The Transitionals
The first stamps in which the bluing was completely eliminated are called the Transitional Issues. The bluing was possibly removed by the elimination of prussiate of potash or the introduction of a neutralizing agent. If a neutralizing agent was in fact used this may account for the cream color which is apparent on these stamps. The stamps appear in 1857 in various shades: orange-brown, red-orange, pale red and a range of pale rose. Pale rose is the most common of the Transitional shades. The stamps of the Transitional period are Die II, watermarked Large Crown type I, perforated 14, Alphabet III. This Issue precedes the so called Rose Reds of 1856 to 1863. Below are examples of the Transitionals. I have also included examples of Plates 49 and 52 in in the scarce Pale rose on white paper in this section.
Pale Rose
Plate 43 |
Plate 52
RPS #163524
|
Plate 52
RPS #163525
|
Plate 38 |
Plate 31 |
Plate 31 |
Plate 37 |
Pale rose on white paper Plate 49
Printings of Plate 49 in pale rose on white paper
are exceedingly scarce
Ranges of the Transitional Shades on Plate 40
Red orange |
Orange red |
Pale rose |
Pale rose |
Transitional Red Shades varying in depth
Plate 33 |
Plate 34 |
Plate 36 |
Plate 38 |