Corinphila Auction 291-297 Day 1

1935: Die Proof for the £ 5 value printed in violet by John Ash of Melbourne (66 x 56 mm.) with reversed '158' and manuscript "13 JG 20/2/31" in ink below and endorsed above in pencil "£2", formerly affixed to somewhat damaged card (80 x 116 mm.). Reverse with "13 FM 21/2/35" and "VIOLET 119" - the ink number. Ash returned four Proofs to the Postmaster General on 2 April with the comment "The mount of the stamps was damaged when received here, evidently in the post, and we have repaired it as far as possible" (see article enclosed with the lot). A splendid and rare Colour Proof of which just four examples (each struck in different colours) can exist. Provenance: DF, Geneva, 17 Nov 2010, lot 60121.