New postage stamps with Edward VII
Twelve values up to 10s. of bi-coloured postage stamps of the King’s profile in shades of grey to brown and a distinctive frame were printed at the behest of the Crown Agents by De La Rue in London, some weeks before the Peace Treaty was signed. Most frequently found are the 1d in grey and carmine but because the frame colours of the 3d and 1s and that between 4d and 2s were corrected in 1903. Two watermarks are found on these stamps. In 1903 were added two high value stamps – the £1 is also found with telegraph office cancels, and the £5 is known forged.
Twelve values up to 10s. of bi-coloured postage stamps of the King’s profile in shades of grey to brown and a distinctive frame were printed at the behest of the Crown Agents by De La Rue in London, some weeks before the Peace Treaty was signed. Most frequently found are the 1d in grey and carmine but because the frame colours of the 3d and 1s and that between 4d and 2s were corrected in 1903. Two watermarks are found on these stamps. In 1903 were added two high value stamps – the £1 is also found with telegraph office cancels, and the £5 is known forged.
In 1905 as Transvaal became a self-governing colony four commonly used values were issued in single (universal) colours, combining the King’s head with the frame. The colours (green, red and blue in 1909) conformal with those recommended by the U.P.U. and also associated with the late addition of a 2d value, wrongly printed in grey before being replaced by purple. Transvaal and the printers were both to blame for lack of clarity. The only 2d grey stamps escaping destruction are overprinted SPECIMEN and those circulated to member countries of UPU.
