Lot 20001 – 1840 1d black pl.1a block of four CD-DE with four margins on cover from Leeds to Manchester dated May 15th 1840

Back to catalogue: Tomasini Collection of Classic GB Part 1
Lot 20001 – 1840 1d black pl.1a block of four CD-DE with four margins on cover from Leeds to Manchester dated May 15th 1840
Stamp of Great Britain » 1840 1d Black and 2d Blue "May Dates" 1840 1d black pl.1a block of four CD-DE with four margins on cover from Leeds to Manchester dated May 15th 1840
Stamp of Great Britain » 1840 1d Black and 2d Blue "May Dates" 1840 1d black pl.1a block of four CD-DE with four margins on cover from Leeds to Manchester dated May 15th 1840
Stamp of Great Britain » 1840 1d Black and 2d Blue "May Dates" 1840 1d black pl.1a block of four CD-DE with four margins on cover from Leeds to Manchester dated May 15th 1840
Stamp of Great Britain » 1840 1d Black and 2d Blue "May Dates" 1840 1d black pl.1a block of four CD-DE with four margins on cover from Leeds to Manchester dated May 15th 1840
Stamp of Great Britain » 1840 1d Black and 2d Blue "May Dates" 1840 1d black pl.1a block of four CD-DE with four margins on cover from Leeds to Manchester dated May 15th 1840
Stamp of Great Britain » 1840 1d Black and 2d Blue "May Dates" 1840 1d black pl.1a block of four CD-DE with four margins on cover from Leeds to Manchester dated May 15th 1840
Stamp of Great Britain » 1840 1d Black and 2d Blue "May Dates" 1840 1d black pl.1a block of four CD-DE with four margins on cover from Leeds to Manchester dated May 15th 1840
Stamp of Great Britain » 1840 1d Black and 2d Blue "May Dates" 1840 1d black pl.1a block of four CD-DE with four margins on cover from Leeds to Manchester dated May 15th 1840

Lot 20001 – 1840 1d black pl.1a block of four CD-DE with four margins on cover from Leeds to Manchester dated May 15th 1840

Great Britain » 1840 1d Black and 2d Blue “May Dates”
Price realised
5’000 GBP
Estimate
10’000 – 15’000 GBP
Auction date
Thu 26 Mar 2026 at 14:00 (Europe/Zurich)
Description

1840 1d Black, Plate 1a (CD–DE) Block of Four on Cover — May 1840, Leeds to Manchester

A fine and very rare plate 1a multiple on cover, this block of four (CD–DE) shows moderate plate wear but remains fresh with four clear margins on the outer stamps. Affixed to a cover from Leeds, 15 May 1840, to Manchester, the stamps are tied by light orange-red Maltese Crosses. The cover originally bore a wax seal, along with the year portion of the Leeds MY 15 cds, both of which have been removed, and the block has been lifted for examination.

A highly desirable May-date usage, especially in a block, representing one of the scarcer plate 1a multiples on cover, combining postal history, condition, and rarity.

Provenance: From Robson Lowe sales, 1943 and 1949.

Expertise: Accompanied by a British Philatelic Association Certificate (2025).

Auction
2026 Tomasini Collections (part 1) + Specialised Switzerland
Catalogue
Tomasini Collection of Classic GB Part 1

Additional scans and images are being uploaded on a continuous basis, and the complete set of illustrations for all lots will be available by 1 June 2026.

Should you require further images after this date and are unable to find the material you need online, please do not hesitate to contact us.

For further information regarding this lot, please contact us.

Contact us