Auction 333-341 Europe & Overseas Americas (North, Central & South America) - Day 1

1871:  1 c. ochre on buff, three blocks - an unused block of fifty (10 x 5) from the top of the sheet of 150 subjects, positions 1-10 / 41-50, completely Imperforate, showing the perforation guide "+" over the fifth stamp and oval framed 'Contrôle / T.P.' handstamp in blue at upper right. Unused without gum, central file fold does not detract from the appearance of a delightful multiple.
Another unused block of forty 1 c. ochre in a deep shade, from top right of sheet, with full sheet margins and centre line "+" at top, oval 'Contrôle / T.P.' in blue at upper right. Superb and fresh with just one tone spot not affecting the appearance, mounted in margins only, stamps unmounted og. A delightful and rare multiple.
Same stamp, but perforated 1 c. ochre on buff, an unused block of forty (8 x 5) from the upper right corner of the sheet with oval 'Contrôle / T.P.' handstamp in blue in sheet margin, positions 3-10 / 43-50 with central guide line cross above position 5, fresh and very fine, large part or unmounted og. Ex the Brian Moorhouse Estate.
Note: The Guatemalan first issue engraved by Joubert was slightly larger than the current French Cérès stamps. By using this perf. 13 x 13½ machine, the margins between the stamps had to be very narrow (1 mm.), therefore the machine inevitably cut into the sides of the stamps. The stamps were printed in sheets of 300 in two panes (10 x 15) separated by a central vertical gutter margin.