c.1912 Essays in pencil and Indian ink for a 2d postage due ...

Estimate

£2,500 - £3,000

c.1912 Essays in pencil and Indian ink for a 2d postage due stamp, the two essays similar in design but showing differences in the side details and size of wording, with a stamp size pencil drawing of the current 1d postage stamp alongside, all drawn by Mr H.J Howard who worked in the Secretary's office at the G.P.O, believed to have been submitted to the 1912 Conference which discussed the proposal to issue postage due stamps (recommending that five values of dues be issued, the design brief being given to George Eve). The two essays each 90x100mm, on thick card (255x316mm), a further stamp size essay excised from the upper left corner (believed to be in the Royal Collection), central horizontal fold and small split at upper right corner (well away from the essays), a unique and important item in the development of the first G.B postage due stamps, with an article on this essay by Graham Mark. Photo on Page 24.