UNION 1954 THE "DRAKENSBERG" FLAW OVER 4 STAGES. SUPERB. SEE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Issue I was produced from a 240-unit Cylinder with it's number "12" imprinted on the right margin at the end of the 20th row. There were no bars on the top or bottom margins, but the top margin of the sheets in the final printings appeared with an unusual cylinder flaw in the form of a prominent brick-red mark varying in length and thickness above the centre arrow. It was caused by the chromium plating beginning to peel off the copper cylincer and from first of all being barely visible, it developed to the final stages where it stretched from above stamp no. 4 to the edge of no. 9. The flaw had a flattish base, but with a very much indented top line, not unlike a range of mountains seen at a distance - a feature which earned it the name of the "Drakensberg" variety. Quite exceptional item superb MNH but for 3 light hinge marks in margins.   The first and scarcest stage of the flaw. Second stage Next stage The final stage