Lot 50190 – 1858 40p greenish blue on white paper in vertical strip of four with central tête-bêche used

1858 40p greenish blue on white paper in vertical strip of four with central tête-bêche cancelled by the very rare boxed « FRANCO / MICHAILENI » hs (Heimbüchler « RR »), horizontal fold in the centre causing some weakness mentioned for accuracy, and top stamp with tear in right margin of no importance as it does not affect the tête-bêche. A very fine example of a used tête-bêche, which belongs to the great rarities of Romanian philately, of which we have only recorded thee examples:

1) The unique pair on bluish paper used with « FRANCO » hs (ex Moldau collection part 3 lot 5032)

2) The pair in the blue shade on large piece cancelled « FRANCO PIATRA » (ex Leon collection, Robson Lower Oct. 1966 lot 1339)

3) This unique strip of four in the greenish blue shade and only tête-bêche multiple larger than a pair.