Great Britain 1883 5d die proof, SG193var Australia stamps which almost brought the three-mile

which almost brought the three-mile long marine parade festivities to a standstill

It is very scarce

1085h (1676)

Those that have withstood the tests of time are mostly held in institutions such as the British Library

This has the makings of a superb display piece

Great Britain 1883 5d die proof, SG193var Australia stamps which almost brought the three-mileGreat Britain 1883 5d Die Proof, SG193var Before Hardening Dated Essay A superb and rare die proof of the 1883 5d Victorian issue, printed in rich black on white glazed card (measuring 92 x 60mm), clearly dated "15 AUG 83" in violet ink at upper left. This striking proof is boldly endorsed BEFORE HARDENING, indicating it was pulled prior to the final steel hardening of the die, an essential step in the stamp production process. Such early proofs were