SKILLING 1873 IMPERFORATE PLATE PROOFS Complete Set (Scott #1-5, O1-2). The complete set of seven imperforate plate proofs, both the regular postage stamps and the officials. Thick white paper, without watermark, never gummed. All are in the issued colors except for the 3 skilling which is a blackish gray (a proof in the issued light gray is not known to exist). The quality of this set is extraordinary. Usually these proofs are found in very poor quality, including small margins, creases, and especially thins. This set is perfect, with huge margins, except for: the 3 skilling has smaller margin at top and an irregular printing impression at bottom; the 4 red skilling (postage) looks superb, but has a small thin spot; the green 4 skilling (official) has a natural paper inclusion (small speck of tree fiber). The 3 skilling has faint pre-printing paper fold which is a variety, not a defect. The colors are all wonderfully fresh and strong, including the usually faded 9 skilling light lilac official. These proofs are usually found one at a time -- this is the first time in 50 years that I have been able to offer the complete set, and by far the nicest quality that I have seen in one set. Facit Classic 2014 value SEK 14,000.
ACTUAL item.