The

LONDON PHILATELIST
The Journal of
THE ROYAL PHILATELIC SOCIETY, L O N D O N
Akl communications should be addressed to
THE EDITOR, H. R. HOLMES, c/o R.P.S.L., 41 DEVONSHIRE PLACE, LONDON, W.I

VOLUME LIX JANUARY 1950 NUMBER 686

SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR 1950

FELLOWS and MEMBERS are reminded that their subscriptions for the year 1950
became due on January 1 st.
Town Members .. .. .. .. £5 5s.
Country Members .. .. .. .. £3 3s.
Overseas Members .. .. .. £1 11s. 6d.
Associates .. .. .. .. .. £1 Is.
Fellows and Members are requested to remit to the Hon. Treasurer, 41, Devonshire
Place, London, W.I.
Our bankers are the Westminster Bank Ltd., 154, Harley Street, London, W.I.

LONDON INTERNATIONAL STAMP

EXHIBITION 1950
FOLLOWING the appeal in the October issue of THE LONDON PHILATELIST we have re-
ceived up to December 1 st the sum of £258 from Fellows and Members of the Royal
Philatelic Society.
The Finance Sub-Committee of the Exhibition are finding it extremely difficult to balance
the budget at this early stage in the proceedings, and although grateful to the Members
who responded to the appeal, were extremely disappointed that not more had come
forward to assist them.
It is appreciated by the Executive Committee and the Finance Sub-Committee that
expenses have increased for all, and this is naturally reflected on Exhibition expenses.
When it was found necessary to increase the Society's annual subscription, no member
hesitated to pay the extra one or two guineas annually—and in some cases where a
member came within the new 25 mile radius—the increase'of three guineas annually.
We are now asking for one donation only, however small or however large.
All members are aware that there has not been an International Exhibition in this
country for 25 years, and it is now up to us and particularly the members of the premier
philatelic society in the world to show what can be done in London in difficult times.
We have to surmount all difficulties, even the handicap of the shortage of space in the
world's philatelic capital.
Each one of you is honoured by being listed on the Membership Roll of the Royal
Philatelic Society, London, and if the Exhibition is a success this honour will be increased.
The success depends on each member of the Royal Philatelic Society, so our appeal is
once again sent to those who have not as yet sent in donations.
1
 CHINA: EMPRESS DOWAGER-'S SIXTIETH BIRTHDAY ISSUE
Major de Termes, the Society's Representative in Egypt, is endeavouring to collect £100
from members resident in Egypt.
If one member of the Society can guarantee £400 and send a donation of £25—another
member guarantee £100 and send a donation of £27 10s. for a full set of medals—a third
member send a second donation following the appeal in the October LONDON PHILATELIST
—Will YOU step forward and respond as- willingly?
Donations should be sent to Brigadier M. A. Studd, Hon. Treasurer, London Inter-
national Stamp Exhibition, 41, Devonshire Place, London, W.I.
« f •
THE UNDERMENTIONED FELLOWS AND MEMBERS HAVE SENT DONATIONS
FOLLOWING THE APPEAL IN THE OCTOBER ISSUE OF THE JOURNAL
£ s. d. £ s. d.
C.R.Abbott . . . 2 2 0 C . E . Mills 2 2 0
Sq./Ldr. N . Argenti . 3 3 0 Brig. E. Mockler-Fetryman, C.B.,
Henry W. Bessemer . 10 0 0 C.B.E., M.C. . . . 2 2 0
W . A . Boyes . . . 5 5 0 Mrs. E. C. M. Moore . 2 2 0
Louis E . Bradbury . 5 5 0 F. J. N. Nabarro . 2 2 0
S . A . Brown . . . • 5 5 0 S. A. Neave . . . 10 0 0
flbrahim Chaftar Bey . 5 0 0 F . C . Nicholls . . . 2 2 0
fSydney Clements . 10 0 0 tDr. J. H. Harvey Pirie . 5 5 0
G. W. Collett . 2 2 0 Dr. A. G. G. Plumley .. 2 2 0
B.C. Cull . 5 0 0 tW. Redford .. .. 21 0 0
*SirJohnDodd . ' 27 10 0 W . Renouf . . . . 2 0 0
Ernest Duveen . 10 10 0 Mrs. V . H . Richardson 5 5 0
A . Gabbitas . . 5 5 0 V . A . Rowe . . . . 2 2 0
Dr. C. Gardiner-Hill . 5 0 0 P . F . Senier . . . . 2 2 0
Sir Archibald Gray . 5 5 0 P . C . Swan . . . . 5 0 0
Sir Austin Harris . 10 10 0 H. F. Taylor .. .. . 2 12 6
Major G. T. M. Harris, O.B.E 5 5 0 tMajor M. J. de Termes 5 5 0
Captain M. Hensman, R N. 2 2 0 K . S . Thompson .. 3 3 0
J . S . Higgins . . . - 5 0 0 The Lord Vestey .. 25 0 0
Hal Hill 2 2 0 C . R . Walker . . . . 5 5 0
Colonel H. W. Hill, C.M.G., D S.O. 2 2 0 C. R. Williams .. .. 2 2 0
C . R . Lehmann . . . 3 3 0 Major N. J. Wilson, O.B.E., R.A. 2 2 0
Miss R . Leighton . 3 3 0 R . K . Wortley 2 2 0
Cecil Martin (2nd donation) 5 5 0
Through an error a very generous gift from Dr. W. Byam, O.B.E., of £15 for a gold medal has not been
acknowledged before.
* Indicates the donation of a set of Medals. f Indicates Overseas Member.

CHINA: EMPRESS DOWAGER'S SIXTIETH

BIRTHDAY ISSUE OF 1894
By H. B. R. CLARKE, F.R.P.S.L.
A paper read before the Royal Philatelic Society, London, on May 5, 1949
SIR ROBERT HART, Inspector General of Customs and the Customs Post, decided that
a special issue in honour of the Empress Dowager's birthday would be good policy and
would help to overcome some of the opposition of the Government and also of the two
other postal services, i.e. I-Chan (the service which carried official correspondence), and
the Min-chu (the commercial service), which had conducted an efficient although somewhat
limited service for some centuries.. Sir Robert found that neither of these postal arrange-
ments could, or were willing to, cope with the greatly increased mail. On the other hand
the Customs Posts were extending their activities further and further afield and what is
more were making money for the Government, much to the surprise of the Chinese them-
selves. But even so the Customs Posts were limited to the Treaty Ports and even the delivery
of letters within the Treaty Ports themselves had to be a matter for the attention of the
PLATE I
PLATE II
 CHINA: EMPRESS DOWAGER'S SIXTIETH BIRTHDAY ISSUE
local authorities. Hence the Shanghai Local Post, and also the various Treaty Port Local
Posts which flourished round about 1893.
It was one thing to decide upon a special issue and quite a different matter to bring this
revolutionary idea into actual fact^ However, Sir Robert had some bright boys on his staff,'
of all nationalities, and one was R. A. de Villard, attached to the Statistical Department of
the Customs. He was quite a good artist and designed not only the Commemorative issue
under review, but many of the Treaty Port Locals and regular issues of the Chinese
Imperial Posts. We do not know when de Villard was instructed to design and make
arrangements for this issue, but it must have been late in the spring of 1894. The Empress
Dowager's birthday was on November 19, 1894, so there was ample time to get the issue
ready.
The Stanley Gibbons catalogue at first gave no particulars as to the place of printing,
but subsequently it referred to "printed in Japan." This held good until about 1908 when,
after an article written by Mencarini on "The Postage Stamps of China 1878-1905," which
appeared in S.G.M.J., Vol. XVII, October 31,1906, the printings of this issue were separated
into those printed in Japan and those printed in Shanghai. I also understand that Harte-
Lovelace was instrumental in rearranging the China portion of the catalogue at about that
time and used the same descriptions.
The question as to whether any of the Empress Dowager's stamps were printed in Japan
came to a head when The China Clipper of October 1947 published a short article reporting
the finding of the correspondence of de Villard in Shanghai.
In the meantime I had a long talk with the late Mr. James Starr during my visit to him
in Philadelphia in May 1947, ^when I told him of my doubts, and he agreed that similar
doubts had occurred to him, not from a historical point of view, but because the whole
issue looked to him as if it had been printed in Shanghai and that more than one printer
had a finger in the pie, while the same kind of paper was used as for the Small Dragon
issue of 1885.
My attitude was purely a historical one. I could never imagine that Sir Robert Hart,
who was so anxious to popularise his service, would take the risk of mortally offending
the Empress Dowager by ordering from her natural enemies, the Japanese, who were
threatening war, the very stamps by which he would commemorate her birthday. What is
more, the Japanese had actually declared war on August I, 1894, and had invaded China.
Sir Robert, however, ran a risk by having the plates engraved in Japan because they could
not be engraved in China, and from the de Villard correspondence we know that as late
as July 6,1894, it was still the intention to have the whole issue done in Japan. Incidentally,
de Villard was the representative for China of the Tokyo Tsukiji Type Foundry, who
engraved the plates, and he was keen in securing the business.
However, by August 17, 1894, circumstances had changed so far that we find Sir Robert
writing to the Postal Secretary, H. Kopsch, as follows: "The fates are not precisely smiling
on Empress Dowager's birthday preparations, and if Japan attempts a march on Peking
I doubt if there will be a celebration. Thus one does not approach the idea of a Jubilee
stamp with much enthusiasm. Further, Japan is now out of the question for engraving,
and Shanghai will have to do the work—can it?" This letter definitely supports my con-
tention that the Sino-Japanese War .put a stop to the printing of the Jubilee stamps in
Japan; a contention I stated emphatically to James Starr and which'I have held for years.
Other evidence in support of it was of a negative and inconclusive character as set out in
my notes in the PJ.G.B. of April-June, 1948, but nevertheless was of some value.
Now my friend Lyon F. Livingston, of XJ.S.A., has produced further evidence as
explained in his fine article on "R. A. de Villard and the stamps of China" in the January
1949 number of The Collectors Club Philatelist. Although I do not see eye to eye with all
 CHINA: EMPRESS DOWAGER'S SIXTIETH BIRTHDAY ISSUE
he writes, he does produce a definite statement in a letter from de Villard dated November
24, 1894, which says: "I beg to enclose herein a complete set of the China stamps, 9,
printed here." On the other hand it is not clear from the de Villard correspondence that
the "Double Dragon Design" has anything to do with the 9 and 12 candarins stamps, as
Mr. Livingston claims. If they do, then these stamps must have been put in hand very
early indeed. In the July 5 and 6, 1894, letters they are referred to as being in the course
of "printing by order of Pekin, through my agency," but as far as I can see they are never
referred to as stamps at all, but as a design. If Japan were printing the 9 and 12 cands
what happened to the stamps, and what happened to the other seven values? Further, in
the same letter, de Villard asks for the original estimate for printing the Chinkiang local
stamps "as we require this for stamps to be done for the Customs (Empress Dowager's
birthday) which are also made by the Japanese." It is quite possible that the Double Dragon
Design was a label for a non-postal purpose. We know that de Villard designed other
things besides stamps—share certificates for instance, and postal stationery.
Paper. The watermarked paper use.d for this issue is identical with that used for the
Small Dragon issue of 1885, and this made James Starr doubt that the stamps were ever
printed in Japan. From the de Villard correspondence it is clearly stated that this paper was
bought from England. In a letter to Mr. Gregson of Chinkiang dated November 28, 1894,
he says: "Re the paper our stamps (i.e. the Dowager issue) are printed on—this is water-
marked paper specially made in England and cost £8 per ream." In fact this paper was
shipped back to Waterlows to print the 1898 issue. There is no doubt that de Villard
intended to send this specially watermarked paper to Japan, but the war intervened.
That the plates were engraved in Japan by the Tokyo Tsuiji foundry from designs done
by de Villard is clearly established from the correspondence, and it is equally clear that
de Villard was very anxious to get hold of these plates as soon as they were ready, and as
secretly as possible, to smuggle them back to China before hostilities broke out and before
anyone discovered, except those close to him, that the plates had been engraved in Japan.
It appears that his brother-in-law, a Mr. Deighton, went to Japan to collect the local stamps
then being printed for Chinkiang. He also waited for the plates for the Dowager stamps.
Probably these arrived by the S.S. Angers on August 9, 1894, and de Villard probably
met his brother-in-law at the steamer, not so much for the purpose of securing delivery of
the Chinkiang stamps but to take delivery of the precious plates for the Dowager issue.
He had little more, than three months in which to prepare, print, gum and perforate nine
different values and he had not much time to lose. I can quite believe he worked on the
preparations himself, being well acquainted with the methods of lithography, and actually
did some of the transfers and printing himself.
The article in the Collectors Club Philatelist is full of details of the stone layout and
other information which is hardly necessary to repeat here but there are some points which
are worth while considering.
The only printer in Shanghai mentioned in the correspondence is Yeh Tsz Yuen, but
there must have been others.
In the report on the working of the Post Office for 1905, published by the Statistical
Department, Shanghai, the following statement appears:—
"No record being accessible to distinguish the Japanese from the Shanghai imprint,
the issue of each cannot be given, the only record available shows that a local printer
Yih Tze-Yiin, printed 8,542 sheets for the Statistical Dept. in Nov. 1894." This date
coincides with the actual date of issue, i.e. 16th November, 1894, and the sheets, assuming
that they were full sheets, i.e. 240 stamps for values up to 6 candarins and 150 stamps for
the remaining higher values, would be more than sufficient to cover the whole of the first
printing. According to Mencarini's computation the total number of stamps issued were
 CHINA: EMPRESS DOWAGER'S SIXTIETH BIRTHDAY ISSUE
622,416 which would only use up 2,800 sheets. De Villard's computation was 1,660,000,
sufficient to use up 7,333 sheets. It is, however, possible that the sheets delivered to the
Post Office were cut up into half sheets, or perhaps into only two pane sheets, similar to
those of the previous issue, in which case, the number of sheets would be increased. In
any event the number of sheets mentioned, i.e. 8,542, in whatever form they were cut,
would be sufficient to account for the first printing and those of the first printing which
were surcharged with small numerals in January 1897.
The first printing, formerly known as the Japan printing, is not so well done as the
subsequent printings, but it is clearer because of the new condition of the plates. The
perforation (11^-12) is generally well-centred and fairly clean. The gum is always thick
and of a brownish-yellow colour. The gum is an important point in separating mint stamps
of the first and second printings.
There is only one major plate variety, i.e. the tete-beche 9 cands. This occurs conveniently
in the lower left-hand corner, thus making a horizontal or a vertical tete-beche pair. The
catalogue states that this variety was corrected in the subsequent printings, but Livingston
is correct in his assumption that the engraved plates did not have this variety and it was
made by cutting out the corner stamp from the transfer paper and reversing it. That it was
purposely made is not surprising because de Villard was interested in stamp collecting
and was alive to the fact that a little variety adds to the spice of life. Subsequent printings
were made from transfers as they came off the plate. I will refer to the tete-beche again.
In 1896 Sir Robert Hart again took up the question of China joining the Universal
Postal Union, and the first step was to alter the currency from the old tael and candarin
to the metric system of dollars and cents. Early in 1897 the unissued portion of the first
printing was overprinted and surcharged in cent values. This is known as the small
surcharge. In the Whitfield King correspondence from de Villard, he makes the interesting
statement to the effect that "The 10 cents on 6 candarins only a few thousands printed by
error sell here $1 each." Doubtless this stamp was surcharged in error as two other
values—the 9 and 12 cands were also surcharged 10 cents, but its rarity is not reflected
in the catalogue, neither does there appear to be any acute shortage of them.
But what happened to the tete-beche corner stamp? No one has seen a tete-beche sur-
charged. Was there some truth in the statement made that the left-hand strip of five stamps
were torn off, thus eliminating the tete-beche^ before surcharging? This could easily have
been done with the stock on hand in Shanghai, but what about the stocks returned from
far up-country which only arrived in time to be surcharged with the large numerals? Would
they be treated in the same manner and have the strip of stamps removed? I wonder! I
wonder if any slipped through without removing the tete-beche, and whether one day
someone will unearth a tete-beche pair surcharged!
The chronological sequence in the catalogue is at fault at this point. The second (or
Shanghai) printing did not precede the Surcharged stamps, but followed them when it was
found that the demand was still large and the prospects of receiving the promised "Imperial
Chinese Posts" issue from Japan was still remote. Therefore, the second printing was
made early in 1897, and the whole printing was surcharged with large numerals of two
different spacings, i.e. 2J mm. between value and Chinese characters, in March 1897, and
1£ mm. spacing in May 1897.
The characteristics of the second printing is that the execution is better, but the plate
shows distinct signs of wear. The perforating is rough and the stamps often badly centred.
The gum is thin, white and transparent.
Particular attention must be paid to the differences in the gums of the first and the
subsequent issues. It is a good clue to the identification of the printing of mint stamps,
and is of equal importance to that of colour.
 CHINA: EMPRESS DOWAGER'S SIXTIETH BIRTHDAY ISSUE
Two of the reserve plates were brought into use when the May 1897 1| mm. surcharge
was found so short of \ and 2 cents values. The 2 cents has been catalogued under S.G. 120
and can be easily identified by the bolder "2" in the design of the stamp, and the fact that
this numeral has a straight tail. The J cent on 3 cands was not discovered until much later
and the first record of it is found in Mr. O. B. Payne's article in the P.J.G.B. of July and
August 1940, whilst Mr. M. D. Chow's notes in the Collectors Club Philatelist did not
appear until October of that year. As Mr. Payne's article was a long time on the stocks I
must assume that he was the pioneer of this discovery. The feature of this reserve plate is
that the Pak-hua symbols surrounding the numeral are larger and squarer, the 3 is more
elegant, and the colour of the stamp is always the same, i.e. a chrome orange-yellow.
Proofs in black of all values of the reserve plates are shown, and except for the two values
above mentioned there is no record that the remaining values were ever utilised.
While it has been demonstrated that the Reserve Plates of the 2 and 3 candarins were
put into use late in 1897, and were surcharged with large numerals in the 1J mm. spacing,
it is strange that the Reports on the working of the Post Office of 1905, and the Report on
the Chinese Post Office of 1922, both illustrate the Reserve Plates of the 1, 2, 3 and 6
candarins for the actual issue of 1894. The illustrations have been taken from the proofs
in black and not from the actual stamps doubtless because the black impression would
show up better than the stamps.
In the frames I am showing the February 1897 issue of the Revenue Stamp which was
surcharged for postal use owing to the shortage of stamps. Part of the surcharging was
done by the same printer who did the large figure surcharging of the Dowager issue. The
rest was done by an unknown, and obviously rather inexperienced, printer. I am also
showing the August 16, 1897, issue which was undoubtedly printed in Japan, and was the
only issue printed in that country for China.
As I have already stated, Mr. Livingston's article is so complete that no good purpose
is served in repeating his excellent listings. There is, however, one matter which still provides
grounds for further research. James Starr was quite right in stating to me that the range
of shades, the finish of the printing and, what is more apparent, the degrees of poor
perforating made him doubt that only one printer handled the second printing. As far as
I know there is no way of deciding the matter unless further archives come to light, such
as the de Villard correspondence.
I am greatly indebted to Mr. Livingston for sending photostats of the de Villard cor-
respondence and for keeping me posted with the results of his researches.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Fig. 1. S.G. 64 Imperf. between.
2. Block of 16, S.G. 80.
3. Used iete-beche pair, S.G. 41.
4. First issue of 2 cands., S.G. 31.
4a. Proof of the reserve plate 2 cands., S.G. 120.
5. First issue of 3 cands., S.G. 32.
5a. Proof of the reserve plate 3 cands. issue but not catalogued.
6. Mint block of 6, S.G. 87.
7. Mint block of 12, S.G. 81. Fourth stamp with incorrect Chinese character for 4.
8. Used block of S.G. 113 with surcharge misplaced.
9. Used block of S.G. 88 with variety S.G. 98.
10. Combination cover from Archibald Little of Chungking to his London correspondents.

AN International Postage Stamp Exhibition is to be held in Prague from the 20th to the
29th May.
6
 THE H. L'ESTRANGE EWEN COLLECTION
OF RAILWAY LETTER STAMPS
A NOTABLE gift has been made to the British Museum by Mrs. Clement Williams, of
Sonning, Berkshire, who has presented the collection of Railway Letter Stamps formed
by her brother, the late Herbert L'Estrange Ewen.
Mr. Ewen was among the first to make a collection of these special railway stamps,
and he missed no opportunity of acquiring specimens which his collection lacked. In 1904
he bought the collectio'n formed by the Earl of Crawford, and incorporated that with his
own. The collection was continued until Mr. Ewen's death in 1912 at the early age of 36,
since when it has remained in the possession of his family. In 1904, Mr. Ewen published his
History of Railway Letter Stamps, a monumental work of 431 pages, which is still the
authority for the period it covers.
The collection which now passes into the care of the British Museum is contained in
32 volumes and consists of 30,887 stamps, while a further volume includes letters and'
other documents relating to the formation of the collection. Practically all of the rarities
of the period 1891-1912 are in the collection, which also contains a quantity of proof
material. Mr. Ewen made a point of obtaining complete sheets of each printing, but where
this was not possible he endeavoured to reconstruct the sheets from pairs and blocks.
Probably the outstanding items in the collection are: Barry Dock and Railways, unused
strip of three and two singles, believed to be the only surviving specimens of these stamps;
Finn Valley Railway Company, five used specimens of the first issue; London, Chatham
and Dover Railway, specimens of the rare first and third printings, etc.
H. R. H.

THE HONORARY SECRETARY'S PAGE

THE Members' combined display of Maritime Markings proved to be as successful as it
was unusual. I must confess to having had certain qualms when including it in the pro-
gramme, but the varied nature of the exhibits combined with the many rare and interesting
items, provided an attraction which must have been most gratifying to both contributors
and those who attended. Brigadier M. A. Studd, who is a member of the T.P.O. and Sea-
post Society and possesses a highly specialised collection, greatly assisted in the success
of the afternoon by giving me the names of Members known to pursue this branch of
philately and also personally contributing a notable exhibit.
The next combined display, to be given on January 19th, will again give the Great
Britain specialists an opportunity of producing, from a seemingly inexhaustible store,
something new and interesting. I would venture to say that country for country, Great
Britain can claim a greater number of specialist collectors than any other and, not sur-
prisingly, it is ever the most popular of displays. Will intending contributors please send
me as soon as possible a note of the number of sheets and a summary of what they propose
exhibiting?
It was with deep regret I heard of the death, at the age of 97, of Dr. John Neville
Keynes, an Honorary Life Fellow of the Society, who was elected a Member in 1892. He
had been a keen philatelist for over 60 years and at one time possessed a fine collection;
some of the countries were disposed of many years ago, but he retained Great Britain
and several of the Colonies which, Mrs. Keynes says, provided his recreation at the
busiest period of his University life as well as during his retirement. His eldest son, Lord
Keynes, the eminent economist, died in 1946. To his widow and family we extend our
deepest sympathy in the loss they have sustained.
 THE STAMPS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

The British European Airways has recently extended its Airway Letter Service, and our
member Mr. J. L. Grumbridge, who is their Sales Manager, has just presented the Society
with a set of the First-day Covers.
Our special representative in Egypt, Mr. Maurice de Termes, informs us that one of
our members, Ahmed Mazloum Bey, has just been honoured with the rank of Pasha for
eminent services as Judge of the Appeal Court of the Mixed Tribunals. The President on
behalf of the Society sent a letter of congratulation to him on the happy recognition of his
great services.
The Collectors Club, New York, on November 2nd held an exhibition as a memorial
to the late Admiral Frederick R. Harris. A cable was sent on behalf of the Society, ex-
pressing our sympathetic thoughts with them on the occasion.
Our member, Mr. T. W. Stewart, of Ontario, very kindly sends us first-day covers and
mint blocks of Canada's new issues. In a letter accompanying those of the Universal
Postal Union issue, he informs me that the criticism of them has been very severe, especially
of the three cents. The portrait of His Majesty is certainly unusual and, I must admit, not
so easily recognisable as those on the other denominations. Mr. Stewart says the portrait
has been likened unto a certain member of the Opposition! He asks for my comments on
the whole issue. As I do not know the particular member named, I cannot pass an opinion
except to say I much prefer the likeness of His Majesty portrayed on the two cents brown.
L. J. GILBERT-LODGE,
41, Devonshire Place, W.I. Honorary Secretary.

THE STAMPS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

By S. A. BROWN, F.R.P.S.L.
(Concluded from page 204)
RETURN OF THE VIRGIN
Early in 1899 a fresh issue of stamps appeared with an entirely different design. They
were engraved in faille douce, by Messrs. De La Rue and Co., there being eight different
values, from Jd. to 5/-, printed in various colours, but all of a uniform design.
The stamps were in sheets or panes of 6C subjects, arranged in ten horizontal rows of six,
and were printed on Crown CA paper, and perforated 14.
There are no flaws as in the previous lithographic issues, but, rather unusually, the plates
showed certain defects which have attained catalogue rank, as varieties, although they are
merely mechanical flaws in reproduction from-the die.
I show all these stamps in mint and used condition, allocating a page to each value,
together with a page of the errors, which includes four copies of the 4d. value.
There are two errors in the |d. value, one on the first stamp in the tenth row, and the
other on the second stamp in the eighth row, in the sheet of 60 stamps, and the error in
the 4d. value, the last letter of the word "PENCE" reading "F" instead of "E,"is the third
stamp in the tenth or bottom row. The error on the 4d. value is very much scarcer than
that on the Jd. values. It was probably quickly discovered and removed from the sheets.

DESTRUCTION OF DIES AND PLATES

In 1892, a considerable number of remainder stamps of the Virgin Islands were offered
for sale by the Leeward Islands authorities, and were actually sold to an English dealer, a
condition of the sale being that certain plates, etc., were destroyed, and, under this agree-
ment the following were in fact destroyed:—
 THE STAMPS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

1. The three copper plates, being the dies of the original stamps.
2. The typographical plate, for printing the figure of the Virgin on the first shilling stamp.
3. The plates for the |d., Id., and 2Jd., values of the 1880-84 issues.
4. The four lithographic stones for the Id., 4d., 6d., and I/- values of the 1887-89
issue.
There was another sale of remainder stamps in 1905, through the Crown Agents, these
consisting of the £d. to 5/- values of the 1899 issue, and the plates for these stamps were
destroyed before the offer was made.
* It will thus be seen that all the dies and plates for the stamps of the Virgin Islands, up
to and including the 1899 issue, have been destroyed.
At this point I terminate my paper.
The Edwardian and Georgian issues are shown in unused and used condition in the wall
frames, and among these later issues are several marked shades and papers, some un-
catalogued, which would only be of interest to the collector of modern stamps, but which
are necessary to complete a specialised collection, and keep it up to date.
I take the opportunity of expressing my thanks and appreciation to those who have
helped me in various directions, in connection with my researches.
To Sir John Wilson for the generous help he has extended to me.
To Mr. Frank Godden, through whose agency I was able to acquire intact the "David
Bernhard" collection.
To Mr. Richard Roberts, who has given me many hints and suggestions from his store
of knowledge, acquired over the years.
To Mr. H. R. Holmes, of this Society, and others.
All this has helped to advance and consolidate our knowledge of these very interesting
stamps.
LIST OF PROOFS AND ESSAYS
Die Proofs, 1866 issue.
Id. and 6d. In black on sunk framed card. 4| in. x 5| in.
Id. and 6d. In sage green on card.
Id. and 6d. In bright green on card.
Id. and 6d. In dull greeji on card.
Id. and 6d. In Prussian blue on thin hard paper.
Id. and 6d. In dull mauve on card.
Id. and 6d. In violet on thin hard paper.
Id. and 6d. In indigo blue, two pairs te.te-b&che on thin, hard paper.

Id. In dull ultramarine on card.

Id. In ultramarine on card.
Id. In blue on hard paper.
Id. In dull mauve on card.
Id. In Prussian blue on hard paper.
Id. In dull green on card.
Id. In bright green on card.
Id. In sage green on card.
1867-68.
4d. Essay in violet-black on sunk framed card 4 in. x 5i in., the Virgin standing on
clouds and a rainbow, with 6 lamps on each side, on a background of lightly engraved
horizontal lines.
 THE STAMPS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

4d. Essay in black on azure paper, with lower corners void and no aureole round
Virgin's head.
4d. Dull mauve on card.
4d. Deep mauve on card.
4d. Deep orange on card.
4d. Dull orange on card.
4d. Green on card.
4d. Pale green on card.

Die Proofs, 1866.

6d. Ultramarine on card.
6d. Electric blue on hard paper.
•6d. Dark blue on hard paper.
6d. Violet on hard paper.
6d. Mauve on card.
6d. Sage green on card.
6d. Bright green on card.
6d. Dull green on card.

1867-68.

(Fig. 1) (Fig. 2) (Fig. 3)

I/-. Essay in rose without figure of Virgin, and coloured border with series of white
arches. (Fig. 1.)
I/-. Essay as above, but background overprinted in black with figure of Virgin, with
aureole of stars, standing on a rainbow and clouds, with 12, lamps, six on* each
side. In addition there are lily plants in bloom on each side, and a thin double-lined
frame encloses the design. (Fig. 2)
I/-. Normal stamp with single lined frame, but on laid paper. (Fig. 3.)

Plate proofs, 1866, i.e. Proofs from the Lithographic Stone, generally called Plate Proofs.
Id. First issue, several copies in green and deep green, plateable.
1867-68.
Id. Plate proof from sheet of 20 of the perf 15.
1866. The unissued transfer.
6d. Complete proof sheet of 25 in bright blue.
6d. Blocks of 12, 6, and single, in deep rose (19).
6d. Block of 22 in vermilion-red.
10
 STEEL WORKING-DIES FOR SURFACE PRINTING

Plate Proofs, 1867-68.

4d. Complete sheet of 25 in dull red.
4d. Block of four in chestnut.
4d. Single specimens in rose, deep rose, brown-rose, brown-rose on pink paper, and deep
chestnut; also reported to exist in emerald green.
I/-. Single-lined frame, in deep rose. Also exists printed entirely in black (litho.), No. 15
on plate at British Museum, and on laid paper in black without the figure of the
Virgin.
1887-89, Wmk. CA.
I/-. Plate proof in carmine.
Plate proof in sepia.
1879, Wmk. CC.
Id. Green, two blocks'of four, cancelled 19. Jan. 77.
Complete sheet of 24 in green on glazed card, dated 19. Jan. 77.
1883-84.
Halfpenny. Three essays in green, rose and blue, all surcharged "CANCELLED".
The halfpenny green issued stamp, watermarked and gummed, but imperf.
The two pence halfpenny blue in similar condition.
1884-86, Essay.
The 4d. orange-brown of Antigua, overprinted "VIRGIN ISLANDS" in black.
1887-89.
Id. deep rose, Imperf and gummed.
1889.
Halfpenny green. Imperf and gummed.
1922-28.
De la Rue Die proof on card, without value (Key plate).

METHODS (AND STAGES) IN THE PRODUCTION

OF STEEL WORKING-DIES FOR SURFACE PRINTING
(With special reference to the Electrotyped stamps of Victoria (1860-1902), and the J. F.
Joubert Heads ("Coins") for early British and British Colonial Surface-Prints)

By J. R. W. PURVES (Melbourne), F.R.P.S.L.

IT is true that, with some rather isolated exceptions, nothing like the same amount of
.intense study has been given to surface-printed stamps as has been accorded recess-printed
and lithographed stamps. A certain amount of work has been done on the details of the
production of surface-printing plates, their varieties, methods of repair and the like, but
little thought has been devoted to the methods of producing the "working-die," i.e. the
4ie employed to strike the moulds on which the electrotyped "shell" is grown.
11
 STEEL WORKING-DIES FOR SURFACE PRINTING

It is obvious that where the printing is from electrotypes (and that applies to the great
majority of British Colonial surface-printed stamps) the "working-die" must (since the
mould is a necessary intermediate stage) be of the same nature as the printing-surface,
viz., in reverse, in relief. The surface of this relief die is necessarily perfectly level and most
students have assumed, and still assume, that the only engraving done was done on the
relief, that is to say, that the original engraving, nothing more or nothing less (after bevels
had been cut for the sides and the steel hardened) itself constituted the "working-die."
When I say this I am thinking in terms of individual designs, not of those cases where there
is a common or master head-die with a different value, etc.
Most of the material now to be described had been acquired and studied before the
publication of Yardley's and Passer's studies of the Duloz types of Turkey, and those of
Yardley, Pemberton, De Smeth and others on the production of the Large Heads' Printing
Plates of Greece. That work did, however, emphasise some of the problems inherent in
this subject. It did, for the first time, fully demonstrate that for certain surface-printed
stamps—viz. those printed from so-called "die-struck" plates—where there was no inter-
mediate stage between the die and the printing plate (as with the "mould" in electrotyping
and the "flong" in stereotyping)—the working-die used for stamping the cliches for the
plates must have been in positive, in recess. Yardley, however, in discussing the possi-
bilities relating to electrotyped stamps, has, in my belief, led students rather astray, as I
shall show later. Elsewhere (The China Clipper) I have indicated the probability that the
first two issues of China were also printed from "die-struck" cliches. I am not shaken in
these conclusions by Sir Percival David's recent illustration of a so-called "Die Proof"
(ex Finnigan) of the first issue, because I believe this to be merely a proof from a single
cliche struck from the die. These problems, however, though related, are not what interest
us at the moment.
My studies can be summed up, for a start, by saying that, in engraving for surface-
printing, everything can be done in two ways. You can cut the shapes themselves, or you
can cut the surrounds. You can engrave in recess in positive, or in relief in reverse. As to
which way was followed depended on three main factors, viz.:
1. The nature of the design, considered in terms of white shapes or outlines, or of
coloured shapes or outlines.
2. The training and personal idiosyncrasies of the engraver concerned.
3. The appliances (e.g. Transfer-Presses, etc.) available to the engraver.
Each of these heads will be reverted to in the course of this discussion, but (bearing
them duly in mind) I now set out to prove, as far as Victorian electrotypes are concerned,
that we can meet with two cases:—
A. The whole or part of the design was engraved in positive, in recess. The soft
steel on which the engraving was done was then hardened a"hd, in a "coining" or
similar press, another cube of soft steel was forced onto the recessed engraving. This
transferred impression (which is generally further engraved) becomes, after hardening,
the working-die.
As well as the usual engraving of shapes in recess, it must be emphasised that this
stage also involved the cutting-away (to at least the depth of the shallowest line of the
detailed engraving) of those shapes which, if left alone, would appear as colour when
printed from the relief, but on which "ground" (being after transfer an even, unbroken
portion of the relief) certain white shapes, shading lines, etc., can be produced by
engraving at the relief stage. This cutting-away, together with the recessed engraving,
is known, so I am informed, as a "die-bed." If these shapes were not hollowed out they
12
 Proof from first incom- Proofs from second incomplete working-die which, in 'Is
plete working-die ( d i s - completed state, WAS used. Inking (on rice paper!
carded ) partially obscures "die-crack."

Note traces of "die double-striking" throughout

words FIXT; POUNDS and background. &c.
The actual stamp.
Proof from completed
working-die.

Proof from incomplete As completed. STAMP

Proof from incomplete As 1. hut with figure:, at left h::s been
working-die; figures are corrected in pencil. corrected working-die.
strengthened to match
{evened. STYPUTK

Arrow in •> and 4 indicates trace of old sent.

 STEEL WORKING-DIES FOR SURFACE PRINTING

would have been, after the transfer, depressed below the surface of the detail originally
engraved in recess, and would therefore have been useless as a "ground" on which
at the next stage, to engrave the white details. The hollowing out of such "grounds"
enabled the transfer to be made without altering the surface level of those parts of the
soft steel outside the areas engraved (in detail) in recess, and thus made them fully
available for "cutting out the whites" at the next stage. The first job at the recess stage
would thus appear to have been the engraving of a square or rectangle slightly larger
all round than the working-die (and hence stamp) was to be. Inside this was sometimes
engraved a second square or rectangle the actual size of the working-die (or very
slightly bigger). Inside this second area the engraver positioned and marked off the
area or areas on which the detailed engraving in recess was to be done, viz.: the
engraving of the shapes that would eventually appear on the stamp as colour on a
white ground. He then proceeded with the engraving and hollowing out or the
hollowing out and the engraving, as he pleased. Some engravers, it will be seen, did
not engrave any framelines in recess at all, but merely hollowed out these areas,
leaving the frame-line's to be completed by the cutting out of whites, at the second
stage.
Let us take a simple illustration. Suppose a circular portrait had been engraved at
the first stage. This would appear, just before the transfer operation, like an island
(on top of which is of course the recessed engraving) standing up in relief in a slightly
sunken basin (i.e. the hollowed out area). This explanation is perhaps a little laboured
but it is vital to an understanding of what follows. (Incidentally, in the records of
"Items of Expenditure" for the "Stamp Duty" Series of 1879, we meet the description
"dies and die-beds" several times, together with various other terms which help to
corroborate the explanations given here.)
B. The whole or part of the design was engraved in reverse in relief. In this case
the engraving is still engraving properly so called but now "cuts out the whites,"
leaving the coloured details standing up in relief. Here the whole (including any lines
transferred thereto from the recess), after the cutting of the bevels and hardening,
becomes the working-die.
C. The nett result is that in a great number of cases, some of the design was pro-
duced at the first stage, and the balance at the second stage. In these cases the working-
die was therefore partly the result of a transfer-process (from an engraving in recess)
and partly the result of actual engraving.
D. It must also be stressed that the term "engraving," as used by me, includes not
only cutting with a graver but also the use of specially prepared "punches" (e.g. for
letters, figures, etc.), at both stages.
For some years before acquiring (in 1936-38) the material now illustrated I had wondered,
if working-dies were produced merely by cutting out the whites at the relief stage, how
was it possible, in that way, to produce dies for designs like that, say, of the £1 "Stamp
Statute" Victoria of 1871. This design, if examined under a glass, will be found to contain
(over a good deal of its total area) the whole or part of the words "ONE POUND," repeated
in tiny Gothic letters 120-150 times, in colour, on a white background. Any procedure
involving a cutting out of the whites to leave standing up in relief the coloured shapes of
this tremendous number of tiny letters, would seem an infinitely tedious job—one, in fact,
impossible of accomplishment within the average time (less than a month) that we know
the engraver, William Bell, took to produce a die for this series. Such a method (i.e.
cutting out the white) can be pursued with such a design and was, for instance, the method
followed by Samuel Reading for cutting the original steel die (in blank) for the "Kangaroo"
design of the Australian Commonwealth. But Reading was a "letter-cutter," he was used
13
 STEEL WORKING-DIES FOR SURFACE PRINTING

to producing reliefs by cutting them out; he thought that way, and he worked that way.
Bell, on the other hand, we know (see Australian Philatelic Record, May 1928, et seq.)
had frequently engraved recessed plates for printing Bank Notes. Recess work was normal
to him, the only difference in this case being that as opposed to intaglio work (which he
did in reverse) he now, at the first stage, engraved in positive!
I possess a great number of proofs of the electrotyped stamps of Victoria. In their case
the successive engravers were Frederick Grosse, William Bell, James Turner, Arthur
Williams, Charles Naish, Samuel Reading and several "unknowns."
There is abundant proof here, more particularly in the work of the four first named,
that the working-die was the result of engraving at both stages. The most effective demon-
stration of all is to be found in the four Die Proofs illustrated (three being from the die in
an unfinished state) for the 6d. "Stamp Statute" (issued April 26, 1871). All these show a
coloured line around the outside of the main design. There is no doubt that this was ori-
ginally engraved in recess on the "die-bed" and served the twofold purpose of (a) forming,
at the relief stage, a fence (and therefore a protection) around the design proper, enabling
the engraving to be completed with a minimum of accident, and (b) ensuring that when the
edges of the working-die were cut there was ample margin available for the provision of a
"shoulder" all round (to allow for the requirements of margins for perforating), and also
for the "bevelling" of such shoulder portions, a requirement essential to the striking of
satisfactory moulds for electrotypes.
Proofs numbered 1 to 3 are in a pale "lilac," on a thin rice paper. Proof No. 4 is in black
on a medium wove paper. No. 2 has the written comment—"approved T.T.A'B." These
were the initials of Mr. T. T. A'Beckett, then the Minister administering the Stamp Statute
of 1870, and later a well-known Supreme Court Judge here.
Now there can be no doubt— -
(a), that all these proofs were obtained from working-dies in reverse, in relief.
(b) that No. 1 had the same origin as Nos. 2 to 4. The white flaws in the shading to
the left of the base of the "E" in "STATUTE, "and on the outside of the oval to the south of
such "E" respectively, together with the identity in the shapes of the ornamental letters,
etc., should satisfy anyone as to this.
These two apparently obvious points are noted because we also find:—
(i) that No. 1 has certain characteristics which it does not share with Nos. 2 to 4.
(ii) that Nos. 2, 3 and 4 all have certain other characteristics which they share with
one another and with the issued stamps and which a glass will show up, particularly
on the more clearly printed stamps in "Prussian blue" (the first printing).
These different characteristics are nothing more or less than constant traces of "double-
striking," viz. in No. 1, not only of the coloured details (in the wards "STAMP, Victoria,"
"STATUTE" and of the coloured frames, both outer and inner) but also of the white details
(extra coloured lines on the white of the "6" and on the "ix p" of "six PENCE"). .
Nos. 2, 3 and 4 (and the issued stamps) all show the same evidences of "double striking"
which, however, is quite different to that found in No. 1. Here (2, 3, 4) the main traces
are in the s and between the "A" and "M" of "STAMP," and around most of the letters of
"Victoria" and certain of the coloured loops at the bottom of the stamp.
These "double-strikes," being characteristic of a working-die, can only be the result
of a transfer process. They must at least signify, as far as the coloured details of which
there is doubling are concerned, that these were originally engraved in positive, in recess.
The explanation of this part of the process is as follows:—
The "coining" press strikes a Blow. If there were any opportunity for any lateral move-
ment whatever of the cube of soft steel (which was forced on to the hardened engraving in
14
 STEEL WORKING-DIES FOR SURFACE PRINTING

recess, i.e. the "die-bed") a "double-strike," resulting from such lateral movement (in its
turn the consequence of a slightly uneven distribution, over the surface of such cube, of
the pressure of the downward blow) was always a possibility. The constant "double-strike"
plate varieties found in the "Beaded oval" and "Laureated" series of Victoria unquestion-
ably owed their origin to the non-use of a "collar" (into the base of which the die could be
fixed and down which carefully cut-to-size cubes of lead could be forced, by a "drop-
hammer" or similar contrivance, onto the die). Once such a "collar" was introduced by
Atkinson (in 1867) for the striking of moulds, this type of "double-strike" practically
disappears because there was no longer any opportunity for lateral movement of the lead
cube. I say "practically" because one does meet in Victoria small but clear constant
"double-strike" plate varieties (e.g. in the £5 "Stamp Statute" 1871, 2/6 of same series
(1876), £10 "Stamp Duty" 1879, etc.) in certain stamps of larger size. These latter are
almost certainly due to the collar being slightly too big for the lead moulds, and thus
permitting of a small amount of lateral movement. I should imagine that similar varieties
found in the 5 francs "Louis Napoleon" of France arise from this cause.
In the case of No. 1 the double-striking of the coloured parts alone was so extensive as
to make the working-die produced therefrom unsuitable for use. We must, however, bear
in mind (an example is illustrated) that though this was so in this case, it is possible, by
cutting away at the relief stage, to remove, quite easily, most, if not all, of the indications
of a "double-strike." This being so, it is also dangerous to assume, because a stamp shows
no signs of a coloured "die double-strike," that no part of the details of the working-die
were engraved at the first stage in recess. With No. 1, however, correction at the relief
stage would have been a long and tedious job. The first incomplete working-die (i.e. No. 1)
was therefore discarded, and a second transfer taken, by means of the press, from the
original engraving, etc., in recess. This time, as far as the coloured details were concerned, a
different but less obvious "double-striking" was the result, and this second incomplete
working-die in relief (completed by the addition of the top left figure 6, etc.) was used to
stamp the moulds for the electrotypes which printed the actual stamps. This brings us to
the consideration of certain white details in these designs.
It will be noted that both working-dies (i.e. 1 and 2, 3, 4) were incomplete as to the
left-hand figure 6. This (and similar phenomena in all the other Bell proofs, both "Postage"
and "Stamp Statute") is the result of the terms of Bell's Contract for Engraving (see
A.P.R. for May, 1928). This permitted him to do as much work as he liked at home,
provided he "finished" the work at the Post Office. Naturally, in all cases, he arrived at the
Post Office with comparatively little (in this case the top left 6) remaining to complete the
design. We notice also that the right figure 6 and the letters of six PENCE in No. 1 are
different in form to those in Nos. 2, 3 and 4. Since, as we have seen, both the rejected
working-die (No. 1) and the accepted w'orking-die (Nos. 2, 3, 4) came from the same
original in recess, the unavoidable inference is that the "6" and "six PENCE" (white shapes)
was engraved at the second (relief) stage, which raises a further intriguing problem, viz.
How were they engraved?
If we study the white shapes on No. 1 we find that the "6" and "six PENCE" show signs
of "double-striking" which can only mean that they were produced by means of a "punch,"
at the second (relief) stage. There are no such signs of double-striking on Nos. 2, 3 and 4.
Here, in view of the lack of success in the case of 1, it is possible that no punch was used
and that the figure and letters were separately engraved .by hand. At any rate, if a punch
were used the signs of double-striking (if any) have been removed at the relief stage.
Further (and this corroborates the previous findings) the direction on No. 1 of the double-
striking of the white portions seems different to that of the double-striking of the coloured
portions. More of the use of punches, at both stages, later.
15
 REVIEWS

To conclude our analysis of the various features presented by these proofs we encounter
a third point of considerable interest, viz., the "die-crack" showing on Proofs 2, 3,4 (not
on No. 1) going diagonally from the base of the Stamp to the base of the P, and which
can be clearly discerned on all the issued stamps. (This is largely obscured by ink on No. 2.)
In 1943, while on leave, I spent a long and interesting afternoon with Mr. C. G. Smith,
a well known letter-cutter of this city. Mr. Smith had been apprenticed, in J908, to Samuel
Reading, and had learnt his craft from that old master. I showed him most of the material
now discussed and on returning home took a full note of our conversation. These notes
are by me as I write. In brief, Mr. Smith confirmed my deductions. He said there were
always the two possibilities. If you were primarily a letter-cutter you inclined one way,
and if you were an engraver (properly so-called) you inclined the other.
He stated that the main trouble in transferring from the recess was the possibility of a
fracture in the hardened steel (i.e. the "die-bed") which was, of course, communicated to
the soft steel relief. The "crack" just described was unquestionably the result of such an
accident. The "die-bed" had stood up to one transfer, but cracked at the second attempt.
There are other cases of a "die-crack" in Victorian stamps, some undoubtedly due to the
same cause, others to a crack appearing in the working-die after the stamping of a number
of moulds for electrotypes, thenceforward communicating itself to all the other moulds
(and hence electrotypes) stamped after the crack appeared.
He further stated that an essential part of every engraver's and letter-cutter's training
was the preparation of special "punches" (chiefly for words, letters and figures). That
(a) a reverse punch, in relief (producing a positive recess) could be used at the first stage
(if the figures or letters were to finally appear as colour) and/or (b) a positive punch in relief
(producing a reverse recess) could be used at the relief stage where the figures or letters
were to finally appear as white. As proofs of this I illustrate:—
(a) Certain engraver's proofs of two of the unissued values (8/- and 18/-) of the "Stamp
Duty" series of 1879. Arthur Williams was responsible for these. His work generally differed
from Bell's in that by far the greater proportion of his engraving was done (in the production
of white shapes) at the relief stage. He was responsible for the dies of the 1/6, 2/-, 3/-, 4/-,
5/-, 6/-, 35/-> £2, 45/- and £8 values of that Series, and also for the dies of the 7/-, 8/-,
9/-, ll/-, 12/-, 14/- 15/- (a second type), 16/-, 17/- 18/- and 19/- unissued values of the
same set. Of these I believe that the 1/6 and 14/- values were engraved solely at the second
stage, and for the most part, in the designs engraved by Williams, the white shapes
predominate. On the other hand, in the other surface-printed values (issued and unissued)
of the same set, viz. Id. (1st type), 6d., I/-, 10/-, 13/-, 15/-, £1, £1 5 0, £1 10 0, £6, £7, £9,
£10, the engraver or engravers of which are not known, the coloured shapes predominate,
and in their case it can be shown that more engraving was done at the first (recess) stage,
since with several of them the stamps show a constant "die double-strike" of certain
coloured details.
(To be continued]

REVIEWS
24th Annual Resume, 1948-49, of the H. R. Hornier of excellent articles. To those collectors in search
Stamp Auctions. 10 x 7J in. 32 pp. H. R. of Utopia, we commend the last paragraph of the
Harmer, Ltd., 39, New Bond Street, London. account of the Bermuda Prize Court sale!
Among the most welcome and interesting of the Stanley Gibbons' Priced Catalogue of King George VI
publications which we receive is Messrs. H. R. Postage Stamps, 1950. Second Edition. 8 x Sin.
Manner's Annual Resume of their sales for the x + 158 pp. Stanley Gibbons, Ltd., 391,
preceding season. In this year's issue, in addition to Strand, London, W.C.2. Price 3s. 6d., postage
the well-illustrated account of the finest stamps sold 2d.
and the highest prices realised, there are a number The publishers tell us that the first edition of this
16
 ROYAL PHILATELIC SOCIETY, LONDON
useful, catalogue sold no fewer than 90,000 copies A President's Hobby. By LENA SHAWEN. 10 x 7 in.
in eight months, surely a sufficient recommendation 48 pp. H. L. Lindquist Publications, 2, West
for this second edition. In the case of the issues of 46 Street, New York 19, N.Y., U.S.A. Price $1.
Burma, Egypt, Iraq, Nepal, and Transjordan which
appeared after these countries left the Empire, A readable and well-illustrated account of the
they are now excluded and will appear in the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt's activities as
Foreign sections of the main catalogue. A feature a stamp collector. When he became President pf»the
of this new edition is that stamps which were issued United States he took a great interest in designing
before the accession of King George V, but which stamps, and a number of his pencil-sketch sugges-
have been kept on sale during the reign, are now tions are included among the illustrations in this
included in the catalogue. book.

Stanley Gibbons' Priced Catalogue of Foreign Guide Lines to the Penny Black. A detailed description
Countries. Part II: Europe. 48th Edition. of each one of the 2,880 stamps and the plates
8J x Sin. x + 859pp. Stanley Gibbons, Ltd., from which it was printed. By P. C. LITCHFIELD.
391, Strand, London, W.C.2 Price 15s., 9 X 6 in. 224 pp. Robson Lowe, Ltd., 50,
postage 9d., abroad Is. Pall Mall, London, S.W.I. Price 25s.
The "Green" Gibbons for the second time con- For those collectors who enjoy their Penny
tains only those foreign countries which are in Blacks and all the accompanying varieties this work
Europe, and with the constantly expanding number will be a godsend. Every aspect of the stamp is
of new issues this will be its permanent form in the dealt with, including plate varieties and postmarks.
future. This new edition has a number of improve- In addition, a careful description is given of each
ments, which experience has shown Messrs. Gibbons stamp from each of the eleven plates, so that it
would be to the catalogue user's convenience. should be relatively easy for anyone, with the aid
These include the revision of the list of Ukrainian of this volume, to identify the rare and the common
stamps, by Messrs. C. W. Roberts and A. W. plates. The volume is well illustrated by both line
Greaves; the rearrangement of the modern stamps and half-tone blocks.
of France; and, among the older issues, the list
of the first type of Bosnia has been brought into Scott's Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue. Volume
line with present-day information. I: The Americas and the British Commonwealth
of Nations. 1950. 106th Edition. 9 x 6Jin.
Jamaican Obliteration Numbers. By L. C. C. x + 881 pp. Scott Publication, Inc., New York,
' NICHOLSON. 9J x 7Jin. 16 pp. Published by N.Y., U.S.A.
W. & S. Stamps, Ltd., 309, Old Kent Road,
London, S.E.I. Price 7s. 6d. The outstanding change in this new edition is the
This is a reprint of the section on obliteration revised list of the stamps of Venezuela, which
numbers which appeared in the Jamaica Handbook, clarifies the nineteenth century issues of this country
published in 1928. Since that work appeared much in such a way that the publishers hope to make this
country more attractive to collectors. Just as this
new information has become available and Mr. volume was due for publication, the Chancellor of
Nicholson has incorporated it in this new pamphlet, the Exchequer announced devaluation of the pound
which should appeal to all interested in Jamaican and, as a result, the dollar value of nearly all
philately. current British Empire stamps was affected. The
publishers are preparing price changes, which will
The American Air Mail Catalogue of Air Letter be published in their monthly journal.
Sheets, including Military and Prisoner of War
Air Letter Cards. 1949 Edition. Edited by
L. B. GATCHELL and IAN C. MORGAN. &J- x 51 in. Sveriges Fasta Postanstalter genom Tiderna. By
56 pp. Published for the American Air Mail Y. NYLANDER. 9 x 6iin., 200 pp. Issued by
Society by Geo. D. Kingdom, Tyler Building, the Postmuseum, Lilla Nygatan 6, Stockholm.
Conneaut, Ohio, U.S.A. Price $1.50, post free. Price not stated.
As the title of this work tells one, this is a cata- Another volume—the twenty-fifth—in the series
logue of air letter sheets, those useful mediums for of philatelic communiques issued by the Stockholm
speedy and inexpensive communications. Although Postmuseum. It comprises a Ijst, compiled from
first issued in Iraq as long ago as 1933, letter sheets official records, of all Swedish postal offices from
were not generally employed until the war years. the earliest date down to the present year, showing
The compilers of this catalogue have performed a the geographical situation, the type or class of
useful service in producing a valuable and infor- office operated, and the period during which the
mative work on a little-known subject. office functioned.

ROYAL PHILATELIC SOCIETY, LONDON

THE second meeting of the session 1949-50 was Riesco, B. S. H. Grant, Mrs. E. C. M. Moore,
held at 41, Devonshire Place, London, W.I, on Dr. A. H. Wortman, Dr. D. Nabarro, E. C. Cull,
Thursday, October 13, 1949, at 5 p.m. C W E Arbuthnot, Miss R. Leighton, E. W.
Fellows and Members present: Sir John Wilson, Bishop, S. R. Turner, L. Stones, J. A. S. Toogood,
L. J. Gilbert-Lodge, E. W. Mann, H. B. R. Clarke, Colonel H. C. Hawkins, W. A. Boyes, G. H.
H. C. V. Adams, W. G. Nodder, E. D. Roberts, Goodson, Miss T. Bagot, F. Sayers, F. A. C. Pratt,
Dr. J. H. Harvey Pirie, Lt.-Colonel S. E. Hands, Professor V. W. Dix, Lt.-Colonel J. B. M. Stanton,
H. V. Farmer, R. King-Farlow, J. H. Barron, Major C. H. A. Borradaile, R. K. Wortley, H. G.
W. M. Holman, J. H. E. Gilbert, H. W. Edmunds, Kaye
A. M. Strange, W. E. Gerrish, J. Grundy, R. F. A. Visitors: Mrs. J. H. Harvey Pirie, D. E. Styles.

17
 ROYAL PHILATELIC SOCIETY, LONDON
The chair was taken by the President, and the for the Society to see Members from overseas,, and
Minutes of the meeting held on September 29, 1949, particularly from the Dominions and Colonies.
were read in abbreviated form and signed as correct. He was pleased to see so many Members here to
The Hon. Secretary read the following letter from welcome Dr. Harvey Pirie who is the Official
His Majesty's Private Secretary:— Commissioner in South Africa for the London
International Stamp Exhibition, 1950.
"Balmoral Castle, In his opening remarks Dr. Harvey Pirie said
3rd October, 1949." he felt some trepidation in offering to display a
"Dear Sir, . country which, from the Catalogue, would appear
"I have shown to The King your letter of only to consist of a dozen or so stamps, but he
the 29th September and His Majesty commands hoped to demonstrate that it comprised something
me to ask you to thank the Fellows and Members more and to show the interest found in its postal
of the Royal Philatelip Society for the kind terms history and services.
of the resolution passed at the Society's Session on Briefly, Dr. Harvey Pirie's specialised collection
the 29th September." of Swaziland comprised the early issues of the
"Yours very truly, overprinted Transvaal stamps, followed by the
(signed) EDWARD FORD, postal history of the territory from the end of this
Assistant Private Secretary." period (1896) to 1933 when the British Protectorate
commence with the King George V issues, con-
cluding with many interesting items from the 1939-
"THE HONORARY SECRETARY, 1945 war period. The collection was divided into
THE ROYAL PHILATELIC SOCIETY, LONDON, eight parts and can be summarised as follows:—
41, DEVONSHIRE PLACE, 1. Pre-stamp period up to October 18, 1889.
LONDON, W.I." 2. Z.A.R. stamps overprinted "Swazieland"—
October 18, 1889 to February 21, 1895.
The following presentations to the Society's 3. Z.A.R. stamps—February 21, 1895 to June 18,
Collections were announced and exhibited:— 1900.
From George R. M. Ewing: U.S.A.: block of four 4. A gap occurs here as there was no postal
new 15c. air mail stamp, issued to commemorate service in Swaziland during the Boer War
the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Uni- , period.
versal Postal Union, used on first-day cover, 5. K.E. VII Transvaal stamps—April 1, 1902, to
October 7, 1949. Kenneth H. Wyatt: U.S.A.: a August 15, 1910.
similar souvenir first-day cover with a single 15c. 6. Union Inter-provincials—August 15, 1910, to
Also mint single, block of four, and first-day cover September 1, 1913.
of new 3c. commemorating the Final National 7. Stamps of the Union . of South Africa—
Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic. September 1, 1913 to January 2, 1933.
Also press releases and photographs of various 8. The Definitive Swaziland series which com-
recent U.S.A. commemoratives and of new Is. 6d. menced on January 2, 1933.
and 10s. Australian issues. N.S. Alfieris: Egypt:
new 10, 22 and 30 mills commemorating the 75th Part of the exhibit was shown in the wall-frames,
anniversary of the Universal Postal Union, used the exhibitor reserving the more interesting items
on first-day cover, October 9, 1949. Jarle O. for passing round. The paper accompanying it will
Stensdal: Norway: new 10, 25 and 40 0re com- appear in THE LONDON PHILATELIST. The follpwing
memorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal is a review of the display:—
Postal Union, used on first-day cover, October 8, A map of Swaziland was followed by one showing
1949. From the Oslo Filatehst-Klub: Norway: a the location of the Post Offices and postal routes
similar first-day commemorative cover. Uno S0der- as at January 1, 1933.
berg: Sweden: new Aerogram with 30 0re U.P.U. A cover of unusual interest bore a 2d. Z.A.R.
commemorative, used on first-day of issue, un-overprinted type, used from SteynsdorpSP.il.88
October 9, 1949; also new 10, 20 and 30 0re stamps to Natal, the cover having the inscription at top
commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding "On the Swazie King's Service." Prior to October 18,
of the Universal Postal Union, used on first-day 1889 (the date of the first issue), letters were sent
cover. From the Legation of the Republic of from the Administration Office at Embekelweni
Hungary: Hungary: photograph of new 60f. stamp. (the Royal Kraal) by runner to Steynsdorp where
N. D. Cooper: India: two first-day souvenir covers Z.A.R. stamps were affixed, these being paid for
bearing sets of the Universal Postal Union com- out of the deposit kept in the Post Office there.
memoratives, 9 pies, 2, 3i and 12 annas, posted The stamps of the South 'African Republic over-
October 10, 1949. W. G. Nodder: Southern printed "Swazieland" and issued in 1889 were
Rhodesia: l£d., S.G. 16c., Perf. 12, from booklet, shown with every known and catalogued variety,
postmarked September 26, 1933, on cover with id., major and minor, in both perforations, with the
(very early date of use). exception of a few which, although purchased in
The President expressed the Society's sincere former years as authentic, were now proved to be
appreciation to all the generous donors. not genuine. The display included the inverts on
The President announced the Society's awards as all the values of the compound perforation and on
follows:—The Crawford Medal to Dr. F. E. Wood, the id., 2d. and 5s. perf. 12i. The "Swazieland"
MB,, B.Ch. (Cantab.) for his work Straits Settle- variety, which may never have existed inverted, was
ments Postage Stamps (published privately and shown unused and used, on the 2d. and 5d. perf. 12i,
printed by the author, 1948). The Tilleard Medal to the latter in pair "with normal overprint, and, in the
Mr. Gerald E. Wellburn of Vanvouver, B.C., for 12i x 12 perforation, on the 2d. Examples with
his Display of "British Columbia and Vancouver double normal overprint, also misplaced overprints
Island," given before the Society on July 1, 1948. which, although fairly common, were interesting in
The Tapling Medal is not awarded this year. that they were often spread over two stamps or were
The President, in calling on Dr. J. H. Harvey missing altogether on one stamp. Several of the 10s.
Pirie for his Display and Paper on the stamps of normal overprint, unused and used, as well as large
SWAZILAND, said it was always a great pleasure blocks of certain values and varieties of shade.
18
 ROYAL PHILATELIC SOCIETY, LONDON

Several pages of interesting Swaziland postmarks, but in his opinion there was only one setting, and,
and a cover bearing a 2d. identifying No. "718" the stamps being ordered in a hurry were presumably
canceller with Embekelweni. unchecked for errors.
. The Government Reprints (so-called) of the The President reminded the Members that the
"Swazieland" overprint, which can be distinguished next meeting to be held on October 27th would
from the issued stamps by the addition of a full- comprise a combined display by Members of
point after "Swazieland," were shown. Dr. Pirie France and French Colonies.
thought they were presumably made for use, but
with the incorporation of Swaziland with the THE third meeting of the session 1949-50, held at
South African Republic, were unnecessary— 41, Devonshire Place, London, W.I, on Thursday,
Swaziland became a Protectorate of the South October 27, 1949, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., was a
African Republic on February 21, 1895. Un-over- combined display of FRANCE AND FRENCH
printed Z.A.R. stamps used in Swaziland provided COLpNIES to which nineteen Fellows and Members
an interesting group, being recognisable by their contributed. An attendance of 51 Fellows and
postmarks. Members and 11 Visitors, included the French
Examples of the King Edward VII stamps of Section of the City of London Philatelic Society, to
Transvaal used in Swaziland from 1902 to 1910 whom an invitation had been extended.
provided many interesting cancellations, and were Although probably lacking some of the better-
followed by the Inter-provincial period when the known stamps, the display was wide in its selection,
four colonies joined the Union. Stamps used in collectors of both old and modern issues being
Swaziland could, again, only be known by the considered. It was pleasing to note the names • of
postmarks. members who had hitherto not contributed to these
For one month only (January-February 1933) combined displays.
the old stamps were, valid for use along with the The following is a resume of the exhibits with the
new ones, and covers were shown of these com- names of those contributing:
binations of Natal, Cape of Good Hope, Orange N. D. Agabeg: France: an almost complete
River Colony and Griqualand stamps used with collection of proofs, colour trials and essays' of the
those of the Union. first issues, including artist's proof printed on
The definitive types of Swaziland commenced "goldbeater's skin" for the Empire (Napoleon)
with the first issue of 1933, followed by the Silver stamps, and die and plate proofs of the Laureated
Jubilees of 1935 including blocks with the "extra types. Of the 1869, Empire, type, an artist's proof
flagstaff" variety, the 1937 Coronation issue, and in black and in colours, of an unadopted design
the 1938-47 series. In the 1933 (K.G.V) and 1938^7 by Joubert. A lithographed essay of an unadopted
(K.G.VI) series it was'interesting to note that the design for the Bordeaux issue, of 1867, and plate
value tablet showed an outline map of Swaziland. proofs of all vataes, on paper and on card of the
"Specimen" stamps and postal stationery concluded Ceres type, in many colours.
the exhibit. John Agerup: A fine exhibit of both stamps and
The President asked Mr. E. W. Mann, Past covers of the early issues. The covers included
President, to move the Resolution of thanks. strips of four and three of the 1849 20c. black on
Mr. Mann welcomed Dr. Pirie and said it was not one cover, and singles all bearing early January,
difficult to propose a vote of thanks to him for his 1849, dates, a magnificent 1 fr. orange-vermilion; a
excellent display and lucid paper on Swaziland, as block of four 40c. red-orange, and an exceptionally
all knew of his writings. It was important to col- fine pair of the lOc. bistre. Of the 15c. a used pair,
lectors in the future that we should have an and singles, and selected shades of the 25c. A set
authority such as Dr. Pirie and an authoritative of the 1862 Reprints. 1872-75, a study of the
collection as this one. various shades and printings of the 30c.
Mr. W. G. Nodder seconded the Resolution and Having previously shown the early issues of
paid a warm tribute to Dr. Pirie's researches in France, Mr. Henry W. Bessemer concentrated on
South African philately. an exhibit of the Postage due stamps, 1859 to 1910,
Professor V. W. Dix supported the Resolution. with the Journal and Telegraph stamps, and a
In 'putting the Resolution to the meeting, the display of the Colonial General Issues. Among the
President said he was proud to see Dr. and Mrs. postage dues were: 1859, mint "bloc-reports" of
Pirie here. As regards the overprints of Swazieland the lOc. and 15c., and 15c. lithograph, and of the
he paid tribute to Mr. W. Houtzamer's researches 25c., 30c., 40c. and 60c. 1871, 40c. ultramarine and
which had solved the main problems as to the deep blue shades. 1882, mint blocks of the Ifr.,
genuine types of "Swazieland" overprint, and had 2fr. and 5fr. black. 1896, mint block of Ifr. rose
to a large extent been helped by the study of the on straw, also showing the Millesime. 1894, mint
perforations. block of four 30c. red-orange and pair with
He had much enjoyed this very fine display and Millesime, error of colour. In the Journal stamps,
considered it an able piece of planning on the part essays with moire background, and a wide range
of the Honorary Secretary to follow a more simple of the issued stamps with the 2c. used postally.
display by something as difficult as had been shown The Telegraph stamps were fully represented.
by Dr. Harvey Pirie this evening. The General Issues of the Colonies included a
The Resolution was carried unanimously to mint pair and singles of the 1871 5c., and mint
which Dr. Harvey Pirie replied. From the remarks blocks of the lOc.; 1872-75, 2c., 15c. and 80c.;
of appreciation he really felt that his efforts had 1876-81, lOc., 15c., the rare 25c. blue and 75c.;
been enjoyed and had met with approval. 1879-80, 25c. black on red, and 25c. bistre. The
Regarding Mr. Mann's question as to the settings "Granet" Reprints were shown in pairs, and several
of the "Swazieland" overprint, he regretted he pages of imperforate stamps probably produced
had never been able to make a collection of sheets for use in the colonies but not issued.
showing the error, although he had several which A fine series of the Peace and Commerce stamps
showed the variety corrected. The specimens with overprinted for us£ in the Colonies included pairs
the corner margins definitely proved it came from and blocks, with Millesime, of every value, also
the S.W. corner of the sheet. There were differences selected pairs of the 1872-75 4c. with the "Cochin"
in the thickness of the letters on various stamps, obliteration, and one unused pair.
19
 ROYAL PHILATELIC SOCIE1Y, LONDON

E. W. Bishop: French Colonies: a single stamp /. D. Jex Long: First issues with the 1849, 20c.
type collection, commencing with the General in a fine used strip of five; 1853-61, "goldbeater's
issues, 1859-65 to 1878-80 including the 25c. black skin" essays; the 20c. and 80c., a range of shades
on red, Peace and Commerce stamp, used, followed on dated covers. 1870-73, 25c., a reconstruction of
by the complete series issued for Alexandria, the last row of Plate II, pane A, with a study of the
Tchongking, Dedeagh, Levant, Diego Suarez, flaws; the French Colonies comprised a series of
Djibouti, Madagascar and Martinique, many covers with the General Issues used in Reunion,
showing rare and interesting varieties of surcharge showing various local markings.
and stamp. C. R. Lehmann: France: outstanding for its
Bernard Blaser: France: A selected exhibit of the blocks in mint condition, including:—1849, mint
first issues with colour trials, essays and shades, pairs of the 20c. and 40c., a mint block of ten of
the latter featuring the 20c. of 1853-61. The Susse the 20c., and one of six used, and selected pairs of
unofficial perforation of 1861, 20c. used, and the 5c., 20c., 25c., 40c. and Ifr. The 1862 Reprints.
various issues to 1876 with red cancellations; used Colour Trials. 1853-61, a wide variety of shades of
abroad postmarks and the later issues up to date. all values, with blocks of four. The Susse perforation
of 1861, lOc. and 20c., on entires, and one with the
C. Barrington Brown: A Selection of the Proofs, 80c. Susse perforation used.with normal stamps of
Essays and colour trials, followed by a detailed the contemporary issue. 1862-71, 80c., used strip
study of the forgeries comprising practically every of three containing the tete^beche, and 20c. tete-
known type, with the sheet of Ifr. Fournier forgeries beche pair used on cover with pair of the normal
and some dangerous types of the Ifr. Empire stamp. stamps. In the Bordeaux types, mint blocks of the
S. D. Cramer: A selection mounted on Yvert lc., 2c and 40c.; and of the tete-beche varieties,
leaves, in mint condition, featuring the first issues pairs of the lOc. bistre on rose and the 20c. in a
of France and French Colonies, and the definitive block of six, unused, also a pair of the lOc. on cover.
types for Benin, Canton, Congo, Guadeloupe, New W. H. Milnes Marsden: First issues, with plate
Caledonia and Obock; of New Hebrides, both the flaw and retouch varieties on the 20c. and 80c.
French and English types were shown. Empire perforated issue, and similarly on the 25c.
E. C. Cull: A single-type collection of the and 40c. Republican series. A group of interesting
Colonies, with Madagascar featured from the first used abroad cancellations, including Galatz, Ibraila,
issue to the Free French types. The early surcharges and Sulina; Volo, Kustendje, Port Lagos, Dedeagh,
of New Caledonia were also included. and the scarce Cavalle numeral and circular dated
cancellations. Some fine connected pieces with the
Stanley C. Daft: Djibouti: a complete collection Shanghai "5104" postmark included a superb
from 1894 with all the'surcharged and overprinted strip of the 5fr.
types, errors of surcharge and overprint. Of French
Somali Coast, the definitive types of 1902, die Brigadier E. E. Mockler-Ferryman: French
proofs in black (unfinished and finished), and Colonies: a mint selection of Equatorial Africa,
various colour trials completed a well-presented Eastern and West Africa, Asia and Oceania,
display. featuring the Free French issues of 1940-43 with
all the catalogued varieties of stamp and overprint.
C. H. Frettingham: A fine selection of the first In Reunion, the 1943 Free French, 2fr. 50c. with
issues of France, chiefly on covers, showed interesting background colour omitted, and in the Somali
types of cancellation. The unofficial roulettes of Coast Free French stamps, the 20fr. variety with
1853-61, 20c., with one on entire, and another value omitted. Of French Post Offices, the Alexandria
with a lOc. and 40c., also the Susse perforations. (Egypt) and Pakhoi (China) issues were shown
1862-71, 20c. tete-beche, and the 1870-73, 10c., complete.
tete-beche, on covers. The exhibit ended with a fine Dr. J. H. Harvey Pine: An unusual cover of
assortment of Siege of Paris Balloon Post entires, Kerguelen: a French possession in the South
Bordeaux types, entires with mixed franking, and Indian Ocean bordering on the Antarctic, adminis-
French used in Sardinia. tratively a dependency of Madagascar. A whaling
Colonel H. D. Goldsmith: A specialist exhibit station operating here from 1909 to 1925 used
covered several interesting aspects of French French stamps on its mail. Two types of postmark
philately, commencing with plate proofs in black occur, the cover shown bearing the second type in
of the 4c. and lOc. Bordeaux issue and a study of use "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE ILES KER-
the "Reports" and types, varieties, etc., of the GUELEN RESIDENCE DE FRANCE" on a
20c., including a reconstructed "bloc-report" of pair of lOc. vermillion "Sower" type, and also the
Type III, State II, also shades of the 40c. and 80c. obliteration "POINT NATAL."
The first issue on covers illustrated an integral part R. H. Sampson: A complete collection of French
of French postal history, showing a variety of Morocco, 1876-1900 Peace and Commerce types,
usage and scarce cancellations, including the types including proofs surcharged in centimes for use in
of the "Rouleaux" (continuous cancellation), Morocco (1890). All the types of surcharge in
collection marks, "Ambulants," "Bureaux de mint blocks of four with many of the Millesimes.
Passe," "Boites Mobiles" and Maritime markings. A study of the different town postmarks. The later
Henry Jervis: An uncatalogued issue, the "Timbre types of 1911-17 and 1914-17 fully complete with
du Ravitaillement,"—France's first official postage all the varieties.
stamp issued by the Government in 1946 for the /. A. S. Toogood: First issue of France, including
sole purpose of franking the official Fiches de a pair of the 40c., and the 1940 War Charity issues.
Controle of the Ministry of Food. This stamp is
rare and in this country only one other copy is A small selection from the Society's collection
known. His second contribution was a specialised was included featuring the stamps of French Guiana
study of the 20fr. "Pont du Gard" stamp of France, and their stamps overprinted for the Territory of
1929-37, detailing the identification of the dies, the Inini.
three printings with the only known example of the The Society's thanks are due to all who contributed
perf. 11 stamp, used; re-entries and covers. to the success of this meeting.
20