Lot no. 5490

1905, Second Cretan State Issue, complete set with diamond perforation, used as specimen examples by Bradbury, Wilkinson, & Co. Fresh, most of the values, including the top 5dr have either full or part gum, backstamped Zeis. Also, complete set overprinted ULTRAMAR in blue by the Portuguese authorities to send as reference stamps to their colonies; also included is the 1907 Third Cretan State Issue. Much better color than usual, some even toning, most have traces or part gum; quite scarce to find, especially in complete sets.