Great Britain 1876 8d purple brown Plate 1, SG156a British Honduras stamps An exceptional example of this

An exceptional example of this rare Queen Victoria surface printed stamp and certainly the finest example we have ever seen

neatly cancelled by superb Bedford circular date stamps for 'OC

only one of six sets released from the National Postal Museum archive sales in 1984-85

he replied

SG Catalogue Value: £675

Great Britain 1876 8d purple brown Plate 1, SG156a British Honduras stamps An exceptional example of thisGreat Britain 1876 8d purple brown Plate 1, SG156a. Exceptionally fine and fresh example unused, with original gum, lettered 'EC' of this rare stamp that was prepared for use but not issued due to changes in postal rates. The finest quality example of this major rarity we have ever handled. This value was issued to prepay the rate at that time to India via Marseilles and to Australia via Brindisi. Two printing plates (1 and 2) were prepared and