1856 Official Imitation
Proof 1856 (November) die proof of the officially authorised 1d. forgery, showing large and small part impressions of two adjoining stamps, struck in red-brown on thin paper affixed to card (149x109 mm.); some slight staining or soiling mostly well clear of design. The only example known in private hands. S.G. Spec. DP34. Photo in colour
Details
Proof 1856 (November) die proof of the officially authorised 1d. forgery, showing large and small part impressions of two adjoining stamps, struck in red-brown on thin paper affixed to card (149x109 mm.); some slight staining or soiling mostly well clear of design. The only example known in private hands. S.G. Spec. DP34. Photo in colour
Further details
This imitation was made by order of the Board of Inland Revenue to ascertain whether or not a skilful engraver could exactly reproduce the design of the 1d. stamp. Of the three known examples, one is in the Royal Collection and another is in the National Postal Museum Collection.