1843, 30r black, intermediate impression, unused without gum, a well margined and fresh example of this rare stamp in unused condition. (RHM $11'000). (Image)

THE EARLIEST USAGE KNOWN ON A 90R MULTIPLE 1843, 90r black, early impression, horizontal pair with ample and well balanced margins, with magnificent strike of "Correio Geral Da Corte/5 8 18-43" cds on the fifth day of issue. Two small thin spots, one at top left, the other just confined to the upper margin at right, with additional thin spot filled in at left, barely detracting from the earliest usage known on a 90r multiple, with two pieces recorded, and this being superior with an ideally struck cancellation clearly displaying the date. (Image)

THE EARLIEST "BULL'S EYE" COVER RECORDED SENT ABROAD 1843, 30r black and 90r black, early impression, both originating from the Second Composite Plate, State B position 8 (30r) and State C position 1 (90r), graced by large margins all around and detailed impressions of great freshness, showing two strikes of "Sto. AMARO." straight-line hs in brown, applied on entire letter from Santo Amaro to Porto (Portugal), both paying the single maritime rate for the portion of the journey to Rio Grande in Brazil. Letter datelined and docket of receipt indicating 10 November 1843. The 90r has a horizontal crease caused before the application to this letter, and the 30r was previously described having a closed tear, of which we have not found any trace and is not mentioned in three accompanying certificates. The earliest of only seven "Bull's Eyes" covers recorded sent abroad, of which only four were sent to a transatlantic destination (three known to Argentina, three to Portugal and one to France); in addition, this shwopiece exhibits a unique usage on this issue (the RHM catalogue does not list this cancellation on "Bull's Eyes"). Its delightful beauty makes even more desirable this, one of the most significant first-issue covers. Certs. Scheller (2014, "the franking is still in its original state and has never been moved"), Moorhouse (2015), R.P.S.L. (2015) and P.F. (2019). Note: The letter is addressed to Joaquim Pinto Leite in Porto and it seems likely, due to the lack of arrival markings, that it was delivered to him directly by the Captain of the vessel that originally picked up the letter for the transatlantic transmission. On a different subject, this cover is illustrated in the "Bull's Eyes on Covers" handbook by Bernd Juchert as an item requiring further research, which has been completed with four examinations and four certificates stating its genuineness, also including the opinion of the renowned expert for Latin America Brian Moorhouse, thus clearing any doubt. Provenance: Maurino de Araújo Ferreira and Hugo Goeggel. (Image)

1843, 60r black, early impression, strong colour and good balanced margins on all sides, showing neat "AIRVOCA" straight-line hs in brown (Ayres 1126). Three small corner thin spots and faint creases, barely detracting from one of the visually finest examples of just seven recorded with this postmark in this issue. (Image)

1843, 60r black, intermediate impression, a well margined example clearly cancelled by "CORREIO GERAL DAS ALAGOAS" cds in red (Ayres (1604), dated 24.9.1843. A dozen first-issue stamps noted with this postmark in red. (Image)

1843, 60r black, early impression, ample to large margins, with neat strike of brown "ALDEIA/DE/S.PEDRO" framed hs (Ayres 1193); small thin in centre. One of the finest usages of this postmark (about 20 recorded). (RHM $2'500). Provenance: Maurino de Araújo Ferreira. (Image)

1843, 60r black, worn impression, a marginal example with outstanding margin at top showing outer frame line, being ample in other respects, cancelled by framed "Va. DE AREIAS" hs in black (Ayres 1523). A very attractive example, of great scarcity with this cancellation in black. (Image)

1843, 30r black, intermediate impression, a large margined example in combination with 1844 "Inclinados" 30r black, type II, block of four, cut slightly into at left, otherwise good margins, damaged at top left and with horizontal crease in both stamps at top, tied to piece by "ATIBAIA" double circle in brown (unlisted in Ayres). Despite faults, one of the very few "Bull's Eyes" - "Inclinados" mixed franking's recorded and, as such, unique, with the added significance of this postmark, with just about five usages recorded in the "Bull's Eyes" issue. (Image)

1843, 30r black, worn impression, large even margins al around, with pane frame line at left, showing light manuscript usage and clear "CORREIO DA BAHIA" cds (Ayres 1605). Very fine. (Image)

1843, 60r black, early impression, vertical strip of three from the left of the sheet, outstandingly strong colour and detailed design with margins ranging from very good to enormous at left, displaying two complete strikes of "BAHIA" straight-line hs (Ayres 1129), exceptionally showing horizontal line between the frames of the second and third stamps. A spectacular exhibition item, featuring an exceptional alignment line in margin which we could not find in any other multiple. Note: According to our research, this multiple originates from the Second Large Plate, State A, with positions 31/37/43 (6th, 7th & 8th rows). The line between the positions 37 and 43 was probably applied by the printer in order to properly align the designs of the stamps on the plate. It is a mysterious feature which we presume can be only found in the first sheets printed, prior to this line being burnished. Interestingly the Napier plating does not show this variety in any of its plates. It would be much rarer and therefore more interesting than a semi-xiphopagus. (Image)

1843, 60r black, early impression, a largely margined vertical pair, full outer frame line at right, cancelled by small black "CORREIO GERAL DA BAHIA" double circle (Ayres 1556); some staining removed. A visually appealing piece. Opinion Holcombe (1994). Provenance: Reinhold Koester. (Image)

1843, 60r black, early and worn impressions, two choice examples with margins ranging from ample to enormous, both displaying outer frame line on one side, displaying uncommonly detailed design in the early impression, both cancelled by "CORREIO DA BAHIA" cds (Ayres 1605). An extremely fine duo. (Image)

1843, 60r black, early impression, good margins, showing framed "CORREIO DA BAHIA" hs (about 30 recorded). Fine to very fine. (Image)

1843, 60r black, early impression, ample to large margins, used with "Correio Da Ba." postmark in black (Ayres 1130). An uncommon usage from Bahia. (Image)

1843, 60r black, early and worn impression, two examples put together to make up the "CORREIO DA BA." straight-line hs in black (Ayres 1130), both stamps boasting large margins including one being enormous at base and with outer frame line; just the example at right affected by tiny thin spots, otherwise extremely fine. A very decorative showpiece. (Image)

1843, 90r black, intermediate impression, wide margins all around being nicely even, showing centred strike of "CORREIO DA BAHIA" cds (Ayres 1605) dated January 1847. Minute thin spot but confined to margin at lower right, not detracting from the appealing appearance. (RHM $4'000). (Image)

1843, 30r black, early impression, a well margined example exhibiting the complete framed "BANANAL" postmark in brown (Ayres 1227), Ink corrosions as usually found, not detracting from one of just two 30r known with this cancellation and out of six in all "Bull's Eyes", this being further enhanced by showing the name complete. (RHM $9'000). (Image)

1843, 60r black, early impression, four full to mostly wide margins, outer frame line at base, cancelled by black "Barbacena" oval hs with waves (Ayres 1228); very light bend. Six "Bull's Eyes" are recorded with this postmark, of which three 60r. (RHM $5'500). (Image)

1843, 60r black, early impression, uniformly large margins all around, cancelled by "BARRA/DE/S. JOÃO" oval hs in blue (Ayres 1232). Extremely fine, one of eight 60r recorded and a very rare colour used on Bull's Eyes. (RHM $3'000). (Image)

1843, 60r black, worn impression, a well margined example with brown "BARRA/MANÇA" framed hs in brown (Ayres 1230), additionally showing "Correio Geral Da Corte" cds in black and part of framed foreign datestamp in blue applied in Portugal. An extremely rare example of three different postmarks used in conjunction on one "Bull's Eye"; eleven 60r are known with the Barra Mança cancellation. (Image)

1843, 30r black, intermediate impression, well margined and cleanly presented displaying light strike of framed "BARREIRO" hs (Ayres 1233). Remarkably fresh and fine, with just two examples recorded in this denomination. Signed Ferchenbauer. (Image)

1843, 60r black, intermediate impression, good margins with sizes equally displayed, cancelled by fine strike of "V.D.CAETE" straight-line hs (unlisted in Ayres) from Caeté. Negligible pin hole being hardly visible, in no way detracting from the only "Bull's Eye" recorded with this cancellation. (Image)

1843, 30r black, worn impression, pair with uniformly large margins on all sides, centrally cancelled by "CORREIO DE CAMPINAS" circle hs (Ayres 1564) in brown. Small thin spot at left, a fresh and appealing usage. Signed Calves. (Image)

1843, 60r black, late impression, huge margin at top displaying outer frame line, large margins on other sides, neatly cancelled by "CORREIO DE CAMPINAS" double circle in brown (Ayres 1565), probably coloured in red later. Insignificant vertical bend at left. Of very fine appearance. Provenance: Maurino de Araújo Ferreira. (Image)

1843, 60r black, early impression, left-sheet margin example boasting a magnificent freshness, outstanding margins, tied to piece by "CORREIO DE CAMPINAS" double circle (Ayres 1565) in brown. A visually impressive exhibition item. (Image)