Proof 1840 1d. black, plate 1a, a horizontal pair lettered PA-PB, affixed to piece of laid paper, each stamp neatly cancelled with red Maltese Cross and the surface of each stamp rubbed or scoured in an attempt at removal, the piece inscribed "Attempted to be obliterated by washing them", also a single lettered DB, not affixed to piece but found together with it and possibly showing attempts to fade the cancellation; mostly large margins but clipped or cut-into at places. Photo