Cyprus : (SG 215 (S) var) 1882-86 6pi olive-grey, die I, wmk...

Cyprus : (SG 215 (S) var) 1882-86 6pi olive-grey, die I, wmk CA, error DUTY PLATE PRINTED DOUBLE, with large manuscript 'Specimen' endorsement, fresh part o.g. Very minor gum thin at NE corner, with wide separation of the two impressions of the duty plate. The 'Specimen' is in a known De La Rue hand which would indicate that the printing error was noticed before despatch to Cyprus. An extraordinary and spectacular item of the highest interest and rarity. Please see the footnote in Part 1 after SG16/22. NB - the doubling is at a slight angle and would have become progressively greater towards the top of the sheet. We have not previously seen or handled an example in the past 48 years, nor has the famous 'Specimen' Specialist Expert and Author Mr. James Bendon, author of recent prize-winning 'The UPU Specimen Stamps 1878-1961' who described the two examples offered in this auction as 'gold'. How many 'DUTY PLATE PRINTED DOUBLE' can exist today, this example bearing the more visually spectacular double print of the two available, from nearer the top of the sheet. (image available)