Lot 40616 – 1843, 60r black, early impression, vertical strip of three with « BAHIA » straight line, exceptional alignment line

Bahia (BA) 1843, 60r black, early impression, vertical strip of three from the left of the sheet, outstandingly strong colour and detailed design with margins ranging from very good to enormous at left, displaying two complete strikes of « BAHIA » straight-line hs (Ayres 1129), exceptionally showing horizontal line between the frames of the second and third stamps. Small reparation below the « 60 » denomination at base. A spectacular exhibition item, featuring an exceptional alignment line in margin which we could not find in any other multiple.

Note: According to our research, this multiple originates from the Second Large Plate, State A, with positions 31/37/43 (6th, 7th & 8th rows). The line between the positions 37 and 43 was probably applied by the printer in order to properly align the designs of the stamps on the plate. It is a mysterious feature which we presume can be only found in the first sheets printed, prior to this line being burnished. Interestingly the Napier plating does not show this variety in any of its plates. It would be much rarer and therefore more interesting than a semi-xiphopagus.