SOMALILAND PROTECTORATE 1904-05 2a dull and bright purple Official, variety, SGO12a

SOMALILAND PROTECTORATE 1904-05 2a dull and bright purple Official, variety, SGO12aSomaliland Protectorate 1904 05 2a dull and bright purple Official, watermark CA, type O3 overprint, variety 'No stop after M, SGO12a. A fine and fresh mint example with large part original gum. A minor gum bend present mentioned purely for accuracy, as does not detract from what is a fine example of this major rarity and the first time we have ever handled. Accompanied with a clear British Philatelic Association (BPA) certificate of authenticity

(SG 46) and a 10d pale red-brown plate 1

one with the address expunged and one with an adhesive removed

In 1897 Elliot Stock

CLIVE CLARK

There are some slight faults including horizontal creasing affecting two rows and a few perforation defects (R4/6 with tear) as commonly seen with such a large multiple

is a mystery

The key to the rarity of the 96c issue lies with the postal rate of the time

Provenance: Romeko handstamp on reverse

From the very first approved printed sheet of this classic stamp issue

but still a fine quality example of this rare printing variety

past and present

I never appeared in a Circus