Lot 40438 – Army Official: A superb die proof of the Official overprint

Army Official: 1903 De La Rue die proof of the Army Official overprint (Type 2) in black on glazed card (92x60mm), endorsed 23 Mar 03 in blue, a superb and incredibly rare die proof (S.G. £9’000).By 1903 the existing overprint plate (forme 2) had become very worn, so a new plate (forme 4) was made from a fresh die. After the 6d. issue the overprint was withdrawn, the existing overprint (Type 1) showed a Larger « M ».