"The listing and classification of these marks of the modern types have become more and more difficult, and one can only be guided by the actual foundation laid by the late L. C. C. Nicholson. In the earlier types such as TD 8 one finds a few varieties in the lettering such as Plantain Garden River which is outstanding, while in Type 20 and 25 these vary considerably, both in the size of lettering and in the style. Having discussed this matter very thoroughly some years ago with Mr. Nicholson, he definitely recommended to adhere, as much as possible to one type instead of breaking these down into small sub types. Although TD 37 covers a large group of marks, I am of the opinion that if broken down individually to the type of letters, whether block or serif and size, whether 46, 48 or 50 mm. x 30 or 32 mm., there would be an increase of no less than 10 new classes, and I personally feel the collector of these marks would not like anything so complicated. Thus these marks will not be changed.
With regard to ink, this is an extremely important item, and one has only to glance back to the Railway Postmarks of Jamaica to see that the red ink strikes are far scarcer and valuable than the blue/black varieties. In the obliterator numbers any strike in blue ink is certainly far rarer than those in black ink, and this is very important so far as Temporary Rubber Date Marks are concerned as some Post Offices have two varieties in the inks. The very latest is Galina, which is in blue and also purple, while Flamstead Garden first appeared in black and changed shortly afterwards to purple. No less than four new Postal Agencies appeared last April, making well over 200 Temporary Rubber Date issued marks since 1939.
As many readers know, a Handbook is being prepared for the Bahamas, British Honduras and Jamaica Temporary Rubber Date marks, but this has been held up due to the fact that there is a very large number of these marks, some of which have only recently appeared, but it is hoped to go to press within the next few months.
The Bahamas Temporary Rubber Date marks have just been listed in the latest issue of the British West Indian Philatelist with details as to both ink and definite type in the latest issue."
|
|
Link to Next Article in Bulletin
|