Great Britain 1903 10d dull purple & carmine O.W. Official Specimen, SGO40var.
A very fine and fresh unused, with original gum, example of this rare government departmental issue overprinted "SPECIMEN" type 16.
A very rare and important specimen example used for reference purposes of this highly sought after departmental issue.
The "O.W. OFFICIAL" overprint was applied to stamps intended for the Office of Works, the government department responsible for maintaining royal palaces and public buildings.
The higher denominations were introduced to meet the department's requirements for registration fees and overseas correspondence.
SG Catalogue Value: £8,000.
