Queensland "Victoria" 1882-95 Large Queen Engraved Issues

1882 Scott 77 10sh brown "Victoria"

Engraved, P12, Thin paper

Wmk 68 twice sideways (SG Wmk 5)

Into the Deep Blue

The high denomination engraved Large Queen issues of 1882-95 are lovely to behold. They do have a high CV (Used: $30-$175), but revenue cancels sell for much less (CV $3-$6).

Left: Wmk 68 Twice Sideways "Crown & Q" (SG Wmk 5)

Right: Wmk 69 "Large Crown & Q"

For the engraved stamps, there are two main watermarks (Wmk 68 & Wmk 69). More about that in a bit.

Although I will cover only the 1882-95 engraved specimens here, I need to mention there are Wmk 68 1903-06 typographed specimens, 1905-06 lithographed specimens, and 1907-11 lithographed examples with Wmk 12 sideways (Crown & Single Lined A). So, before one does anything, one needs to separate out the engraved stamps in one's collection. ;-)

1882 Scott 74 2sh ultramarine "Victoria"

Engraved, P12, Thin paper

Wmk 68 twice sideways (SG Wmk 5)

The initial 1882-85 (-95) issue consisted of five denominations on thin paper, P12, and Scott Wmk 68 twice sideways.

Here is the Two Shilling ultramarine (SG bright blue).

1882 2sh (top) and 2sh6p (bottom)

Wmk 68 twice sideways (SG Wmk 5)

As noted Scott has the watermark only illustrated as Wmk 68. The Scott catalogue mentions that there are two varieties of the watermark, but doesn't provide further detail. 

Stanley Gibbons illustrates the two watermark varieties and assigns them Wmk 5 ( a "v" in the center of the crown) and Wmk 6 (Three equal columnar divisions for the center of the crown).  The SG Wmk 6 is the same as the illustrated Scott 68. For this issue, Wmk 5 was used 1882-85, while Wmk 6 was used 1895. I do have a pic of the two SG watermark varieties in this recent post.

SG lists the Wmk 5 and Wmk 6 stamps separately, giving them thier own catalogue number and CV.

But the Large Queen thin paper engraved stamps I have in my collection consist only of Wmk 5, as far as I can tell.

1882 Scott 75 2sh6p vermilion "Victoria"

Engraved, P12, Thin paper

Wmk 68 twice sideways (SG Wmk 5)

CV is $32+. 

1885 Scott 76 5sh  carmine rose "Victoria"

Engraved, P12, Thin paper

Wmk 68 twice sideways (SG Wmk 5)

A fiscal copy.

Top: 5sh: Bottom: 10sh

Wmk 68 twice sideways (SG Wmk 5)

Another pic of the SG Wmk 5 watermark,

1882 Scott 77 10sh brown "Victoria"

Engraved, P12, Thin paper

Wmk 68 twice sideways (SG Wmk 5)

CV is $60. I am not listing any possible unused specimens , as Scott notes the high values means cancellations are often removed.

1883Scott 78 1 Pound  dark green "Victoria"

Engraved, P12, Thin paper

Wmk 68 twice sideways (SG Wmk 5)

CV is listed as $175.

2sh & 1 Pound

Wmk 69 "Large Crown & Q" (SG Wmk 10)

The thick paper issue of 1886 has Wmk 69 "Large Crown & Q" (SG Wmk 10)

1886 Scott 79 2sh ultramarine "Victoria"

Engraved, P12, Thick paper

Wmk 69 "Large Crown & Q" (SG Wmk 10)

CV is $67+.

Example Two

1886 Scott 79 2sh ultramarine "Victoria"

Engraved, P12, Thick paper

Wmk 69 "Large Crown & Q" (SG Wmk 10)

Another example. Although a bit worn, this has to be an engraved specimen, as there were no Two Shilling denomination stamps printed typographically or lithographed.

1886 Scott 83 1 Pound  dark green "Victoria"

Engraved, P12, Thick paper

Wmk 69 "Large Crown & Q" (SG Wmk 10)

Finally, a nicely colored dark green. CV is $90.

Out of the Blue

Nice issues! 

Comments appreciated!

Queensland "Victoria" 1882-92 colored oval issues

Queensland 1883 Scott 70 1sh violet

Lines of shading on the neck extend from side to side

Wmk 68 ""Crown and Q", Typographed, P12

Into the Deep Blue

The 1882-92 "Victoria" issues are characterized by a larger "Queensland" and denomination script than the 1879-81 issue. And, compared to the 1895-1909 "Victoria" issues that have the Queen's head inside a white oval, the "Victoria" 1882-92 issues have the Queen's head inside a colored oval.

Scott Wmk 68 (SG Wmk 6) "Crown and Q"

There are plenty of complications correctly identifying the various "Victoria" stamps of 1892-92, but fortunately watermark is not one of them: They all have the "Crown & Q" watermark. (Exception is there are some 1895 year issued stamps with Scott 69 "Large Crown & Q".)

I should mention that CV for the 1882-92 stamps is nominal, unless listed otherwise.

Queensland 1882 Scott 66c 1p deep vermilion red

Lines of shading on the neck extend from side to side

Period after "Penny"; P12, Wmk 68

The 1882-83 five denomination issue is characterized by "Lines of shading on the neck extend from side to side", as we will see by a close-up in a bit.

There is a period after the "Penny" on this stamp.

Queensland 1882 Scott 66 1p pale vermilion 

Lines of shading on the neck extend from side to side

Period after "Penny"; P12, Wmk 68

Here is a variation in color on the One Penny.

Scott 66 One penny Close-up

Note the lines of neck shading extend all the way on the left side. And note the period after "Penny".

Now let's contrast this with the redrawn One Penny stamp of the P12 1887-89 issue....

1887 Scott 84 1p orange (re-drawn)

 Shading lines of the neck on the left are not completed

No period after "Penny", P12

Note the changes listed above.

Scott 84 Close-up One penny (re-drawn)

Note the incomplete shading lines on the left side of the neck, and the absence of a period after "Penny".

1882 Scott 67 2p gray blue

P12

Back to the 1882-83 issue and the Two Pence. Note the complete shading lines on the neck.

1882 Scott 67 2p close-up

This close-up affords a good look at the complete shading neck lines on the left.

Let's look at the 1887 Two pence re-drawn stamp...

1887 Scott 85 2p gray blue (re-drawn)

P12

Look along the left side of the neck.

1887 Scott 85 Two Pence Close-up

Note the lack of neck shading lines on the left.

1887 Scott 85a 2p deep ultramarine (re-drawn)

P12

The perfs are a bit of a mess, but double-checking, this appears to be Perf 12. Looks like this is Scott 85a  2p deep ultramarine.

1887 Scott 85 2p gray blue (re-drawn)

P12, Long P variety

Now this is interesting. Turns out there is a long P stroke variety in 1/4th of the Scott 85 stamps. Compare with preceding stamps.

1889 Scott 86 2sh deep brown (SG 181 color)

Redrawn, P12

Finally, the 1887-89 redrawn issue has a new denomination Two Shilling stamp showing the absence of complete neck shading on the left. CV is $75.

Let's look at the rest of the 1882-83 issue...

1883 Scott 68 4p yellow, P12

The neck shading lines are complete (harder to see with the yellow color).

Note carefully that the perf is 12. !! There is a later 1890-92 issue with this stamp, BUT with SG comb Perf  12 3/4 X 12 3/4 (Scott 12,13) - important difference!

1882 Scott 69 6p yellow green, P12

Again, note the complete neck shading lines.

And again, note the Perf: 12.

This stamp is also found SG comb Perf 12 3/4 X 12 3/4 (Scott 12, 13) in the 1890-92 issue.

Queensland 1883 Scott 70 1sh violet

Lines of shading on the neck extend from side to side

Wmk 68 ""Crown and Q", Typographed, P12

The One Shilling stamp in SG is described in colors "violet, lilac, deep mauve, pale mauve". 

CV is $11.

I should mention that the 1882-83 One Penny, Two Penny and the One Shilling stamp can also be found with a Perf 9 1/2 X 12 1883 issue at much higher CV.

Also the One Shilling stamp above can be found in P12, on thick paper, with Wmk 69 (SG W10)("Large Crown & Q") issued in 1895.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Let's now look at the 1890-92 issue. 

It can be mainly differentiated from the preceding issues by the new Perf (SG comb 12 3/4 X 12 3/4 (Scott 12, 13)). 

Also, there is some new denominations and some new colors. And some of the stamps do not have complete left neck shading lines, while others have complete neck shading lines- this can be a source of confusion (it was for me!). !!

1890 Scott 89 1/2p green "Victoria"

Perf 12 3/4 X 12 3/4; Wmk 68

This is a new denomination for the colored oval issues. 

1890 Scott 89b 1/2p deep blue green "Victoria"

Perf 12 3/4 X 12 3/4; Wmk 68

A color variation for the 1/2p stamp. 

Note unfortunately some foxing along the top margin? Australia's Queensland is located in a sub tropical area, and their stamps, because of climate,  show a greater tendency to have this problem. If I was specializing in Queensland, I would replace these stamps with non foxed copies.

1890 Scott 90 1p orange red

Perf 12 3/4 X 12 3/4

A "redrawn" 1p design with 1890-92 issue comb Perf 12 3/4 X 12 3/4.

1890 Scott 90 1p orange red

Normal: There is a separation between "L" and "A".

One should look for variety "LA" on Scott 84-86, 88, 90, 91, 93, 97, 98, 102., which is found approximately 1/4th the time. This example above is normal: It does not show the "LA" variety.

1890 Scott 90 1p orange red

Perf 12 3/4 X 12 3/4

"LA" variety

This 1p orange red shows the "LA" variety.

"L" and "A" are connected: "LA" variety

Here is a close-up of the "LA" variety.

1890 Scott 90 1p color shade (orange)

Perf 12 3/4 X 12 3/4

"LA" variety

Another 1p "LA" variety stamp.

1895 Scott 99 2p gray blue (re-drawn)

Thick paper, Wmk 69 "Large Crown & Q"

Comb Perf 12 3/4 X 12 3/4

Why am I not showing the 1890 Scott 91 2p gray blue (re-drawn) Wmk 68 stamp in the 1890-92 issue? Well, even though the CV is <$1, I don't have it. ;-) 

What I am showing instead is the thick paper Wmk 69 comb perf 1895 2p gray blue (re-drawn). CV is <$1. Also the image is a pic rather than a scan.

1890 Scott 92 2 1/2p rose carmine

Perf 12 3/4 X 12 3/4

New denomination for the 1890-92 issue. Rather handsome.

1892 Scott 93 3p brown (re-drawn)

Perf 12 3/4 X 12 3/4

Of interest, the 1892 3p brown shows lack of neck shading lines on the left (re-drawn), yet has a period after PENCE, like the 1882-83 One Penny.

1890 Scott 94 4p orange

Full shading of neck

Perf 12 3/4 X 12 3/4

 Note this comb 12 3/4 X 12 3/4 1890-92 Four pence has complete shading of the neck, as do the 1882-83 P12 stamps. 

1890 Scott 94d 4p yellow

Full shading of neck

Perf 12 3/4 X 12 3/4

The only difference between the 4d and 6d stamps of the 1882-83 (P12) issue, and the 1890-92 (P 12 3/4 X 12 3/4) issue is the Perf! Be careful!

1890 Scott 95 6p green

Full shading of neck

Perf 12 3/4 X 12 3/4

As noted, the 6p has full shading of the neck with the 1890-92 issue - not re-drawn. Check the perfs!

Out of the Blue

Well, that was fun! One does indeed have to pay attention to detail for these Queensland 1882-92 colored oval issues. ;-)

Comments appreciated!

Queensland "Victoria" 1879-81 "Plain Corners" Issue

1879 Queensland  Scott 59 4p orange yellow

SG 141 4d orange yellow

"Plain Corners", Typographed, P12

Into the Deep Blue

The non Chalon Head "Victorias" of 1879-1909 are rather challenging, with differences in design, watermark, Perf, and thin/thick paper.

With this post, we will concentrate on the first 1879-81 issue, which is quite complicated in itself, despite the issue only consisting of five denominations.

Although it is true that the script (Queensland) is smaller than the later issues, the best way I found to quickly determine a 1879-81 stamp is to look at the four corners of the stamp. In a word, the corners are "plain"  with only vertical brush marks found - nothing else.

Top Row: SG Wmk 5

Bottom Row: SG Wmk 6

In Scott, both Wmks are labeled Wmk 68

Then there is the matter of which catalogue to use: Scott vs Stanley Gibbons (SG). Frankly the SG is far superior. 

For example, the SG illustrates Wmk 5 (one pence, two pence) and Wmk 6 (One, Two, Four, Six Pence & One Shilling). Note Wmk 5 has the upper crown as a small middle "v", while Wmk 6 has three equal oval sections.

Unfortunately Scott only shows Wmk 68, with a note that there are minor differences in watermarks. Scott Wmk 68 is the equivalent of SG Wmk 6, with no illustration of Wmk 5. 

The one pence and two pence stamp can be found with Wmk 5 (SG 128-133) with much higher CVs ($50-$200) than the Wmk 6 (Scott Wmk 68) One or Two Pence stamps. Alas, I checked all my stamps for watermark, and they were Wmk 6 (Scott Wmk 68) in my case.

1881 Queensland Scott 57 1p rose red

"Plain Corners", SG Wmk 6, (Scott Wmk 68), Die I

SG 136 1d scarlet

And SG has many more catalogue choices for colors. For that reason, I will illustrate the stamps here with SG colors for the most part.

Finally, SG illustrates the two Dies found for the One and the Two Pence, while Scott only mentions them without providing any detail

SG Die I: The white horizontal inner line of the triangle

in the upper right hand corner merges into the outer white line

of the oval above the "L".

This shows a close-up of Die I. Die I CV here is $10.

1881 SG 136a 1d scarlet

SG Wmk 6, Die II

This is a Die II stamp.

SG Die II: The white horizontal inner line of the triangle

in the upper right hand corner is short and does not touch

 the inner oval above the "L".

As it turns out, I happen to have more Die II stamps than Die I. The CV is usually similar. Here CV $10.

SG 135a 1d dull orange

SG Wmk 6, Die II

A nice color description for this stamp. CV is ~$15.

1879 SG 134b 1d reddish brown

SG Wmk 6, Die II

The reddish brown description is not in Scott. CV ~$15.

SG 138 2d grey blue

Wmk 6, Die II

Scott and SG agree on color here. CV $5,

SG 139 2d blue

Wmk 6, Die II

I also have a Die I copy of this color. CV $5.

1879 Queensland  Scott 59 4p orange yellow

SG 141 4d orange yellow

"Plain Corners", Typographed, P12

CV $60.

SG 143 6d yellow green

Wmk 6

The "yellow green" color found in both catalogues. CV $8.

SG 142 6d deeo green

A nice "deep green" color. CV $8.

SG 144 1s deep violet

CV $14. There is also a pale lilac color (CV $15).

No Wmk, Example of Moire (blue burele band) on Back 

For 1879 Scott 62 1p brown orange, the burele band would be lilac

There are also 1878-79 Scott 62-64 (one, two pence, shilling) with no watermarks and  Moire on back. High CVs ($63-$125).

Out of the Blue

This 1879-81 "Plain Corners" issue is a bit more complicated than what one would casually expect. ;-)

Comments appreciated!