NAURU 1916-23 ½d yellow-green variety, SG1b var

Nauru 1916-23 ½d yellow-green, type 1 overprint, block of four from top of lower pane (R1-2/7-8), 'I16' printing, DOUBLE OVERPRINT ONE ALBINO (the albino impression 1mm to right and ½mm below the inked overprint) and exceptionally showing varieties 'short left stroke to N' (R1/8) and 'dropped cliche' (R2/7), SG1b var.

A fine and fresh unmounted mint positional block of four with full original gum. Some gum wrinkling, mentioned for accuracy, but a unique positional block from this printing.

Provenance: Ex Keith Buckingham (Grosvenor 28/2/2006, lot 810, realised £341).

Nauru was occupied by Australian forces following the outbreak of World War I. During this time, Australian stamps overprinted 'North West Pacific Islands' were used from 1914 to 1916. The British government took control of the island and British stamps were then overprinted 'NAURU' and were first issued in October 1916.

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