Queensland - Colonial period: 1861-1900.
Ordinary rate delivery form: QC-DO-5.

 
General characteristics:

Heading and notes: No form number.
ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH, QUEENSLAND in gothic font below Crest.
Message area: 12 lines of 5 boxes numbered to "60" on the left side.
Reverse side: Blank.
Colours (text & form): Black on blue paper.
Size of form overall: 235 × 217 mm.
Distinctive characteristics of this form:
 
DO 5Aa DE
Provenance: Dave Elsmore (who kindly provided the image).
QC-DO-5Aa.

Newcastle to Brisbane
(14 December 1874).

Second last vertical line in the message area is below RI of BRISBANE.

QC-DO-5Ab QC-DO-5Ab.

Newcastle to Brisbane
(12 January 1876).

This form is from a different printing - see the second last vertical line in the message area is below SB of BRISBANE.

 

DO 5B

QC-DO-5B.

From Newcastle to Brisbane
(Gas Co).
24 June 1875.

Characteristics are the same as for the previous format but no Office is indicated below "Message for ".

 

Details of use and rarity.

Form
sub-number
Schedule number Earliest recorded date Rarity rating
DO-5A None. 14 December 1874 at Brisbane. RRR
DO-5B None. 24 June 1875 at Brisbane. RRR