Lot 20063 – UNIQUE 1839 TREASURY COMPETITION ESSAY James Ch

UNIQUE 1839 TREASURY COMPETITION ESSAY James Chalmers 1d essay in black on laid paper with “1” watermark (inverted), cut into an octagon shape, showing circular frame with “GENERAL POSTAGE / ONE PENNY” and “Not ex. half an oz.” in the centre, uncancelled and possibly unique as such (only existing as cancelled on cover in the Royal Philatelic Collection and the Phillips Collection) and the only one known with an inverted watermark One of the most significant items in British philately and in the history of the postage stamp Note: This design was submitted to the Treasury Competition, cancelled “DUNDEE / SEPT. 30, 39” and was used as a seal closing the flaps of a folded cover. Expertise: RPS (2008) & Brandon (2008) certificates Estimate: € 30’000 – € 40’000