Die proofs for Tablets (1891-1899)

[bill]

In the Tinsley book (1986) on page 74, we find a table of
die proofs, all in black on card.

The first two colums deal with the complete designs. They
only exist for 2½d, 5d and key plate as far as we know and
they are listed in the first two columns out of four on p.74.
The description in Tinsley's account is confusing. We see
a reference to Twopence Halfpenny and two references to
Halfpenny (surely this should be Twopence Halfpenny, not
Halfpenny). Three references to Fivepence follow.

As far as I can work out, the 'Halfpenny' reference is really
a Twopence Halfpenny reference since only the 2½d and 5d
were ordered. The 2½d die and plate (120-on) were made
and then De La Rue switched to keyplate. By then a 5d die
had been made. A keyplate die was made from the 5d die.

The third and fourth columns look clearer since they deal
with the value tablets (½d to £1). Later orders used the
keyplate system, starting with ½d, 6d, 1s, 2s6d, 10s in
1892, followed by 5s and £1 in 1897 and 10d in 1899.

Can someone please comment on what I've written above?
Corrections and additions to recorded dates are welcome.
Clarifications to Tinsley's account are also welcome.

[Lars Peter Svendsen]

Bill, I agree with you that the first three references in Tinsley's book are for Twopence Halfpenny.

This is the first reference mentioned "Before hardening"

2.5d Die Proof 2.jpg (29.84 KiB) Viewed 1594 times

Colour approval of the Twopence Halfpenny was made on the 1 December 1891 and the stamps were delivered on the 21 December 1891 and issued on the 12 February 1892.

Twopence Halfpenny color approval date 1 DEC 91

Key issue 2½d colour approval.jpg (86.86 KiB) Viewed 1594 times