"I was very interested to see in the current edition of the Commonwealth King George VI Catalogue that the second printing of the 10/- value with the blurred vignette has at last been listed. The variety has long been known to specialists and is very easily distinguishable from the fourth printing both on account of the blurred lines of the vignette and the cold deep carmine of the frame. It would appear to be very rare, although it has been possible hitherto to obtain a copy at the price asked for the fourth printing as few people have bothered to separate the two. Some years ago a well-known firm was asking £6 for a mint copy. I do not, however, agree with the description. This stamp was issued at the same time as that with the rare perforation and, to my mind, the two stamps are otherwise identical in appearance, although it is very difficult to describe a shade when looking at one particular stamp. I have a copy with the rare perforation with the frame in a deep dull carmine-rose, similar to C.W.25a, although I consider this shade is more accurately described by Gibbons as claret. Another doubtful description is that given to C.W.25, regarded as the first additional printing. I have blocks of both this and the first printing, and both the frames and vignettes appear to be similar and, here again, I prefer Gibbon's description of the vignette as being pale blue. I have always thought that this additional printing was line perforated and, in fact, persuaded Gibbons to amend their description from comb to line perforation. My block of four and two singles certainly appear to be line, and this particular stamp was so described in the issue of 'Stamp Collecting' dated 7th March, 1952. Finally, I am surprised a stamp is still listed as C.W.25c. This stamp is not a separate printing at all and can be either from the fourth or the sixth printing which have been some time in the colony and suffered much discolouration due to atmospheric influence. I shall be glad to know whether any member can throw more light on this matter."
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