Lot 71970 – 1/2 Blue, 1st printing and 1st setting, very clear

1/2 Blue, 1st printing and 1st setting, very clear impression and deep colour, in BL margin STRIP OF NINE with border lines at L and B, manuscript Riobamba cancels, on legal wrapper front with docketing on top flap on reverse, sent to Guaranda, weight (ms) « 8 3/4 oz. » paid by 4 1/2r franking (at 1/2r per oz.), an attractive « 2 page » exhibit showpiece, second largest piece from the 1st printing on cover and third totally, very fine, ex Bustamante and ex Longhi, 2009 cert. Moorhouse states « Large multiple frankings of the 1/2r blue are rare on cover. » One of the highlights and « gems » of this exhibit collection