Great Britain 1870 6d mauve Plate 9 Specimen, SG109var Maldive Islands stamps and of British Colonial philately

and of British Colonial philately more broadly

A list on an envelope handwritten by Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

the founder of the prepaid postal system with the introduction of the penny black which was subsequently adopted throughout the world

A very fine mint positional block of four with original gum (all stamps unmounted mint)

Great Britain 1870 6d mauve Plate 9 Specimen, SG109var Maldive Islands stamps and of British Colonial philatelyGreat Britain 1870 6d Mauve Plate 9, SG109var SPECIMEN Overprint An exceptional and rare positional piece from the Victorian era: Very fine unused original gum Top right hand corner marginal imperforate horizontal pair lettered 'AK''AL' Overprinted "SPECIMEN" Type 6 Features prominent plate number 9 Displays a partial blue crowned "POSTAGE 6d" handstamp in the margin A magnificent and highly rare exhibition quality item. GB Specialised Catalogue No: