|
Egypt, Suez Canal Company, Scott L3, SG 3, Yvert 3, MNH. 1868 - 20c blue, early Steam Ship. This is the choice upper right margin block of 4, Positions 51-52, 61-62 from the sheet of 120, showing the characteristics unique to these positions. Each stamp can be plated and thus the original position within the sheet can be determined. There are no two stamps exactly alike in the sheet. This stamp is from a fresh sheet that I recently split into singles and blocks. I have marked the sheet positions on the back of every stamp in pencil. This block is a beautiful example in PERFECT CONDITION. Fresh, bright, MNH and XF. 2023 Stanley Gibbons CV: £300.00; 2023 Scott CV: $360.00, both valuations are as hinged singles. Unpriced as NH. Accompanied by a 2012 APEX Certificate for a block of 8, with these being the right sheet margin block of 4. In 1856 a concession to construct the Suez Canal was granted to Ferdinand de Lesseps and the Companie Universalle du Canal Maritime de Suez was formed. Work began in 1859, and the canal was opened on November 17, 1869 with a length of 120 miles from Port Said on the Mediterranean Sea to Suez on the Red Sea. The Companie transported mail free of charge from 1859-1867, when it was decided that there should be a charge for such service, and postage stamps were introduced. A 1 centime black, 5c green, 20c blue and 40c red featuring a steamship with sails were printed by Chezaud Aine et Tavernier in Paris and issued July 8, 1868. Though the new stamps were valid thoughout the Canal Work Zones, French stamps had to be attached by the French Post Office in Port Said or the city of Suez for mail addressed to foreign destinations. The imposition of charges was not welcomed by the public and in October 1868 the Egyptian Government agreed to take over the service, replacing them with their own stamps, post offices and carriers. |
