GB QUEEN VICTORIA 1841, 1d RED-BROWN, Die 1, SG BS8b, Plate 18, N-G, BASAL SHIFTS

This item is a Great Britain 1841 1d Red-Brown imperforate stamp featuring Queen Victoria.

Stanley Gibbons Number (SG #): SG 8m (Specifically designated for the "Number in Maltese Cross" cancellation variety).

Plate Number: Plate 19. (Determined by the specific combination of check letters "N-G", the alignment of the letters in their boxes, the placement of the "7" cross cancellation, and the distinctive blued paper seen on the reverse).

Corner Check Letters: N (Bottom-left corner) and G (Bottom-right corner).

Maltese Cross Cancellation: This stamp features a highly sought-after London Chief Office "Number in Maltese Cross" cancellation. Specifically, it is the Number 7 in Maltese Cross. The number 7 is clearly visible right in the centre of the cross over Queen Victoria's face, and a previous owner or dealer has lightly written "No 7" in pencil on the back of the stamp.

Margins: The stamp has all 4 margins. It has a full margin on the right, top and bottom side, but on the right nearly touches the outer frame line however, still 4 margins.

Paper: The reverse side shows clear evidence of ivory head or bluing effect, which is completely typical for the handmade paper used for the 1841 issue.

Catalogue Value: The standard Stanley Gibbons Great Britain Concise Catalogue values a fine used SG 8m with a Number 7 Maltese Cross at approximately up to £250.

Varieties: Plate 19 letters N-G has Basal Shift (BS8b).