The 2d Jubilee of Queen Victoria
Introduction
IntroductionThis single frame traditional exhibit presents the 1887 GB 2d adhesive issue with its printings and usage including proofs, imprimaturs and overprints. A completely new adhesive with a new head and duty design. The display spans the full period at press, introducing what became known as Jubilee lines and the marginal print settings. Highlighted by the unique marginal lines' proofs signed by Warren William De La Rue. Examples from the 2d colour trials produced for the development of the 1900 bicoloured shilling stamp. Usage also shown in the Post Office services, together with the stamp's major varieties. The single official overprint was for GOVERNMENT PARCELS which is shown together with usage and scarcer SPECIMEN overprints.
Background
Issued to replace the problematic 1883-84 'Lilac and Green' definitives, which the British Post Office found difficulties with. A Stamp Committee formed in 1884 to expedite a radical new, improved design for Great Britain with printers De La Rue & Co. The 2d with 1½d, 4d, 5d & 9d were introduced together as the first bicoloured GB postage stamps. This new definitive series also included five mono-coloured values, which were issued coincidentally in the Golden Jubilee year of 1887, but none officially a Jubilee commemorative. The stamp's success led to a long life until replaced by the similar stamp for King Edward VII.
Personal study seeks more understanding of varieties, plate characteristics and shades. Study notes are shown in italics – expertised items identified with e.
Rarity
Rare & significant material is highlighted. Items are rated based on publications by W.A. Wiseman FRPSL and the exhibitor's ten years research.
References
'Great Britain Specialised Stamp Catalogue, Volume 1 Queen Victoria' Stanley Gibbons 16th Edition, 2011.
'Great Britain: The De La Rue Years 1878-1910' Volume 2, by W.A. Wiseman, 1990.
'Great Britain – 1887 Jubilee Issue & its Derivatives' by J.K. Weiss, RPSL, 1994.
'Printing Inks of the GB QV Surface Printed Era' by M.R. Fox, The GB Journal, Vol. 13, No. 1, 1975.
'Phillips Collection' Vol. XLI-XLII, The Postal Museum, London.
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