Nauru Stamps

1916 (OC 7) registered censored cover to Sheffield, franked at correct 4d rate (1d postage + 3d registration) by 1916(-23) ½d, 1d, 2½d, tied by individual light strikes of type P2 cds, with purple type C1 'CENSORED' H/S and red M/S 'Registered/Nauru No: 1264' type R1 registration endorsement at lower left. Backstamps of Sydney, London and Sheffield (25 JA 17). Light vertical cover fold but fresh and most attractive. To be regarded as a 'first day cover' of this issue, as the only known earlier date (SE 2 16) is restricted to c.t.o. usage. Very scarce.

1916-23 original set of 10 to 1s (exclg 1½d and 2d die II), all attributed to the 'I16' batch with shiny jet-black ink, and showing the R1/8 constant variety 'Short N', the ½d to 5d in pairs with normal (with the ½d, 1d, 2½d, 3d upper marginal with stamps unmounted), the 6d to 1s singles, large part o.g. to o.g. Odd minor blemishes (6d with traces of gum toning, 9d with short corner perf) but mostly very fine and fresh. An exceptional set which would be difficult to reassemble. Neatly mounted on exhibition page. (cat £520+)

1916-23 Set to 1s, ten values (exclg 1½d and 2d die II), all showing the constant variety 'short left stroke to N' (R1/8), the 9d a non-marginal single, the other values in top marginal horizontal pairs (2d, 3d, 5d, 1s with positional guide mark), o.g. The 3d with tone spot and 1s pair with faintly toned gum, still a scarce and desirable group (mostly unmounted).

1916-23 ½d yellow-green, type 1 opt, horizontal strip of 3, the centre stamp variety 'NAUP.U' from 'I16' ptg, R6/2, very fine o.g. (variety unmounted). R6/3 shows constant broken 'N'. Very scarce.

1916(-23) ½d yellow-green, type 1 opt, upper marginal block of 6 (2x3) showing second albino impression at the TOP of the stamps with 8-9mm clearance from the inked opt (especially clear on the first and third rows), but also showing detectable THIRD albino impression still higher up on the first and third stamps in the right column, o.g. (upper block of 4 unmounted). Small stain in top margin, and fractionally yellowish gum, still fine, with fresh colour. A fascinating multiple for the specialist, with the variable strength of the albino impressions suggesting uninked trial impressions to check the make-ready. [The position of the albino impressions corresponds to the upper example illustrated on p.78 of Buckingham's book]. (cat £360++, as 'double, one albino').

1916-23 1d bright scarlet, type 1 opt, block of 4 from 'I16' printing showing variety 'NAUP.U' (first state) on lower right stamp (R6/2), with 'splayed A' on R5/1 proving the position, brilliant o.g. (varieties unmounted). Very scarce in this form and condition.

1916-23 1d carmine-red, type 1 opt, overprint double, one albino, fresh o.g. Trivial gum wrinkle, still very fine. One pane existed, from the 'N19' printing.

1916-23 2d orange (die I), type 1 opt, showing double overprint, one albino, fine o.g. The albino impression ½mm to the left of the inked. Scarce.

1916-23 2d orange, die I, type 1 opt, block of 4 from foot of upper pane with part interpane margin below, variety wmk inverted and reversed, very fine unmounted o.g. Only two sheets existed (with control I16).

1916-23 4d slate-green, opt double, one albino, left marginal, fine o.g. The albino impression 1½mm below and to left of the inked opt, and detectable from face.

1916-23 6d purple, type 1 opt, variety 'NAUP.U', fresh o.g. From R6/2, 'I16' printing only. Odd shortish perfs but rare on this value. (cat £1500)

1916(-23) 10s indigo-blue, Waterlow printing, opt 'SPECIMEN' (type GB23) for UPU distribution, brilliant o.g. Couple of shortish perfs but exceptionally fresh and very lightly hinged. (cat £1000).

1916-23 De La Rue 10s pale blue, o.g. Faintest trace of gum toning, still very fine appearance with above average perfs and centring

1924-48 white paper set of 14 to 10s, fine c.t.o. with part cds cancellations.