1888-93 QV ½d - 5/- (SG 1-11). Full Set to the 5/-, full or large part OG, couple minor imperfections, generally F/M for these. Great appearance with the 5/- perfectly centered. Each HANDSTAMPED SPECIMEN TYPE GB9. 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. A rare & attractive group, particularly as full set thus. Photo-cert for 5/-: BPA. See additional image and of certificate.
