Lot
658 (
)
Réunion, 1852, 15c Black on Blue, large to huge margins, sharp detailed impression on particularly fresh paper, without gum as issued, Extremely Fine and choice, ex-Walske; signed by Calves and Sismondo, with 2016 Behr certificate. Scott No. 1 $39,000.
AN MAGNIFICENT UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 1852 15C BLACK ON BLUE. A TRUE RARITY IN THIS OUSTANDING SOUND CONDITION.
There are only a tiny number of unused examples known surviving today and unlike the example offered here they practically all have faults to some degree and have the margins into the frameline.
In 1852, Reunion was supplied by France with their first adhesive stamps, the French Colonies general issues that were given to all the Colonies of France. There were no 15c or 30c values that were needed to fulfill the 30c and 45c postal rates. Because it would take a long time for any new stamps to reach Reunion, it was decided to print new stamps locally. These locally produced stamps were typographed and printed on very thin pelure paper that often had irregularities such as wood pulp inclusions and pinholes. These primitives were similar to some other isolated islands throughout the world, such as Hawaii, Mauritius and Fiji. The methods were not as sophisticated as more prosperous countries that had been producing stamps for several years. As a result, they are some of the most sought after stamps in the world.