Auction 321 - 332 Australian States & Commonwealth of Australia, New South Wales, St. Helena, Basutoland The ‘BESANÇON’ Collection - Day 2

Multiple Watermark 1930 (Aug 2): Sideface 4½ d. violet, Die II, Multiple Crown over A wmk., perf. 13½ x 12½, Plate 3, an unused horizontal pair divided by interpanneau margin, showing "JOHN ASH" imprint (N over N), of excellent centering and fresh colour, light typical crease in interpanneau margin, slightly browned unmounted og. This pair, formerly a block of four (cut in the learly 1980's), emanates probably from a presentation set given to or by the Postmaster General or from the sheet inadvertenly sold to Miller Bros (for a full description see Brusden White pages 4/346-347). An immense rarity, believed to be the sole remaining Imprint pair. Unique and one of the truly iconic items of Australian Commonwealth philately. Cert. RPS of Victoria Gi = £ 15'000 / BW 121zb = $ 75'000.rnrnProvenance: Harmers Australia, Sydney, 16-18 March 1977, lot 448 as a block of four.rn                      Rod Perry, Melbourne, 26 Oct 1978, lot 148 as a block of four.rn                     Status, Sydney, 16 March 1981, lot 324.rn                     Rod Perry, Melbourne, 26 Oct 1983, lot 394.rn                     Premier, Melbourne, 20 July 2002, lot 627.