An attractive mint block of 30 1928 2½d on 2d surcharge stamps from South Georgia took the title of top lot in the long-awaited sale of the John E Du Pont Collection of the Falkland Islands.  

The block contains only of only two known double surcharges from this rare variety

The block sold for an impressive £85,000 ($127,771), achieving a 70% increase on its estimated value of £50,000. It contains one stamp with a double surcharge, which is one of only two known examples of this highly desirable rarity - the other is contained in a block of four.

One of the largest known multiples of the scarce provisional issue, the block sold in great condition, although it has been hinged on number thirteen and displays some perforation reinforcements. It is marred by a closed tear at the foot, though the remaining stamps are mainly fine.

This pair is considered the most important in all of Falkland Islands philately

Also starring in the sale was a horizontal pair of the 1882 watermark crown CA 1d dull claret of the famous vertical imperforate variety. One of only two known pairs, this was previously part of a block of four that was housed in the Hind and Dibble collections. Considered the rarest and most important of all Falkland Islands pairs, it sold for £50,000 ($75,058) at the top of its valuation.

Prior to the sale, the collection was the superlative example of its kind, formed by one of the most famous - and notorious - collectors of all time. John E du Pont, heir to the Du Pont family fortune, was hailed as one of the premier stamp collectors of the 20th century, but was later imprisoned for murder and died in jail in 2010.

Read more on du Pont's fascinating life with our results from the March 6 auction, which saw his postage dues cross the block.

See our full selection of rare stamps for sale.