India, 1854, ½a Deep Vermilion, 9½ Arches (1 var; SG 1a). Block of 60 comprising the bottom half of a sheet (originally 120 stamps), Positions 61-120, margins slightly trimmed, but still with complete corner ornaments and bottom inscription, large part of inscriptions along vertical sides, and plate number "I", without gum as issued, intensely rich color in the distinctive deeper shade, "RECEIVED/3 JUL. ‘85/VIA SOUTHAMPTON" handstamp on back, flaws including slight discoloration at right, edge nick at top left on Position 63, at least eleven stamps affected by creases, thins, or splitting, some of which have been repaired with tape, reinforced and sealed margin tear at top right

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A PHENOMENAL HALF-SHEET OF THE FAMOUS 1854 HALF-ANNA NINE-AND-ONE-HALF ARCHES IN THE DEEP VERMILION SHADE. THIS IS BY FAR THE LARGEST MULTIPLE RECORDED AND RANKS AS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT RARITIES OF CLASSIC INDIA.

Named "9½ Arches" for the number of arches in the side panel, this issue was printed and prepared for use with a supply sent to Bombay. In a March 2, 1854, report, Captain Thuillier wrote:

"...In this manner a considerable number of stones were prepared—and charged with the vermilion English lithographic ink, a very small quantity of which I happened to have by me, and a few hundred sheets—were struck off and—transmitted to Bombay by the steamer on the 5th instant..."

The lithographic stone comprised three blocks of 120 subjects each—numbered "I", "II", and "III". Each printed sheet contained 120 stamps arranged in twelve horizontal rows of ten. The block offered here is a half-sheet from the bottom of the original sheet of 120, Plate I.

The printing made by Capt. Thuillier exhausted the vermilion ink supply on hand. Ink believed to be of similar quality and color was sourced, but it was quickly realized that this ink had a severe corrosive effect on the lithographic stone, making the stone unusable for further printings. Officials in Bombay were telegraphically informed on April 23, 1854, that the Deep Vermilion 9½ Arches sheets shipped by Capt. Thuillier should be destroyed, but evidently some of the sheets were released.

Capt. Thuillier created a new die, with only eight complete arches in the side panel, and used it to make a new printing stone. Trials were completed in both the new vermilion and blue inks. Blue was ultimately chosen as the color, and the stamps were officially issued on October 1, 1854. These are listed as Scott 2-2E (SG 2-10).

Ex “Rajah” collection and from the Magnolia collection. With 2024 B.P.A. certificate. Unlisted in Scott in this shade. Stanley Gibbons value £300,000 simply as singles.