12c Black, Part India Paper (17 var). Large margins to barely in at top right, detailed impression, unobtrusive strike of blue Philadelphia datestamp, small thin spot, light crease at top left corner, still a Fine example of this scarce paper variety, the 3c and 12c 1851 Issue are both found on Part India paper, which is a hand-made silky paper that varies in thickness within the same sheet, the Neinken 12c 1851-57 book (pp. 61-64) quotes from earlier publications by Ashbrook, Chase and Jaeger, which describe the look and feel of Part India stamps as "undoubtedly from the very first impressions from the Twelve Cent plate. The engravings are very sharp and resemble die proofs or plate proofs on India. The shades of both these items are of the earliest known, the distinctive grayish;" according to Dr. Amonette this paper is a mixture of pure rag stock and fiber from the inner bark of the bamboo tree, with 1980 P.F. certificate

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