Auction 309-320 - Great Britain 1840–1841 Europe & Overseas - Day 5

1840, 2 d. blue, plate 1, lettered RA, used, tied to piece by a very fine complete and upright strike of a double-lined Maltese Cross in red, similar to the very distinctive Stonehaven Cross, just cut into on left side, otherwise margins all round, attractive example of these uncomon strikes, especially on this issue.rnRemark: According to Rockoff/Jackson book, which records distinctive Maltese Crosses used on cover, there were a number of offices which are known to have double-lined Maltese Cross examples, although they comment that the best examples derive from Stonehaven. Off cover it is impossible to be certain which office a particular Cross may have originated.rnReference: "Encyclopaedia of The Maltese Cross Cancellations of Great Briatin and Ireland", Volume 2, by Rockoff & Jackson, pages 258-261.