E393-France 1946 Lumière Brothers 30f Stamp Pair with Gutter & Control Pattern

Title
France 1946 Lumière Brothers 30f Stamp Pair with Gutter & Control Pattern – MNH/MH
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Category
Stamps > Europe > France
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Condition
Stamps: Unused
Left stamp: Mint Never Hinged (MNH)
Lower stamp: Light hinge trace / Mint Hinged (MH)
Gutter & Selvage: Present with printed control/watermark pattern
Gum: Original, some age toning / foxing visible on gum side (see photos)
Overall: Very good collectible condition for age, explains discounted valuation
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Item Specifics
Country/Region: France
Year of Issue: 1946
Subject: Lumière Brothers – Cinema
Face Value: 30 Francs
Format: Vertical pair with gutter & right margin
Catalogue Reference: Yvert et Tellier approx. No. 749
Cancellation: None (unused)
Quality: Original gum, never regummed
Rarity: Moderate – gutter/control pieces are scarcer than singles
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Valuation (UK Market)
Clean MNH single: ~£8–£12
Pair with gutter (clean): ~£25–£35
This example (gum toning present):
Realistic value: £12–£18
> Gum toning significantly affects top-end value, but gutter/control pieces still attract specialist collectors.
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Recommended eBay Listing Price (£)
Buy It Now
£19.99
✔ Accept Offers ON
✔ Auto-accept £15
✔ Auto-decline below £12
This leaves room for negotiation while staying competitive.
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Auction Option
Starting Price: £9.99
Duration: 7 days
Best Start Time: Sunday evening (7–9 pm UK)
Expected Result: £12–£18 depending on bidder interest
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Shipping Recommendation
UK: Royal Mail 1st Class Large Letter
International: Royal Mail International Standard
Packaging: Glassine + card-backed envelope (mention this in description)
> Original 1946 French stamp issue commemorating the Lumière Brothers. Attractive vertical pair with gutter and control pattern in the margin. Unused with original gum; some age toning visible on reverse, priced accordingly. A nice specialist or thematic cinema item.
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