Long Island 1916 ½d black on pale green paper, SG4

Long Island 1916 (7 May) ½d black on pale green paper, with horizontal grey lines, typewritten (top copy as always), SG4.

A very fine unused example.

Although 40 were produced, only 5 unused and 4 used examples have been recorded.

Accompanied with a British Philatelic Association (BPA) certificate of authenticity (1971).

Long Island is a small island, in the Gulf of Smyrna, which was under Turkish rule as Chustan (or Keustan). It was occupied by the British Navy during April 1916 and renamed Long Island.

In May 1916, local stamps were issued between 7 and 26 May 1916. They were typewritten and inscribed 'GRI LONG ISLAND'. They were provided by the Civil Administrator, Lieutenant Commander H. Pirie-Gordon.

Long Island stamps are very scarce and rarely come onto the market and considered great rarities of British Commonwealth collecting. They hold a certain primitive charm and have always proved popular amongst a wide range of collectors.

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