North Borneo Labuan 1880-82 8c carmine, imperforate plate proof, SG7/a

North Borneo Labuan 1880-82 8c carmine, imperforate plate proof in issued colour on thin surfaced card, complete sheet of 10 (5x2) with M/S endorsement '534/5' at lower right, SG7/a.

A fine mint block with wonderful clarity of impression which is never found on the issued stamps and showing pantograph variety 'No dot at lower left' on R2/5. Trivial gum mark in lower margin, which doesn't detract from what is a quite exceptional and  beautiful philatelic item.

A great rarity, being one of only three known.

The first stamp issues from Labuan are considered one of the most attractive of the time with a striking engraved design of Queen Victoria and with inscriptions in three languages (English, Arabic and Chinese).

Provenance: ex P.K. Cassels North Borneo Collection and De La Rue archives.

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