A West Indies Selection
Virgin Islands, Dominica And St. Vincent
Thursday 15th September 2005
Michael Sefi, FRPSL , Keeper of the Royal Philatelic Collection
A discussion some time ago with the new President elicited his hope that the displays from the Royal Philatelic Collection during his Presidency might avoid including Great Britain material. Happy to do so, this 2005 display covers the Virgin Islands, Dominica and St. Vincent, with material from the reign of King George VI also included for the first two territories. While the Virgin Islands were shown in 1966 (along with Nevis) it does not appear Dominica has ever been shown to the Society, unless selected items were included in various collective West Indies displays over the years. Certainly that is the case with St. Vincent, from which selected material was last shown in 1970; before that the last full St. Vincent display was in 1934!
As I have observed previously, King George V (or possibly/also Sir Edward Bacon) was not much interested in watermark varieties and virtually none are included in the collections for these three countries. However, a number of other scarce varieties for them are to be found and which are annotated below.
The Virgin Islands
Off the eastern end of Puerto Rico and captured from the Dutch in the late 17th Century, British possession of the eastern islands of the archipelago was confirmed in 1713. (The western islands were occupied by the Danes and bought by the United States in 1917.) Initially known as just the "Virgin Islands" on its stamps (apart from one issue in 1951) "British" was added in 1968 to ensure distinction from the US possession. As an added complication, the Virgin Islands were part of the "Federated Colony" of the Leeward Islands; while the "BVIs", as they are often known, had their own stamps from 1866, Leeward Islands stamps (not being shown) were first issued in 1890 and intended to supersede all individual territory issues. They were valid for use until 1956 when they were withdrawn and invalidated in all territories involved. However, Virgin Islands stamps were re-introduced in 1899 and were valid concurrently with those of the Leeward Islands.
Peter McCann contends BVI stamps "are in many respects aristocrats of the classic issues of the British Commonwealth". Contrast them with, say, the early stamps of St. Vincent, also being shown, and might one argue with that?
The British Virgin Islands remain a British Overseas Territory to this day.
Frame 1:
The first issue of 1866 is shown, with die proofs and issued stamps of
the 1d & 6d values on both white and toned paper, including complete
sheets. The 1d, normally perf 12, also had a scarce 15 x 12 perforation
of which an unused copy is shown. There is also an imperforate 1d, which
may be a plate proof. The stamps are variously said to be litho printed
by Nissen & Parker from plates made by Waterlow & Sons, or to
be litho printed by Waterlow on behalf of Nissen & Parker, the latter
favoured by Sir Edward Bacon. Most stamps had no watermark, although
there was a papermaker's watermark, part of which appeared on some 6d
stamps.
Frame 2:
1867-68 - various settings and transfers of the 1 d value, including an
extraordinary block of 18 of a very wide setting in a sheet larger than
the normal 12. The frame also introduces the 4d value - die proofs and
the issued stamps, including a complete sheet of this value.
Frame 3:
1867-68 - the original 1/- value, including two essays. Changes to the
frame and surround were made during the period and these are shown. Also
included is the famous "missing Virgin" - argument continues
to this day whether this is a proof, printer's waste or an issued error!
Frames 4 & 5:
From 1878 the contract passed to De La Rue. On crown CC watermarked paper
and perf 14, they used the Waterlow plates, litho, for the 1d value initially,
but soon (1880) went over to surface printed stamps in a key-plate design.
By 1887, however, De La Rue went back to new transfer litho plates for
the 1d, 4d, 6d & 1/- values. Paper is Crown CA wmk.
Frame 6:
In 1888 a provisional 4d value was needed and the first page shows the
overprint on 1/-. A used "double surcharge" example is shown
but the Collection doe not possess the "inverted surcharge".
The frame goes on to show the 1899 new design, recess by De La Rue.
Frames 7 & 8:
These frames have the 1904 King Edward VII and the 1913-19 King George
V issues in the standard key-plate design, on Multiple Crown CA paper.
The 3d to 5/- values were on chalk surfaced paper though not written
up by Sir Edward Bacon as such.
Frames 9 & 10:
Two pages of the 1917 "War Stamp" overprints are shown, followed
by the 1922 new design for the Colony. This part concludes with the 1935
Silver Jubilee issue, together with the usual envelope sent to The King.
The common colonial issues of King George VI's reign ("omnibus issues") were prepared from artwork, die proofs and colour trials initially prepared without the colony names. The Collection has some of this material, which is shown as if for the Virgin Islands and as described:
Frame 11:
The 1937 Coronation issue, with artwork for various designs, colour proofs,
and the issued stamps for the Virgin Islands. Recess by Bradbury, Wilkinson
on Multiple Script CA paper and perf 11 x 11 1/2.
Frame 12:
The 1938-47 definitive series, with artwork and bromides for the issue.
Photogravure by Harrison and perf 14 on Multiple Script CA paper, only
the chalk-surfaced printings are shown in view of space limitations.
Frame 13:
The 1946 "Victory" issue - master die and colour proofs, plus
the issued stamps. Recess by De La Rue, perf 13½ x 14. This is followed
by designs, artwork and colour proofs for the omnibus issue for the Silver
Wedding and the Virgin Islands issued stamps. The 2 ½d was photogravure
by Waterlow and the recess by Bradbury, Wilkinson. The Virgin Islands issue
did not take place until January 1949, although the actual anniversary
was more than eight months earlier.
Frame 14:
The 75th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union also benefited from
an omnibus issue; master die proofs, colour proofs and issued stamps
for the Virgin Islands are shown. The 2½d & 1/- values were
recess by Waterlow; the 3d & 6d values were recess by Bradbury, Wilkinson
with the territory name added by surface printing.
Frame 15:
In 1951 a commemorative set was issued for the Inauguration of the University
College of West Indies. Artwork, die proofs and issued stamps are shown,
recess by Waterlow.
Frame 16:
The Island's Legislative Council was restored in 1950, but it took until
April 1951 before the commemorative stamps were issued. Die and colour
proofs are shown, with the issued stamps recess by Waterlow.
Frames 17 to 19:
With the conversion to a $ and cents currency in 1951, new stamps were
needed, leading to an issue in April 1952 (in fact after The King's death).
The frames show artwork and extensive colour proofs for the issue, the
latter in strict chronological order rather than by value, with the series
as issued, recess by De La Rue.
Dominica
Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic (which is part of the island of Hispaniola, the other part of which is Haiti) Dominica is an island low down in the Leewards and originally occupied by the French. Captured by the British in 1761, the French re-captured it in 1778 but it was restored to British control in 1783 and later became a Crown Colony, and then part of the "Federated Colony" of the Leeward Islands. Apart from its own stamps, first issued in 1874, Leeward Islands stamps came in from 1890. As with the Virgin Islands, however, Dominica started issuing stamps again (from 1903) and which had concurrent validity with those of the Leeward Islands. Dominica was withdrawn from the Leeward Islands in 1939, to become part of the Windward Islands (which didn't have its own stamps) and finally became independent as part of the Commonwealth in 1978.
Frame 20:
1870 essays of unknown origin together with 1874 artwork, die proofs and
issued stamps for the first issue, id, 6d & 1/-, typo by De La Rue
on Crown CC paper, perf 14.
Frame 21:
The 1877-79 issue, including a vertical bisect of the 1d on piece and the
malformed "CE" on the 4d. The frame also has the various ½d
surcharges on 1d of 1882-83, including several of the varieties.
Frame 22:
1883 - 1/2d & 2½d on Crown CA paper, together with the 1886
overprints: the _d on 6d and 1d on 1/- showing the complete settings. Also
shown are a used copy of the 1d on 6d and a double surcharge 1d on 1/-.
Frame 23:
The 1886-90 series, including both colours of the 1d, the ½d & 1d
without value (presumably proofs) and all the values imperforate (also
presumably proofs). The frame concludes with the overprinted postal fiscals
including a used copy of the vertically bisected 1d on piece.
Frames 24 & 25:
Dominica introduced a pictorial set in 1903, typo by De La Rue on Crown
CC sideways paper. The frame has the colour trials and all the values,
on both ordinary and the later chalk-surfaced paper printings. In 1907-08
the series was reprinted on Multiple Crown CA sideways paper.
Frames 26 & 27:
The 1908-21 series is shown on various papers, together with the 1921-22
Multiple Script CA printings, including artwork for the new 1½d
value.
Frame 28:
The War Tax overprints of 1916-20 include the March 1918 block with inverted
overprint, said to be unique.
Frames 29 & 30:
A new design was introduced in 1923, still typo by De La Rue, with some
colours changed in 1927 and 1933. Frame 30 concludes with the Silver
Jubilee blocks and usual cover to The King.
Frame 31:
Artwork, die proofs and issued stamps for the 1938 King George VI definitive
issue - recess by Waterlow on Multiple Script CA paper, perf 12½.
Frame 32:
In 1940 a ½d value was introduced - photogravure by Harrison, perf
15 x 14. In 1947 new values were required and the frame shows colour proofs
for them - 3½d, 7d, 2/- & 10/- - and blocks of the issued stamps.
Frames 33 & 34:
Following the currency changeover, a new definitive series was needed,
issued in 1951. Shown are artwork, colour proofs and issued stamps. Still
on Multiple Script CA paper, the ½c stamp was photogravure by
Harrison, perf 15 x 14, the other values recess by Bradbury, Wilkinson
perf 13½ x 13 or 13 x 13½ depending on orientation.
St. Vincent
After a lot of "toing and froing" with the French, St. Vincent finally became British in 1796, and a Crown Colony. Part of the Windward Islands group (established in 189011 which never had its own stamps), it became independent in 1979. Its first stamps were issued in 1861. Until 1899 the stamps were recess, either printed by Perkins, Bacon (to 1881) or by De La Rue from Perkins, Bacon plates; they are (to my eye!) attractive stamps with, for some values, some stunning colours. Until De La Rue took over a number of perforation varieties occurred, some extremely scarce, and these are indicated where they appear. Because of Perkins, Bacon involvement the display also includes the special Cancelled overprints.
Frame 35:
The 1860 unaccepted essays together with die and plate proofs for the 1d & 6d
of 1861, including both values imperforate (proofs?) and issued imperforate
between. Some of these pages will need review and possible remounting and
rewriting as there is some disagreement over identification of perforations.
Sir John Marriott had attempted some revision, but this is not complete.
Frame 36:
The 1863-68 group which also introduces the 4d and 1/- values for which
die and plate proofs are also shown. Unused and used copies of the 1d
perf 11 to 12½ x 14 to 16 are included, together with the 4d used
imperforate between.
Frame 37:
In 1869, 1871 and 1872 we have changed colours and from 1871 watermarked
paper came in, initially with the small star watermark. The frame also
has the 1872-75 issue, including several examples of the 1/- lilac-rose
perf 11 to 11½ x 15.
Frame 38:
In 1875 the colour of the 1/- changed to "claret" (a rather oxidised
claret in my view!) and in 1877 the 6d went to a paler shade of green (including
an unlisted imperforate example) and the 1/- changed yet again, to vermilion.
Frame 39:
Provisional printings were necessary in 1880 and 1881. The 1880 1d on half
6d includes both an unused and a used unsevered pairs of this value,
while the 1881 overprints include a bottom marginal block of six unsevered
pairs for the ½d on half 6d, one with fraction bar omitted, and
a strip of 3 of the 4d on 1/-. The frame goes on to show the 1880 1d,
6d & 1/-, including the unused pair of the 1/-imperforate between.
The final row of the frame has artwork, die proofs and issued stamps
of the spectacular 5/- value, with a page of 1909 reprint impressions
in different colours.
Frame 40:
The final Perkins, Bacon printings, of 1881, show die and plate proofs
of the new ½d value. The frame includes the issued ½, the "drab" 1d
and the glorious blue 4d, with a used imperforate between pair of that
value.
Frame 41:
From 1882 the printings were by De La Rue from Perkins, Bacon plates, until
1902 on Crown CA paper. The 1882 perf 14 1d, 2½d on 1d and the
even more glorious blue 4d appear, followed by what appears to be a page
of De La Rue colour trials. The 1883-84 printings are also shown, perf
12. Sir Edward Bacon's apparent lack of enthusiasm for watermark varieties
seems to be indicated by his referring to the reversed watermark unused
1/- as "printed on the wrong side of the paper"!
Frame 42:
Showing the 1885 1d on 2½d provisional, followed by the 1885-93
series to 6d, perf 14.
Frame 43:
This frame has the continuation of the 1885-93 series with the 5/- value
in both shades and including the unlisted imperforate unused single (a
proof?) and examples on cover. It is not clear what required 15/- on
a local apparently unregistered letter! The frame then has the 1890 provisionals
and the 1890 6d & 1/- (shades). However, there is some mystery about
the first page of the 1/- value. Sir Edward Bacon regarded that shade
group as being from the 1885-88 series - not listed by SG - and I would
tend to agree. More research needed!
Frame 44:
In 1892 a 5d on 4d was needed, and in 1893 further provisionals appeared
including an imperforate 2_d on 1d blue and a double overprint of the
same value. The frame concludes with the 1897 essays for the 2½d & 5d
values and the issued stamps together with a page of the 3d on 1d provisional.
Frames 45 to 47:
The standard key-plate design appeared in 1899 and these three frames show
those series: 1899 featured Queen Victoria while the 1902 and 1904-11
groups were of King Edward VII. The 1904-11 series was on both ordinary
(some values) and chalk surfaced paper (all values) and now the watermark
was Multiple Crown CA. All three groups were surface printed by De La
Rue, perf 14.
Frame 48:
In 1907 a new design appeared and this was recess, still by De La Rue.
The design was not quite right and needed some modification in 1909,
the most significant of which is not mentioned in the SG catalogue: the
moving of the "Postage & Revenue" legend position.
Frames 49 & 50:
For King George V two designs were adopted for the low (to 1/-) and high
values respectively, with one suggested design rejected. Essays of all
three are shown. The 1913-17 series appeared, for some values, with both
line and comb perforation, and these are identified. Frame 50 also has
the 1915 provisional 1d on 1/- including the listed varieties and concludes
with the 1916 War Stamp overprints.
Frame 51:
The 1921-32 series on Multiple Script CA paper appear, again both line
and comb perforation seem to have been employed for some of the values.
Frame 52:
The usual Silver Jubilee blocks and cover to The King are included. However,
the frame also has two £1 plate blocks of the 1948 Silver Wedding
issue, in black and never issued. The consignment was stolen in transit
necessitating reprinting (in bright purple), also shown.
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