1888 3d (2), 5d & 6d all with GB9 SPECIMEN handstamp. The GB9 handstamp was primarily applied to stamps retained as specimens in the Inland Revenue reference collection at Somerset House. Infrequently the GB9 handstamp was also used to cancel specimens of overprinted GB postal issues supplied for UPU distribution. This practise was discontinued after a short period of time in favour of more permanent defacements. This group additionally show VARIETIES as follows: the 3d's on purple and deep purple respectively, the 5d with malformed "M" and the 6d with a double "kiss print" of the handstamp. VF/M, scarce & interesting archival specimen group.
