Journal Topics - June 2022
Topics in the June 2022 Issue
For the Cape, the article entitled “The Inland Postage Reduction from 4d to 3d – Further Information” throws some additional light on a series of stamps which all had the same purpose, namely to ensure that there were sufficient numbers of an interim 3d postage stamp in 1879 and 1880, until eventually a large supply of this denomination was printed in January 1880. The particularly interesting surcharges of THREE PENCE on the 3d dull blue SG30, with the attendant double surcharge error (an extremely scarce stamp in unused form), as well as the bizarre use of lettering by the printer (such as ‘B’ for ‘E’), are highlighted through several varieties appearing in recent auctions. The surcharging of a thick and a thin ‘3’ on the interim printing of a 3d pale dull rose (SG36), which was being confused in artificial light with the then current 1d and so was withdrawn after only one month’s use, produced some delightful and scarce varieties. Again, appearance at recent auctions by some of these gems, enables the body of information and images of the varieties to be expanded.
While on the subject of Cape Surcharges, this seemed to be an opportune time to continue on and examine the 1874-76 1d Surcharges SG32 and SG33 on SG25a (6d deep lilac) and SG26a (1/- deep green), followed by a later printing in 1893 of 1d Surcharges SG57 and SG57a on SG50 (2d pale bistre) and SG50a (2d deep bistre) What I find particularly amusing about these surcharges are the ways in which letters mysteriously dropped out of the printing formes, or where the printer set the forme up with dropped or raised letters, or managed to lose the obliterating bar. While amusing to us, at a distance of over 130 years, no doubt these occurrences were far less amusing to the Cape Authorities, although that didn’t seem to interfere with their use of the local printing firms.
An intriguing postcard, which is shown under “CGH: A Memoir of the Boer War 1899-1900”, had been sitting in a file for the last two years and has now emerged into the light of day. Readers will probably be puzzled at the dates 1899-1900, when in fact the Boer War ultimately ended in 1901, however at the time of producing the postcard it may have been assumed that the War was over, whereas in fact it continued, not as one of pitched battles, but rather of guerrilla engagements.
Turning to Natal there are two articles which re-open subjects which were of importance in the late 1890’s and in 1901, but from which nothing ever eventuated. “The 1901 De La Rue Unadopted Essays” article is courtesy of a recent auction by Corinphila, at which the key material re-appeared, enabling a close of examination of these essays to be made. The “Proposal for a Unified Series” covers a subject which I had put to the side some years ago, intending to write the article and then completely forgot about it. Having written the Unadopted Essays’ article, my memory was jogged, hence its appearance.
Zululand continues to surprise through the nature of unexpected postal items that pop up from time to time, in this instance, part of the packaging of a “Unique Registered Parcel from Entonjaneni” and the opportunity for me to present some background on this district. Finally, “Part 3 of the Dickson Papers” completes the notes which conclude at the end of the Victorian era.
Simon Solomon
Honorary Editor