THE 1d BLACK AND IT'S YOUNGER SISTER !

At one time, I was very interested in the early line engraved GB stamps, but now of course it's the papers used to print the lower values of the multiple crown Wildings.

I find that many collectors of the penny red don't always realise that it is almost as old as its elderly sister " the penny black " that is around 12 months it's senior, and for a period of time the black plates were used to print some of the early penny reds from plates 1b, 2, 5, 8, 9,10 and 11 originally used for the penny black, the changeover happened in 1841.

This version from the black plates may not be rated as valuable as the penny black being the first postage stamp ever to be issued, but to complete a collection of the penny black, these penny reds are a necessity.

The 2 scans above show such an example when comparing the two, the penny red being on cover with a black " Leeds " maltese cross cancellation posted on the 30th of July 1841 posted from Leeds to Edinburgh, whilst the penny black has a red maltese cross cancellation, with the last scan below showing the reverse of the cover in question.

Much study has been given to the early line engraved issues in the past and many publications made over the years. Fred.