Great Britain 1873 6d pale buff Plate 13, SG145

Rare “Abnormal” Issue – Unique Irish Usage

A very fine used example of this rare “abnormal” printing plate, lettered 'MK', and clearly cancelled by a crisp Queenstown "157" duplex.

Despite a minor blunt perforation at upper right, this example stands out as the only known usage from Ireland. Most of the only 49 recorded examples were cancelled in Leeds, Liverpool, or Manchester.

Plate 13 is "abnormal" because it was never put to press other than in grey. Examples relate to those from the extra printing sheets run off at the same time as the imprimatur and later perforated.

An outstanding Queen Victorian surface printed stamp rarity.

Accompanied by a 1984 British Philatelic Association (BPA) Certificate of Authenticity.

Provenance: Ex. F.M. Johnson collection.

Stanley Gibbons catalogue value: £25,000.