Description
New Hebrides 1920-21 '2d.' on 40c red/yellow, French issue, watermark 'RF' in sheet, upper left corner vertical strip of 3, SG35.
A very fine unmounted mint positional strip of three with full original gum.
A scarce stamp as only 1,200 were originally issued, and particularly rare as a positional multiple. Accompanied with a matching strip on Watermark MCA paper (SG 34) for comparison. An attractive pair.
Stanley Gibbons catalogue value: £397.50+.
The New Hebrides is an island group in the south-west Pacific. In 1878, they were recognised as an area of joint Anglo-French influence. The position was regularised by the Convention of 20 October 1906 which created a Condominium, the two nations having equal rights and shares in the administration of the islands.
A joint issue with the French authorities, inscribed "NEW HEBRIDES" over a design including the coats of arms of both France and Britain was denominated in British currency. These were in use for several years, but as the stocks ran out in 1920, the less-popular values had to be surcharged "1d." and "2d.". New stamps in different colours were released the following year, making such surcharged stamps now very rare.
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