Lot 60595 – 1882-86 Die I Wmk CA 1pi, 4pi and 6pi duty plate die proofs affixed to De La Rue striking book piece

1882-86 Die I Wmk CA 1pi, 4pi and 6pi duty plate die proofs, each stamp-size in black on glazed card and affixed to De La Rue striking book piece endorsed « Nov. 4 12 leads each », the proofs endorsed in red ink « Plate increased to 80 set. » with the « 80 » subsequently deleted and replaced with « 120 »; a unique item from the De La Rue archive, ex Eley and Cruttwell.

Note: This piece is attributed to 1883 with the 12 leads having been struck extra for the existing duty plates made in 1880. The endorsement regarding the increase in the set may well refer to the introduction of the 120 set plate number 2 in 1886 .