Great Britain 1857 1d rose red Plate 46 (watermark Large Crown, Perforations 16), SG36.
A superb unused example with original gum, lettered "HL", showing the merest hint of a previous stamp hinge.
A magnificent stamp with lovely fresh colour and gum and exceptionally scarce in this quality.
GB Specialised Catalogue No: C11.
Accompanied with a 2003 Royal Philatelic Society (RPS) Certificate of Authenticity.
SG Catalogue Value: £2,800.
Since 1855 perforation 14 had been standard for all postage stamps. The reversion to perforation 16 in 1857-58 for the 1d and 2d stamps is unexplained. However, it coincided with the construction of a new Napier perforating machine, which was delivered in July 1858. It seems likely that work on the new machine caused delays in routine servicing of the perforation 14 punch sets and that old perforation 16 sets were used as a stopgap for a brief period.
