Auction 309-320 - Great Britain 1840–1841 Europe & Overseas - Day 5

1840, 1d. black background trials, the so-called "Genesis Plate", plate proof on India on soft white card in black, from an original pull taken in 1825, with ornate engine-turned design by Perkins & Heath, from which the background for both the 1d. Black and 2d Blue was taken, some spotting mostly confined to borders, otherwise a fine example of this rare and important trial. Gi DP9 = £30,000rnrnIn 1822, Perkins & Heath executed a bank note plate in hardened steel, for submission to the Bank of England in hopes of obtaining a printing contract. In 1825, a proof was pulled in black for a book which included potential designs for security bank notes, with the plate being used for subsequent reprints in 1827 and 1838, followed by later colour reprints in 1937.rn