Lot 20054 – 1840 1d black pl.11 AH-CI, marvellous upper marginal block of six

The Famous Ferry Mint Block of Six from Plate Eleven

1840 1d Black, Plate 11 (AH–CI) – A marvellous upper sheet marginal block of six, bearing the rare and highly desirable inscription “AND SIDE of the Letter. In Wettin”, a striking positional feature of great philatelic significance. The stamps retain a fresh mint appearance with original gum, light overall toning as expected for a multiple of this importance. Notably, the upper four stamps remain unmounted (never hinged).

There is some natural gum wrinkling and a crease between the second and third horizontal rows, characteristics entirely consistent with large multiples of this era and in no way detracting from the outstanding visual appeal.

A superb and exceptionally rare multiple, representing one of the most desirable configurations of the world’s first postage stamp.

Expertise: Accompanied by a Royal Philatelic Society Certificate (1955) and a British Philatelic Association Certificate (2025).

Provenance: From the celebrated collections of the Earl of Kingston (1894), Earl of Crawford (1910), R. B. Sparrow (1911), Charles Nissen, Frank Wadham (exhibited in London 1925 and sold R. Lowe 1944), and Ferry (1953). This block adjoins the famous vertical block of six from the Bill Gross collection, which realised $320’000 at auction (approximately £150’000 at the time), an association of the highest pedigree.