VC-DO-1

Victoria - Colonial period: 1854-1900.
Electric Telegraph ordinary rate delivery form VC-DO-1.

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Special aspects

General characteristics:

Heading and notes:	No form number. Crest over BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.
Message area:	Blank.
Reverse side:	Blank.
Colours (text & form):	Black on either grey/yellow or blue.
Size of form overall:	A: 210 × 260 mm (approx); B: 210 × 225 mm.

Distinctive characteristics of this form:

very simple form;
date starts with "185_";
the Crest has the Lion's head tilted back;
the distinction between the two formats is:
1A: is printed on grey paper;
1B: is printed on blue paper.

	VC-DO-1A. Melbourne (?) to Geelong (31 January 1856). Has accompanying delivery envelope (see below). *The earliest recorded delivery form and accompanying delivery envelope in Australia’s telegraphic history.* Typical message in early days from Harbour Master or an associate. Message reads: "Inform Mr. Coke the "Rosetta" Lighter will be alongside for wheat this morning - your sales today". The Geelong line had opened in December 1854. By the time this telegram was sent, there were only five stations open and 36 miles of line.
Provenance: Hugh Freeman, Johnstone. Prestige Philately September 2011 Lot 804.	VC-EO-1. The accompanying delivery envelope.
Provenance: Dave Elsmore.	VC-DO-1B. Used at Melbourne 3 May 1858. Characteristics: printed on blue paper; the form has light lines in the message area; is shorter that the previous form - perhaps an economy measure by the printer.
Crest for the delivery form above (VC-DO-1B) showing the Lion leaning backwards and the shield oval.

Details of use and rarity.

Form sub-number	Schedule number	Earliest recorded date	Rarity rating
DO-1A	None	31 January 1856 at Melbourne.	RRRR
DO-1B	None	3 May 1858 at Melbourne.	RRRR