Lot 914
Unique Turks Islands DLR Appendix sheets Ex DLR archive.
Auction: 20 & 21 July 2026 10.30 BST
Description
1883 (Sept 25) 'Existing and proposed Schemes of Colours' document (202x278mm, bisected horizontally for display) submitted by De La Rue to the Crown Agents, with the current issued stamps (centre column, SG 49/52, 53, 56) and nine proofs, arranged in three columns. The right-hand column (annotated 'Proposed colours, being those established by the International Postal Convention ... for the ½d, 1d, 2½d, and further for the 4d, 6d, 1s, each with value shown at right) comprises three 1d colour trials from the Perkins Bacon plate, each wmk CA, perf 12, in crimson-lake (1d), yellow-brown ('6d') and sepia ('1/-'), as subsequently adopted for issued stamps in 1887-89 (SG 58/60), and three 'keyplate' colour trials (with blank tablets), each wmk CA, perf 14, in pale green ('½d'), ultramarine ('2½d'), and grey ('4d'), as adopted in 1884-85 (½d, 4d) and eventually in 1893 (2½d). The left-hand column meanwhile has three further 'keyplate' colour trials (again with blank tablets, wmk CA, but perf 12) endorsed 'Proposed colours for surface printed stamps', for the 1d (rose), 6d (yellow) and 1s (sepia) values, as De La Rue promoted surface printing as a safeguard against forgery. [It is recorded (see Easton, De La Rue History, p. 380) that the proposed colours (right hand column) were approved on Feb 20 1884, but the Crown Agents rejected the suggestion that the Perkins Bacon plates be scrapped, with the comment 'In a small colony like the Turks Islands it would not be worth while for anyone to attempt to imitate the postage stamps']. A unique and fascinating document, in lovely fresh condition, formerly in the 'Chartwell' collection (Spink, July 2000). [Illustrated in The De La Rue Collection, p.6435]
