Die proofs - no watermark.

The die proofs of the final designs are exceptionally rare. It is not known how many were printed.

Those below are the only recorded die proofs.


Size: 24 × 40.5 mm.
Size (to outer frame lines): 40.5 × 24 mm.

 

1d and 2d single die proofs of final designs.
Printed in violet on thick surfaced wove paper
without watermark.
Only recorded examples.

Provenance: Alan Griffiths.
Spink October 2012 Lot 1391.

These may also have been sold at the Matthew Bennett sale in February 2003 as Lot 569.


1d and 2d die proofs printed se-tenant.
Printed on thick surfaced wove paper.
Only recorded example.

Size (to frame lines): 83 × 24 mm.

Provenance: Alan Griffiths.
Spink October 2012 Lot 1390.
Plate proofs - upright Crown over Q watermark.

Some plate proofs were printed - at least for the 2d (1/-) design.

They were printed on unwatermarked paper and left ungummed and imperforate. They were also trimmed to approximate size.

These characteristics distinguish them from colour trials which are watermarked like the stamps.

Image taken of the Plate proof included in the Presentation Sheet shown elsewhere. 		Provenance: Manning.
Prestige Auction 146 June 2009 Lot 1210.
Characteristics:
  • has a very wide selvedge for the right side;
  • has a very weak vertical right frame;
  • has an untidy lower frame underneath and between "IC FUN"

    • Provenance Dubois.
    Corinphila June 2024, Sale 332 lot 40152.
    Characteristics:
  • has a stray line lifting to the left from the top horizontal frame starting from the right corner;
  • has a broken vertical frame at the right behind the horse's rear leg. Similar breaks can also be seen further up the frame;
    		•
    Abacus Auction 262 December 2025 Lot 1854.
    Characteristics:
  • has a separation nick (bad cut) on the top selvedge above "NS";
  • vertical line forming the top left corner is weak at the top;
  • has a notch at the base of the right vertical frame line as well as the lower right corner being pointed;
  • top right corner is pointed and weak and the frame line extending down from that corner is also weak for about 6 mm;
    		•

    Provenance: Ebay.
    Characteristics:
  • is low cut the top selvedge above most of the top frame;
  • vertical line forming the top left corner is weak at the top;
  • has full gum (unlike the other examples);
    		•
    Dull violet.
    Upward point on top right corner and top right frame slightly doubled. Ink marks at right.
    Two small thin spots.

    This example was sold by Prestige Philately December 2009 Lot 404.

    Besacon colln Corinphila 31 May 2018 Lot 3195