Germany / Deutsches Reich 1872 Mi. 1 Kleine Brustschild pair, clean K2 postmarks USED, CV EUR 240,- The 1/4 Groschen "Kleine Brustschild" (small empire shield) definitive was the first stamp issued by the united German Reich in 1872. Here are two fantastic examples of this stamp on paper, both cleanly cancelled with double circle K2 postmarks on 17th January 1874 in the town of Orlamunde, now in the district of Saale-Holzland in Thuringia. A lovely item, with both stamps in perfect condition with a crisp, clear cancellation. There are some markings on the reverse side, which suggests that it has at some point been expertised.
Each stamp is quoted in the Michel specialised catalogue with a CV of 120,- Euro, though two on the same piece of paper is quite a rare occurence.