France 1849-52 20c black Ceres horizontal pair, SG23 USA stamps lithographic transfer comprising a row

lithographic transfer comprising a row of four impressions spaced 19-20mm apart (without wavy lines or rosettes)

Guaranteed authentic hair from Thomas Hardy

it did have one serious failing

An exceptional example of this dramatic error

Two very fine unused examples printed in turquoise on the blue unwatermarked paper

France 1849-52 20c black Ceres horizontal pair, SG23 USA stamps lithographic transfer comprising a rowFrance 1849 52 20c black Ceres horizontal pair, showing variety, 'Tete beche', SG23. A magnificent appearing horizontal "face to face" tete beche pair and a major French philatelic rarity. The Ceres stamp issue was the French "penny black". A very attractive example with four good to very large margins, used by bold strikes of the diamond grill cancel in black. France were almost 9 years behind the British in issuing their first stamp with the Ceres