Great Britain 1885 10s ultramarine I.R. Official (blued paper) Specimen, SGO9das.
A very fine unused, with original gum, example lettered "AG", showing printing variety "Raised stop after R". Overprinted "SPECIMEN" type 11.
A very scarce specimen example with the printing variety.
GB Specialised Catalogue No: L8(1)a/u.
SG Catalogue Value: £3,750.
The Inland Revenue Official stamps were used by revenue officials in the provinces, mail to and from Head Office passing without a stamp. The London office used these stamps only for foreign mail.
None of these Departmental overprints were supposed to be sold, or otherwise made available to the public in unused condition. The use of these stamps was discontinued in 1904 due to concerns about unauthorised distribution and abuse.
