Page 122 - Jarvis & Wright: Jamaica Display to RPSL
P. 122
Jamaica: The Queen Victoria Key Plates.
On 17 April 1888, the Jamaica government approved De La Rue’s new design for unified postage
and revenue stamps. De La Rue typographed the issue in sheets of 120, 2 panes of 60, using
separate key and duty plates. The sheets were watermarked Crown CA and comb perforated 14.
The key plate was the same design for all values, printing the Queen's head, inscription and frame.
The die and the first key plate, 60 set, were invoiced on 22 October 1888. For the first printing,
invoiced on 7 February 1889, the key plate was increased in size to 120 set. The key plate wore out
and was replaced three times: with plate 2 in 1890, plate 3 in 1893 and plate 4 in 1897.
Key Plate 1
Die proof of key plate 1 initialled GN.
Dated 13 Nov. 88 on its page in the De La
Rue Collection and 13/11/88 in pencil on the
reverse.
This proof marks when the die was used t o
produce an enlarged 120 set plate, for which
De La Rue sought permission on 2 November
Die proof of key plate 1, 22 June 1888, struck before 1888.
hardening. This is as used for the initial 60 set plate. Ex De La Rue Collection
Ex Vokins. and Swarbrick.
Key Plate 2 Key Plate 3
Die proof from the De La Rue
striking book initialled GN.
Dated 16 June, 90 on its page in
the De La Rue Collection and
16.6.90 in pencil on the reverse,
so this is key plate 2, authorised
on 6 May 1890 and invoiced on Key plate 3, die proof from the De La Rue striking book.
7 August 1890. 120 leads and 6 spares were struck. The plate was authorised
Ex De La Rue Collection, on 15 August 1893, this entry is dated 23 August 1893 and the
Swarbrick red ink date is that of the invoice, 30 December 1893.
and Mahfood. Ex Vokins.
