BOOKLET PLATE(Die2B)

THE 1½d (and 2d) BOOKLET PLATE

October, 1928. 1½d Golden scarlet. Die2B. Comb Perf. 13½ x 12½.  

The commentary in this section applies equally to the 1½d booklet construction as much as the later 2d emissions. Naturally, different dies were used for each denomination.

Prior to 1928, booklets of stamps had been prepared from sheets of stamps taken from stock. A booklet plate was subsequently prepared to print sheets adapted to use a newly imported booklet making machine. This machine automatically split each pane in half vertically. Each treble strip was then cut into a block of six, which were then stapled together by the required number, through the margins, either at left or right.

Because each pane has tete-beche impressions, it is normal to find 50% with inverted watermark. Tete-Beche applies to the plate, they were never issued to the public as such. The plate has no marginal inscriptions of any kind. Ash had considerable experience in the manufacture of metal printing plates, particularly with the use of a transfer roller. The Mullett die2A was not entirely suitable for use with a transfer roller so he prepared a secondary die from it before transferring two impressions to the roller, vertically above each other. The plate was prepared by applying this pair five times vertically by three times horizontally, by then reversing the plate and repeating a further thirty impressions inverted, by again reversing the plate, and so on.

Two minor features of the Mullett die2A are completely missing from Ash Die2B

In addition, Ash made a number of other alterations, as follows:-