Embedded Files
This is a difficult lettering as there appears to be three states of this lettering. Key to fitting the stamps into a timeline is the appearance of the E of AE which thankfully features on a couple of examples below. These stamps not only prove a state 3 for AE, but they also show that the repairs were split running repairs. AF state 3 was repaired to make state 4 whilst AF was still in state 2. AE was later repaired to make it state 3.
State 1
Large scan. b [DL]
Early impression. Left side is open and the base of the lower squares are very delicate. There is a constant dot at the very top of the left margin.
Large scan. e [ST]
Nice copy of a mid life state 1.
Large scan. a [KM]
Late state 1.
Large scan. d [ST]
Another (manky!) copy of a late state 1. There is some doubling, though I think this is due to a kiss print.
Large scan. j [ST]
Worn print.
Large scan. i [ST]
Another worn one. Notice now weak the sidelines are at left, but also how the weakness develops on the right side.
State 2
Large scan. k [ST]
An important stamp. It looks as though the stamp has been repaired by a shallow re-entry. The left side of the stamp has been partially restored, though it could be argued that this was the result of a re-cut rather than a re-entry. However, looking at the right side latticework, major restoration can be seen. There is also a shallow TRL in the right gutter which matches 163 AG c (also state 2). The stars look slightly thicker. The F looks thinner as if compressed. The A looks as if it may have been touched up, the serifs looking stronger and with a change of character. The relative number of imperf examples show scarcity.
State 3
Large scan. f [ST]
This stamp is a sister stamp to Scott's imperf AE state 2. It not only shows a strong linear TRL in the left margin, but also another TRL nearer AE that match those found on the imperf. The left side of the stamp seems a little stronger and the bottom corner squares have had their lines strengthened, probably indicating that a different transfer roller was used?
Large scan. c [Winston Williams]
I think this is a worn version of the above stamp (f). Note the TRL showing on one of the perforations to the left of the stamp. Note there is no TRL to the right of the stamp.
State 4
Large scan. h [ST]
Left side has been strengthened, but with no sign of the strong TRL seen in state 2. This is a significant stamp as it shows the E of AE in it's earlier state 2 large format. Comparing the earliest state 2 of AE shows a match.
Large scan. m [ST]
This stamp (and l below) have been arranged by the strength of the lines on the face and the check letters. m & l give us a look at the right margin which shows a strong blur to the bottom of the margin, confirmed by the extremely worn g.
Large scan. l [St]
Large scan. g [ST]
Another significant stamp as it shows the clear left margin of h above, but gives us the added information of the shallow linear TRL to the right of the stamp. It also shows a similar shallow linear TRL to the right of AE. AE also shows the much thinned E of a state 3. Gone is the short TRL next to AE, being replaced by the long shallow one shown.
AP
August 2020
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