Description
Australia Queensland 1860-61 1s violet, watermark small star, clean-cut perforations 14-16, SG10.
A fine used example with crisp part strikes of the Perkins Bacon '(CANCELLED)' barred oval which, most importantly, leave the portrait clear. Slightly trimmed perforations at upper right, which do not detract from its beauty.
A stunning and fascinating stamp of the highest rarity, being position 2 of an original block of 6 (3x2) for presentation to Rowland Hill's family, and one of only two recorded in private hands (plus a third in the Royal Collection).
Provenance: Ex Peter Jaffe (realised A$11,500 in 2006) and fully documented on p.57 of his book.
Accompanied with an independent Brandon certificate of authenticity (2006).
One of the all-time greats of British Commonwealth philately.
The Stanley Gibbons catalogue value is £11,000.
Note: Queensland was proclaimed a separate colony on 10 December 1859, but continued to use New South Wales stamps until 1 November 1860.