Lot 171 India

India, 1854, 1/2a Blue, Die I, Serrated Perfs (2 var; SG 27). Stone "A", two singles both clearly showing serrated perfs, Positions 28, 27, each example with the entire right side visible, traces on the left side of right stamp, used with 1a Dull Red, Die II (4B; SG 14), mostly large margins to clear at bottom, and 4a Red & Blue, 2nd Printing, Head Die II, Frame Die I (6D; SG 19), two examples, cut to shape, margins to touching, each tied by barred "17" cancel on 1855 cover to Castlecomer, Ireland, faint red framed "SURAT/Paid" despatch datestamp on back, red framed "INDIA PAID" handstamp, Bombay (Aug. 28), London (Oct. 5), greenish Oct. 6, and Ballyragget (Oct. 7) transit and faint Castlecomer arrival datestamps, red manuscript rate marking, cover extensively soiled and excessive gum use on 1a causing toning at bottom, green arrow stickers affixed highlighting serrations FINE AND TRULY SPECTACULAR USE OF TWO EXAMPLES OF THE HALF-ANNA BLUE FROM DIE I WITH THE SERRATED PERFS ON COVER WITH THE ONE-ANNA AND TWO FOUR-ANNAS. THIS EASILY RANKING AS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT INDIA 1854 LITHOGRAPH POSTAL HISTORY ARTIFACTS IN EXISTENCE. we doubt many -- if any -- other covers exist with thiESs half-anna serrated perforations.. With so few examples recorded among all 1⁄2a, 1a, and 4a stamps, it is uncertain if this was an unofficial private perforation or if it was a government trial. According to Jatia, it is documented in a contemporary letter from the Director General Post Office in 1854 that their perforating machines were not capable of large production. Given the time constraints to produce the 1854 stamps, it is understandable why this issue was imperforate despite the benefits demonstrated by Great Britain’s perforated stamps. Of note, most certified examples are recorded used in the Madras Presidency (C122-C126). This is one of those rare exceptions used in Bombay (as noted in Stanley Gibbons). Pencil note on back "Masson-Sale, 6-7 March 12917, Glendenning & Co.". Unlisted in Scott. SG £40,000 as two off-cover singles. Undervalued as an off-cover single recently sold in Magnolia, Part 3 in Jun. 2024 (Lot 3199) for $35,000. With 2002 B.P.A. certificate.