Lot 51264 – 2a square design (Spence 3), 2a octagonal design (Spence 7), 4a Head die III with surround of wavy lines and rosettes (Spence 8) and head only (Spence 50c) se-tenant in lake on white parchment paper

Essays for printing stamps by lithography. 1890 (Dec) die proof taken from the copper plate during Tapling’s visit to India, before the plate was defaced: 2a square design (Spence 3), 2a octagonal design (Spence 7), 4a Head die III with surround of wavy lines and rosettes (Spence 8) and head only (Spence 50c) se-tenant in lake on white parchment paper, light toning, fine and extremely rare, an exhibition showpiece of the 1854 essays and reprints and a spectacular frontispiece for any India collection, ex Spence.