King George VI Duty Printings Requisition
Figures
Research
in the British Library.
One of the highlights of my philatelic research has been
visiting the British Library to examine the Crown Agents
Records and study the Printing Proofs held
there.
The
Library, situated on Euston Road moved from Great Russell
Street in late 1997 and early 1998. Having never visited
the old Library, with its famous circular reading room, I
can't compare the merits of both, although the new library
is very impressive.
Arriving
at Kings Cross Station, which is about five minutes walk
along a very busy Euston Road, it's very easy to miss the
Library hidden behind wall. But on finding an entrance you
are met with an impressive courtyard which seems to be a
meeting and discussion spot for many students.
On entering the building first impressions are of a
spacious lobby. To the left is the Library shop, well worth
a visit, to the right the registration room and steps which
lead down to the cloakroom. Facing the visitor is the
reception and to the left of that the staircases and
elevators which lead to the various study rooms. But what
really strikes the student is a huge glass encased inner
sanctum or Library extending from floor to ceiling
containing a huge collection of rare
books.
To
access the Library the visitor must obtain a membership
pass that is valid for five years. A visit to the cloakroom
is also required where all coats and excessive baggage is
left behind. Needed items are placed in a transparent
carrier.
Climbing
two floors the Humanities 2 Room is entered, where through
double doors you are met by a security guard inspecting
your pass. The same guard ensures that you leave with
nothing untoward
The
Crown Agents Records
To
view the Crown Agents records, or other items held in the
Philatelic Collections, prior arrangements must be made
with the Philatelic Collections staff.
Cown
Agents Requisition Books, Plate Issue Registers and Paper
Issue Books have been microfilmed to reduce wear on the
original volumes. The original Books each cover 2-3 years
and run from 1921 to 1968.
On
making an appointment the Library issues a confirmation
sheet (Fig.1) which shows the Microfilms required and where
to collect them. Each Microfilm contains two Requisition
Folios.
Preparation
is the key word otherwise many hours can be lost in futile
search, but even then the books hold surprises and begin to
tell stories of long lost printings for Colonies whose
names have long since vanished.
Each
Requisition Folio starts with a description of the printers
within. The main security printers included
are:
- Messrs. Thomas De La Rue & Co, Ltd.
- Messrs. Waterlow & Sons, Ltd.
- Messrs. Bradbury Wilkinson & Co, Ltd.
- Messrs. Harrison & Sons, Ltd.
Following this is a year by year index of the requisitions.
It is here that the surprises begin. Pre-work in preparing
data sheets involves inevitably using Potter and Shelton,
but, as with British Solomon Islands and Gilbert and Ellice
Islands, the number of printings they recorded are vastly
outnumbered by the actual requisitions. Using the
requisition numbers the student can then access the details
of that printing.
A
standard double page layout in the Folio has the Country
Name, a brief description, (for banknotes, postcards etc.
are also recorded), the requisition number, the duty value,
number of sheets ordered, number of stamps printed, actual
number of sheets printed, sheet configuration, a due by
date and an actual despatch date. However it is the
Comments column at the end of each entry that often begins
to tell a story. Phrases, which occur,
are:
- Numbered 1 up
- Interleaved with wax (or blotting) paper.
- New Issue GPO Specimens and dealers
- Required for shipment
- From A2
- Urgently Required
- All for Bureau
- To be shipped in 2 instalments
- Urgently required telegraphed for
- Cancelled
- To be despatched to the High Commission
- For exchange
- In two parcels
- Shipment to be made in two consignments by different vessels each to include half the quantity ordered
- As early as possible
The Proofs
Original proofs of the dies and colours are also held in
the collections. Unfortunately these are limited but
Waterlow is well represented. Cards of trial colours,
viewed in the company of a member of the staff, show
approved or rejected proofs. This can prove fascinating,
particularly when the colour for a duty started life as
something totally different. The 8d olive from St Helena,
as an example, was originally red. Usually it is the shade
that had been rejected such as the 5/- Turks and Caicos
Island duty started life as a much deeper
green.
In
conclusion I would describe a visit the British Library as
an enriching and absorbing expedition into a time long ago
never be repeated.
Contacts:
The
British Library, Philatelic Collections, 96 Euston Road,
London, NW1 2DB
Philatelic@bl.uk