Lot 50190 – 1858 40p greenish blue on white paper in vertical strip of four with central tête-bêche used

1858 40p greenish blue on white paper in vertical strip of four with central tête-bêche cancelled by the very rare boxed “FRANCO / MICHAILENI” hs (Heimbüchler “RR”), horizontal fold in the centre causing some weakness mentioned for accuracy, and top stamp with tear in right margin of no importance as it does not affect the tête-bêche. A very fine example of a used tête-bêche, which belongs to the great rarities of Romanian philately, of which we have only recorded thee examples:

1) The unique pair on bluish paper used with “FRANCO” hs (ex Moldau collection part 3 lot 5032)

2) The pair in the blue shade on large piece cancelled “FRANCO PIATRA” (ex Leon collection, Robson Lower Oct. 1966 lot 1339)

3) This unique strip of four in the greenish blue shade and only tête-bêche multiple larger than a pair.