Lot 20044 – 1840 1d black pl.6 in block of eighteen on large piece tied red MC cancels

The Largest Recorded Used Block of Plate 6

The legendary 1840 1d Black, Plate 6, presented as an extraordinary block of eighteen (positions PA–PL and QA–QF) on a substantial piece of large-format legal correspondence. The upper row PA–PL forms a complete horizontal strip of twelve, an exceptional feature in itself, with the entire multiple securely tied by crisp red Maltese Cross cancellations.

Margins are just clear to large all round, an impressive achievement for a multiple of this scale. A light archival fold crosses the piece, entirely consistent with original postal use. Minor imperfections are confined to PG and QE, each showing a tiny closed nick at the foot, and do not detract from the overall striking visual impact. Considering its remarkable size and survival on piece, the condition must be regarded as exceptionally fine.

Note: This iconic exhibit item was showcased at the Royal Philatelic Society Centenary Exhibition, May 1940.

The second largest used Penny Black multiple known (after the block of 24 in the “Chartwell” collection) and the largest used multiple of plate 6.

A truly magnificent and historically important rarity, representing the pinnacle of classic British philately.