GENEVA, 1843, 5c Black on
Yellow Green, Left Half of "Double Geneva" (2L1a, Zumstein 4L). Large
margins all around including dividing line at bottom and part of dividing
line at top, neat strike of red Geneva Rosette cancel, certificate states
paper abrasion at top left which we cannot seeEXTREMELY FINE. A CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE LEFT HALF OF THE FAMOUS DOUBLE GENEVA CANTONAL STAMP.
With 1992 Rellstab certificate (Image)
ZURICH, 1843, 4r Black,
Vertical Red Lines (1L1, Zumstein 1S). Type II, ample to huge margins,
deep shade with clear red background lines, well-centered red
rosette cancelVERY FINE AND CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE ZURICH 4-RAPPEN WITH VERTICAL RED LINES.
In 1843, the Canton of Zurich decided to issue stamps to prepay postage. These were issued in two denominations: the 4-rappen for local letters, and a 6-rappen stamp for use on letters to other cantonal districts. The local printing firm of Orell, Fussli & Co. were contracted to print the stamps, which were issued on March 2, 1843.
Small blue and purple backstamps. With 1991 Rellstab certificate. (Image)
ZURICH, 1846, 4r Black
(1L3). Ty. I., large and even margins bright color nicely contrasted by
red cross cancel, small thin spots at rightEXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE EXAMPLE OF THE ZURICH 4-RAPPEN CANTONAL ISSUE.
The 4r was designed to pay the local rate for mail sent within a city of the canton. As such, very few were used. (Image)
TRINIDAD, 1847, (5c) Blue,
Lady McLeod (SG 1). Huge margins to just barely in at top left, deep
rich color and fine impression, cancelled by ms. "X" cancel on folded
letter datelined "San Fernando, 12th May 1847" to Taylor & Co. in
Port of Spain, stamp lifted, cover gently cleaned and expertly restored
along file foldVERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE OF THE FAMOUS LADY MCLEOD STAMP ON COVER.
This private-issue stamp appeared six months before the "Post Office" Mauritius and is the earliest stamp used in any British Colony. The stamp was issued in April 1847 to prepay the private conveyance of mails on the Lady Mcleod between Port of Spain and San Fernando. Details regarding the printing of this stamp have never been found, but it has been surmised that they were likely printed at the offices of the local newspaper, as were several other early British Colonial stamps and the Hawaiian Missionaries. The full story of this stamp is told on pp. 196-199 of Stamps of Fame by L.N. & M. Williams.
With 1982 Holcombe and 1992 R.P.S. certificates. (Image)
VATICAN CITY, 1934, 1.30l on
1.25l Provisional Surcharge, Small Figure "30" in "1.30" (36a). Radiant
color, clear small "30", cancelled at lower right, wide
marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A SCARCE USED EXAMPLE OF THIS MAJOR VATICAN CITY VARIETY.
Signed twice in pencil on back. (Image)