1d QM Die1

1d QM Die1

1d Green QM Die 1

Based on a photograph from the Dorothy Wilding Studios, this and the 2d were issued on the day of the Coronation.

2nd Class Postage.

First issued on the 10th May 1937 replacing the 1d Green KGV. This was the first stamp in the new series. As such it underwent quite some revisions.

Designed and engraved by RA Harrison.

Die 1 only exists perforated 13½x14 as it was replaced for the second issue.

All printings from 320on copper plates.

Unlike most of the series, the imprint appears below the central gutter. This was more in accordance to the practice adopted for the KGV and Roo.

10 May 1937 Green:-Wide 27mm Central Gutter wide imprint

Illustration shows the horizontal comb used individually on each pane of stamps.

26th November 1937

Bright Green:-Standard 23mm Central Gutter wide imprint

Illustration is from a Type B1 vertical perforator (the only type used).

The above unit comes from the upper sheet as there is no perforation cross or dot, and perforations are struck thru the margin.

In contrast, this narrow margin 1d QM die 1 is from the bottom sheet.

even the reduced gutter is slightly wider than that found on 640s (0.9)

27(1.1) vs 23(0.95) refers to between frames not between perfs which is .8 inch

A total of 8 'plates' were produced for this value. All 'plates' were individual 320on copper electros from the master die. Only plates 4 and 7 have the narrow gutters (plate 8 was never used).

The central gutter was reduced to standard stamp size of 23mm. It was to prove a security risk which was corrected in the 2nd series by introducing inscribed lines in the gutter. The imprint remained in the unusual position of centre sheet.

All plates were 320 on comprising of upper and lower post office sheets, each 2 panes of 80, 10 x 8.

Plate numbers are in each respective corner of the printsheet. Plate #'s are known for all seven used plates, most positions.

Three types of perf guides exist.

320on Perf A (wide margins only)
320on Perf B Cross or coloured dot (narrow margins only)

plate # 7