Labuan 1883 (May) Manuscript Surcharge Jeremy Dickson suggests that

Labuan 1883 (May) Manuscript Surcharge Jeremy Dickson suggests that it was W.C. Cowrie that requested a higher stamp value for dispatching coal samples as he had obtained a concession in 1880 to mine a coal seam at Batu Arang near Victoria, in fact the mine closed in 1882. The initials (A.S.H.) are those of A.S. Hamilton, the Postmaster who made the surcharge. These stamps were not sold at the P.O. but were handed direct to the manager. "One Dollar A.S.H." in red manuscript on 16c. blue, [7], fresh unused without gum; small blue mark at top and thin at left though of fine appearance. B.P.A. Certificate (1963) and initialled Holcombe. S.G. 22, £4,500. Photo Note: The vendor suggests that the small crayon mark and the thin may indicate that it was removed from a registered package, in which case it is the only used example recorded. provenance: Count von Ferrary, Sale 5, November 1922 Maurice Burrus, Robson Lowe, April 1963 Spink auction, November 2013, Lot 574 Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Estimate:£800

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