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

1856, 6 d. lilac, plate 1, 'SPECIMEN', Type 4, printed on Azure paper, top corner marginal, variety "abnormal official perforation", showing Wing margin instead of a normal perforation close to the stamp design, the perforations extend right through the right side of sheet rather than the usual single extension hole, small corner crease in top margin and slight soiling, however a scarce example and most attractive. Comes with an 1862 4 d. vermilion, plate 3, SPECIMEN, also with abnormal official perforations, the Wing margin absent and perforated along design. SG70 Spec. J70t = £875+ for a standard perf. Azure Specimen. rnProvenance: Ex. 'DERBY' collection, Christies 2 February 1995, lot 319.