Monday, February 25, 2008

1932 (1st January) - Sir Charles Vyner Brooke

Sarawak - The Waterlow Issue of 1932
Complete Set (ISC 97-111; SG 91-105) Mint

January 1st, 1932, saw the issue of a completely new series of stamps printed by Messrs Waterlow and Sons Ltd, of London Wall, London E. C.

The Design
The central motif of this stamp which is of rectangular format measuring 21 3/4 mm. x 19 mm. consists of a head and shoulder portrait of Sir Charles Vyner Brooke in uniform. The top of the design is occupied by a name plate bearing the word "Sarawak" on a plain background and having a small scroll just below and to the right inscribed "Postage". The left side shows a design of palm leaves and below, on either side of the central tablet of value, appear tropical leaves and blossoms.

The denomination is in colorless numerals on a solid background of color and lies within an ornamental tablet.

Method of Production
The stamps of this issue were recess printed and the plate was arranged in ten rows of ten impressions. The thin white wove paper used for this series bears a multiple watermark of an oriental coronet presumably adapted from that appearing on the national coat of arms.

Sheets were line perforated gauge 12 1/2 and the lines of perforation cross all four sheet margins. The firm's imprint, Messrs. Waterlow and Sons, Limited, London Wall, London E. C. appears centrally on the top and bottom margins and in the top right corner is printed a serial sheet number.

The ten low values are printed in one colour, it seems clear that a separate printing plate was constructed for each of these denominations. The five higher values were printed in two colours and, for these, a common head plate was used but separate duty plates were required for each.

Current Day Value
For this complete set of 15 mint stamps...
The International Stamp & Coin Sdn Bhd (ISC) values it at RM400.00.
The Stanley Gibbons Stamp Catalogue (SG) values it at £94.35, i.e. RM600.00.

Qi

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