Malta 1948-53 "SELF-GOVERNMENT" 2d scarlet, lower right corner block of 6 (3x2) showing variety "Flag on Citadel" on upper left stamp (R5/8), SG238b.
The error occurred on Plate (1), Nov 1948 printing only. R5/9 also shows constant nick in top of 'S' of 'SELF' variety.
A very fine unmounted positional block of six with full original gum (hinged in right margin only). Simply stunning and very interesting piece with both the error and variety.
Between 1933 and 1946, the constitution of Malta was suspended returning to British rule as a crown colony. This was because of the important of Malta to the Allied nations during World War II. The British Mediterranean Fleet was headquartered there early in the war. The Allied invasion of Sicily was launched from Malta. Prior to the Yalta Conference, Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin had met in Malta to begin discussions on the post-war division of Europe.
In 1947, a new constitution was implemented and internal self-government in Malta was re-established. So, yet again, during 1948 Malta stamps celebrated the resumption of internal self-government in the colony. This resulted in all the definitive stamps of King George VI being overprinted in celebration of the colony's new political status.
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