1884-91 2c bright rose, type 16 opt, fresh large part o.g. Trivial gum disturbance mentioned for accuracy, still very fine for this major rarity, of which only six examples are recorded. Clear BPA cert (1977). (cat £9000).
1896 (30 NO) cover from Muar to Titachery, India, franked by 1896-99 3c green and purple (paying local rate to Singapore), tied by double ring 'BANDER MAHARANI/MUAR' 'star and crescent' pmk, in combination with Straits 1892-99 8c ultramarine (paying external postage), tied by Singapore transit cds. Part red despatch cds on face, Negapatam (8 DE) and Titachery (9 DE) backstamps. Cover with slight creasing and a little reduced at right, still a fine and rare combination usage from an office other than Johore Bahru. Neatly written up on exhibition page.
1903 (18 NOV) die proof of 'Sultan Sir Ibrahim' vignette only, used for 1904-41 issues (types 33-35), progress state with imcomplete frame and uncleared surround, showing orders unfinished but with outlines of parts that were subsequently omitted, in black on glazed card (97x60mm). Stamped 'BEFORE/HARDENING' at upper right and dated in blue at upper left. A very rare and interesting proof, of particular importance in view of the subsequent long history and use of the design.