1875-c.1880 QV Head De La Rue die proofs, a small head with circular surround in black, and a larger head in an oval frame with uncleared surround printed in green, both on white glazed card, 92x60mm, the first dated "Feb 9 1875". Two fine De La Rue proofs. (2).

c.1891-1910 Minerva Head De La Rue dummy stamps, perforated blocks of four in red or carmine; and imperforate stamps printed from the defaced plate (with a white cross) in carmine (3), olive green (2) or brown (block of four), all fine mint. (17).

1901 Small King Edward VII head vignette die proof in black, die sunk on thin glazed card dated "3 JUN 1901", 45x51mm. A fine De La Rue proof. Photo on Page 136. (Image1)

1901 KEVII Head die proof, a large head proof with uncleared surround in black on white glazed card, 92x60mm. A fine De La Rue proof, this head apparently used for revenue stamped paper. Also a cut down die proof of the same head with a wreath design at the sides and a crown above, on white card, 21x25mm. (2).

1901 Piece cut from the De La Rue striking books bearing a large KEVII head die proof with wreath design at the sides and crown above (identical to the second proof in the previous lot), on white glazed card, the piece initialled, dated and inscribed "Dec 10. 50 leads", 20x25mm. Photo on Page 136. (Image1)

1955 De La Rue dummy stamp inscribed "Ruritania" with a 40c value, the unique group comprising original stamp size photos upon which the design was based (2, one with the sky roughly painted in blue); initial rough pencil sketch in brown, green and blue; finely handpainted essay in the adopted design on thick card, 95x102mm; and a coloured proof applied to thick card, 102x99mm. A fine group. (5).