{
    "schema_version": "1.0",
    "source": "Universal Philatelic Auctions Catalogue",
    "record": {
        "catalogue": "UPA103",
        "auction_id": 103,
        "lot_number": 8957,
        "country_area": "Great Britain - QV (line engraved)",
        "subheading": "",
        "date": "1841",
        "sg_reference": "8 Var PL118",
        "description": "QV 1d. Red-brown Plate 118. Superb unused bottom left-hand corner marginal imperforate imprimatur lettered T-A, showing part inscription and plate number '118'. Gibbons retail card accompanies, priced at £6,000=. The significance of an imprimatur in stamp collecting is the very first sheet of stamps printed from a new, approved printing plate. Derived from the Latin word for 'let it be printed', these sheets serve as official physical records and colour proofs before a stamp is printed for public service. Typically imprimaturs realise between £500 to £1,000. Gibbons SG specialised 1st edition - November 2020 prices imprimaturs from £900 (pp155). By their nature all imprimaturs are unique, however the top-left, and in this instance the bottom left (S.W.) position letters T-A (Page 224 details stamps removed from the imprimatur sheet includes T-A PL118) bear the proving Plate number, and marginal inscription. Naturally, proving plate examples are unique and potentially x 10 to x 20 times rarer. Accordingly Gibbons, not unreasonably priced this rare piece (Ex. Clark collection 1946) at £6,000. What price today. Rare. Unique (Provenance Clark. SG. UPA)",
        "classification": "MH",
        "size": "Medium",
        "plate": "2",
        "sg_catalogue_value_gbp": null,
        "upa_estimate_gbp": 3000,
        "image_url": "https://www.upastampauctions.co.uk/contents/en-uk/upa103/8957.jpg",
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        "json_url": "https://catalogue.upastampauctions.co.uk/lot/103/8957.json",
        "current_catalogue": true,
        "last_updated": "2026-10-02T15:47:51+00:00",
        "transaction": {
            "label": "View / bid",
            "url": "https://www.upastampauctions.co.uk/contents/en-uk/UPA103-AllLots.html"
        }
    }
}