Lot 60904 – 1896 De La Rue small format definitive postal stationery essay by De La Rue, with pale blue die on envelope with handpainted « 2 1/2a ANNAS »

1896 De La Rue small format definitive postal stationery essay by De La Rue, with pale blue die on envelope with handpainted « 2 1/2a ANNAS », reduced at left and fault on reverse at right side from being stuck down, and extremely attractive essay.

Note: The proposed scheme was approved by the GPO on 9th December 1895 with the proviso that the light blue of the 1 1/2a stamp and postal stationery envelope be transposed with the dark blue of the 1R to conform with UPU colour regulations for the 1/2oz letter rate.