Great Britain. 1840 One Penny Black. Plate 4. RJ, in intense black shade with four large margins tied by experimental Maltese Cross cancellation in black on entire letter regarding proposed railway lines used locally in Scotland from Perth to Arbroath; the reverse showing clear "perth. oc 4. 1840." boxed postmark (It was not until February 1841 that the black Maltese Cross was adopted for general use); small scissor cut in lower left corner mentioned for accuracy, refolded and usual archival fold down the middle though still a fine and rare cover. R.P.S. Certificate (2016), Spec. AS22 (Image1)

Est. £700-900

Great Britain. 1840 One Penny Black. Plate 6. AF, unused with fresh colour, cut-into on two sides; hinge remnants on reverse, a good mint example (Image1)

Est. £600-800

Great Britain. 1840 One Penny Black. Plate 6. SF-SI horizontal strip of four with large margin at top showing adjoining stamps above, good margin to the left, elsewhere slightly cut into tied to partial entire by strikes of black Maltese Cross cancellations; the reverse showing "Feb/C 22 1841" red h.s, two vertical filing folds clear of the stamps, a fine and scarce multiple on cover. (Image1)

Est. £800-1,000

Great Britain. 1840 One Penny Black. Plate 7. OE, good even margins all round, unused without gum, a fine example with fresh appearance (Image1)

Est. £1,500-2,000

Great Britain. 1840 One Penny Black. The "V.R" Official. EF cancelled by concentric circles cancellation, official trial with chemicals to attempt the removal of the cancellation. B.P.A. Certificate (1980) stating "... Thinned upper left and oblique cut at top rejoined and repaired". S.G. VI, £22,500 (Image1)

Est. £3,500-4,000

Great Britain. 1840 One Penny Black. Mixed Plates. a group of seven used examples all with black Maltese Cross cancellations, comprising plates 1a (CH), 1b (DC), 2 (MI) crisply cancelled, 3 (SA) showing worn plate, 4 (BL), 6 (PA) and 9 (IF), with mixed margins, some usual faults mixed condition though still a useful group (Image1)

Est. £300-400

Great Britain. 1840 One Penny Black. Mixed Plates. Seven used examples all with red Maltese Cross cancellations including plates 1a (FK), 1b (PD), 2 (KE), 3 (GK), 4 (RG), 8 (TC) and 9 (RL), mixed margins, a couple of usual faults and creases, mixed condition though a useful group with some crisp cancellations. (Image1)

Est. £300-400