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TRINIDAD Lady McLeod, 5c blue, SG.1

The history of the first issue of Trinidad, Lady McLeod, SG.1, which belongs to the most precious and unique stamp of classic era, reaches to the year 1845, when was built the 67-ton paddle steamer called after the wife of the Governor of Trinidad Henry George McLeod. In the end of year 1845 she moved to the Caribbean and her new owner David Bryce desided to ply between Trinidad´s Port Spain and San Fernando. He carried passangers and also the mail. After several problems with payments for shipments he determined to issue stamps on 24th April 1847, which were sold for 5c each or $4 for 100 pieces. So the issued stamps were set up as prepay fees for carrying letters aboard his vessel. David Bryce established an advance cash payment plan for his mail service of $1 per month for subscribers; for nonsubscribers, the fee was 10 cents per letter. The notice suggests, in quoting a price per 100, that perhaps the stamps were in sheets of 100. Nowadays there are still in existence only 26 unused, 24 used and 39 stamps Lady McLeod on covers!The first issue of Trinidad, Lady McLeod, SG.1 is the first issue of British Colony ever! The famous blue and orange Mauritius were issued some six months later!

We are very proud that we can introduce and offer you this precious and very rare classic stamp in our 37th Public auction (auction no. 892!) Our offered stamp comes, according reachable sources, from the huge collection of one of the famous collector ever, duke Philipp la Renotière von Ferrary (1850-1917). He bequeathed this unique stamp to Berlin post museum but in matter of war reparation it was sold to France. Duke Ferrary were extraordinary collector and the famous collector ever and owner of all rarities of the world. Nowadays “EX FERRARY” items are very desired and prestige! In 1972 our offered stamp changed its owner (to Switzerland). After 40 years we are very pleased and proud to offer this classic stamp, with impressive genealogy, in our auction.