Part 6 (1/2)

We have found no traces of double transfers in the other denominations except a slight one on the 12-1/2c. This shows a slight doubling of the frame lines in the top left corner, as well as traces of colored lines in the adjacent ”12-1/2c”. It is quite probable that any collector having sufficient material would find ”doubles” in all of these values.

In laying down the impressions on the plate or plates for the 5c value a guide dot was applied to the transfer roll. This occupied such a position that as each succeeding impression was applied to the plate it fell so that the guide dot would fall about the centre of the C of CENTS. Consequently, the vast majority of these stamps show a conspicuous dot of color in the position indicated. The stamps without the colored dot are, usually, those from the extreme left vertical row of the sheet. On this same value--the 5c--we have seen specimens with colored dots outside and slightly to the left of the lower left corner.

These are possibly plate dots marked to indicate where each row should commence. Varieties with broken frame lines are not uncommon and these may be due in part to defective transfers and in part to wear. Extreme wear is also shown, in some instances, by the numerals appearing on an almost plain ground.

Whether guide dots were used for the other denominations or not we cannot say. At any rate if they were used they were applied in such a position as to be completely hidden by some part or other of the designs. A small peculiarity in the 10c is worth noting. On the majority of specimens there is a slight defect or break in the outer line of the oval band above and to the right of the O of POSTAGE. This is probably due to a minute defect on the transfer-roll impression. Many specimens of the 12-1/2c value show the tongue of the E of POSTAGE the same length as the upper and lower arms though the end is generally covered with a colored smudge. We are at a loss to account for the cause of this variety but that it is a ”constant” one we have satisfied ourselves by the examination of a number of identical specimens. The 17c also exhibits a small peculiarity of engraving. A colored line projects upwards into the uncolored oval band above the s.p.a.ce between OS of POSTAGE. This was evidently caused by an accidental touch of the engraver's tool on the die for it is quite distinct on every specimen we have examined.

The paper upon which the stamps of this series were printed does not provide so much variation as that of the earlier emissions. Mr. D. A.

King in his article in the _Monthly Journal_ says:

The papers upon which these stamps are printed may be divided into five cla.s.ses:

I.--Ordinary, coa.r.s.e, white wove paper.

II.--Similar paper, of a yellowish tint, and slightly ribbed.

III.--A hard greyish paper, very slightly ribbed.

IV.--White wove paper, very slightly ribbed.

V.--A white paper, very hard and closely ribbed.

In addition we are told that all the above varieties come in at least two thicknesses. Scott's catalogue is content with a cla.s.sification of ”wove” paper with a sub-variety of ”ribbed” for the 1c and 5c denominations. Mr. Howes extends the ”ribbed” variety to all values but, as we have pointed out in earlier chapters, it is extremely unlikely that any such variety as a real ribbed paper was used, the ribbed lines being simply due to some idiosyncrasy of manufacture. To again quote Mr.

King:

The best way to distinguish this paper from the others that have the appearance of ribbing, is to hold the stamp before a strong light, when the ribbing will appear like fine horizontal laid lines on the 5c, and vertical laid lines in the other values. Looking through the paper is the only sure test, as many of the stamps on the other papers have the appearance of being ribbed.

To differentiate between stamps on ribbed paper and those having the ”appearance” of being ribbed is surely getting very close to the ridiculous.

With the exception of the 10c the stamps of this issue provide but little variation in shade but the 10c more than makes up for this lack in the others for it exists in almost every conceivable tint from bright red-lilac through shades of violet and brown to a brown so intense as to be catalogued as a distinct variety described as ”black-brown”.

All the stamps of this series were normally perforated 12 by single line machines. All values are known entirely imperforate and it would seem that these, or most of them, are perfectly legitimate errors. The _Philatelic Record_ for October, 1882, says:--”We have seen a used _imperforate_ copy of the 5 cents, 1859, which is beyond challenge”. Mr.

King states:--”The imperforate varieties are all legitimate, and undoubtedly genuine, having been seen in pairs, or in single copies with margins beyond cavil”. Mr. Charles L. Pack writing in the _London Philatelist_ regarding these varieties says:--

I have the 1c and 5c postmarked in 1860 and 1861 at Toronto and Prescott, Canada West. I also believe that these varieties were on sale at Kingston, Canada West, at about that time. I have also the 2c and 10c in undoubtedly early used condition.

Bi-sected varieties of the 5c and 10c of this issue are known though, as Mr. Howes states of these varieties, they ”were never authorised and seldom used”. The _Philatelic Record_ for October, 1888, mentions a part of a cover with a 10c and half of a 5c side by side which were evidently used in prepayment of the 12-1/2c rate, while Mr. Howes records the existence of a pair of the 5c used with a half stamp of the same denomination to make up the 12-1/2c packet rate. The same writer records a diagonal half of the 10c used as a 5c stamp from Bowmanville, Upper Canada, on February 15th, 1860. Whether these ”splits” were the work of private parties or were made by postal officials to fill a temporary shortage of certain values will probably never be known.

_Reference List._

1859-64. Engraved and Printed by the American Bank Note Co., New York, on white wove paper. Perforated 12.

10. 1c pink, Scott's No. 14.

11. 2c rose, Scott's No. 18.

12. 5c vermilion, Scott's No. 15.

13. 10c lilac, Scott's No. 16.