi = £ 800+.rn 

1868/79: "3-PENCE" in black on 4 d. ultramarine, wmk. Large Star, perf. 11½-12½, two used examples on 1874 cover to London tied by "G.P.O. ADELAIDE / S.A." circular datestamps (April 23) in black. London arrival cds (June 15) on reverse. Two pinholes at upper left of envelope, a very scarce stamp on letter.

1871 (July 17): 4 d. dull lilac, wmk. V over Crown, perf. 10, an unused example of rich colour, well centred, unused without gum. An extremely rare stamp in the foremost quality. Cert. RPSV (2014) Gi = £ 5'500.

1876/1900: 4 d. violet-slate, wmk. Broad Star, perf. 11½-12½, a used horizontal pair on 1876 cover to Scotland endorsed "via Brindisi", neatly tied by Adelaide circular datestamp (Sept 7) with information strike alongside. Reverse with "Greenock Sorting Tender" cds (Oct 23). A fine and appealing cover.rnProvenance: Collection Michael Blake, Prestige, Melbourne, 7 Feb 2014, lot 1281.