TATTER-SALL SECURITY UNDERPRINTS ON MINT STAMPS FROM 1950s

[Ross Ewington]

Just when you think that it's hard to make 'a discovery' along comes these items which I
have just described for my next online auction.

A MNH strip of 4x 3½d 1954 Royal Visit
[attachment=1]m139.jpg[/attachment]
Note the unusual versions of the security underprint - Tatter-sall, Tate-sall, atte-all, etc.

A MNH strip of 5x 3½d QEII defins from the same era, this time with the underprint appearing without
variation.
[attachment=0]m140.jpg[/attachment]

Interesting eh? These are the first example of the Tattersall security underprint that I have seen on any
any MINT Australian stamp. Also, the latest issued stamp that I have seen with an underprint is on the
5½d Emu which led me to assume the practice may have been terminated in the 1940s.

Has anyone else got an example on a mint stamp that I haven't been aware of? Also, has anyone noted the
Tattersall underprints on any stamps issued after the 5½d Emu?

[John Hardinge]

I have seen it on the 2½d Scout. Nothing other than that

[SteveRadell]

Ross,

Do these underprints disappear from used stamps with soaking?
I've never noticed such a marking, but would have lots of stamps to check for it.

Steve

[Ross Ewington]

yes, they sure do as the overprint was applied on top of the gum and the ink may have been somewhat water soluble as well.

remember when checking your stamps for Tattersall underprints that it's only worth looking on the back of stamps with HOBART cancellations.
To the best of my knowledge, Tattersalls didn't continue with security underprints after they relocated to Melbourne in 1954 ... there
is a strong possibility that the 3½d Royal Visit stamp pictured above may have been the last stamp to receive the underprint.