5th September 1854. Perkins Bacon to the Inland Revenue

69 Fleet Street,

Sept. 5, 1854

Gentlemen,

After the lapse of 14 years during which we have had occasion to use the original flat die for the preparation of Postage Stamps, we find that it is desirable to prepare a new one in which the lines may be cut deeper than they now are, which will produce a stronger impression and enable us to print more labels from a Plate before it is worn out. We have had to go through a similar process lately in preparing plates for some of the Colonial Governments so that we have evidence before us to prove that the object we propose may be obtained without in any way destroying the identity of the Queen's Head.

We therefore, have to request the permission of your Honble. Board to prepare the new flat die referred to, under the direction of the Inspector of H.M. Stamps.

We have &c, &c,

Perkins, Bacon & Co.

The Honble. Commissioners of Inland Revenue

Source: De Worms Vol 2, p533.

Comment: This letter would indicate that they had not started the process of replacing die 1, which is perhaps cutting things a bit fine.

AP March 2015