Auction 309-320 - Australian States & Commonwealth British Africa, St. Helena - Day 1

Nyasaland Protectorate 1911 (June 16): De La Rue composite Essay for proposed £ 25 value, the design showing Edward VII head-plate even though George V had ascended to the throne in May 1910, stamp size imperforate on thick card (89 x 114 mm.) with frame hand-painted in deep bright green and lettering in Chinese white, the £25 Duty Plates at top and NYASALAND PROTECTORATE in red on card paper applied over the handpainted design. Marked "A2." at top and dated "June 16th 11" at upper right. One of three such De La Rue Essays proposed for the high 'Gun License' stamp, this however inscribed POSTAGE / POSTAGE, the others inscribed REVENUE / REVENUE or POSTAGE / REVENUE, all are dated on the same day. A rare and spectacular Essay.rnrnProvenance: "British Central Africa", RL, London, 14 April 1976, ex lot 1085; Grosvenor, London, 16 April 2002, lot 1663.