Great Britain 1965 4d-1s3d Churchill Commemoration (Phosphor) imprimaturs, SG661/2p var.
A very fine unmounted mint, with full original gum, set of two imperforate imprimaturs with "NPM IMPRIMATUR" handstamps on reverse.
Since the end of WWII there had been calls to celebrate Winston Churchill in philatelic form, but GPO policy stated only the monarch's head could appear on a British stamp.
But when Churchill died in 1965, public demand won out, and Prime Minister Harold Wilson and Postmaster General Tony Benn authorized a set of new commemorative stamps in his honour.
Renowned artist David Gentleman produced a series of essays. His bold, modern design featured the iconic portrait of Churchill by photographer Yousuf Karsh, entitled The Roaring Lion.
The Queen herself was consulted, and she personally approved the designs, with sombre colours which reflected the mood of the nation at his loss.
And on July 8, 1965 the Post Office officially released the first Winston Churchill commemorative stamps, for values 4d and 1s 3d.
This is a scarce set taken from the very first approved printing sheet.
Provenance: Ex National Postal Museum (NPM) Archive sales.
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