10c Blue, Special Delivery (E2). Top imprint and plate no. 552 block of eight, lightly hinged, separated perfs which have been rejoined in some areas, sealed tear in position 6

FINE-VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE PLATE BLOCK OF EIGHT OF THE 1888 SECOND SPECIAL DELIVERY ISSUE.

All of the first four Special Delivery Issues (E1-E4) are rare in plate block form. The second Special Delivery stamp, Scott E2, was made from two plates--numbered 552 and 73. Plate 552 was made first and was numbered in the series of 1882; Plate 73 was numbered in the series of 1890. There are perhaps ten known of the 1888 Issue, Scott E2, of which about half come from top positions. The same plates were used to print the Orange Special Delivery issue, Scott E3, which was issued in conjunction with the 1893 Columbian Issue.

Ex Curtis

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables