October 12 sees the start of another facet of the world famous Chartwell collection of British and British Empire stamps: the Great Britain Surface Printed Issues.
Whilst not in the league of a Mauritius 'Post Office' Blue, there are certainly some highly covetable pieces on offer from the range.
For example, there is a set of Two and a Half Pence 1876 (1 May) Watermark Orb Imprimaturs. This represent the plates from 6 to 17, each with the plate number in the margin, with 6, 10 - 14, 16-17 AK and 7-9 and 15 PB, some with gum.
Despite some unfortunate hinge remainders at top of each, this is a fine and unique set which was once held by The Earl of Crawford. Except for plate 9, the other plate number imprimaturs are all in the Royal Collection. The whole lot is expected to b
