Rhodesian Admirals - The Die III Stamps

DIE III

The Die III Stamps:

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Not satisfied with Head Die II, the authorities ordered further modifications to the head plate. These changes probably took place during 1916 and would include bold and distinct outlines around the King's left ear and around the top of the cap. Another important addition is a string of seven to nine dashes just below the outer line on the right side of the King's cap. The resulting effort produced the Head Die III stamps.

The catalogue lists two separate sections for the Die III stamps. The first are those issued between 1913 and 1922 on toned paper with yellowish gum. Except for SG 279c, the rare perf 15, 2d. stamp with the brownish-gray frame, these were all perforated 14. Then there are the new printings which were issued between 1922 and 1923 on white paper with clear white gum. These were perforated 14 and 15. Let us first address the perf 15 stamps.

The Die III Stamps, perforated 15:

The catalogue mentions the following: "Nos. 312-322 were never sent out to Rhodesia but only issued in London. Any used copies could, therefore, only have been obtained by favor. So, if you have a Die III, perf 15 stamp there should be no problem regarding identification.

Below, on the left, is the rare SG 279c. The only other 2d. perf 15 Die III stamp will be SG 312 which has a slate-purple frame and is a white paper printing. It is a much darker stamp as shown on the right. Note the difference in paper color.

The Die III Stamps, Perforated 14:

As easy as it is to identify the perf 15 stamps, the opposite is certainly true with the perf 14 Die III stamps. Within this group the catalogue states we have stamps on toned paper and white paper; with yellowish gum, and clear white gum. One must remember these stamps are eighty-plus years old. Time can, and will, change the appearance of gum and paper. Furthermore, the "Guide" warns us with this note: "The toning of the paper and color of the gum vary considerably" - another indicator of poor quality control.

Proper identification of these stamps has always been problematic at best. Even the experts have been stumped and I do not profess to have new and revolutionary answers! Fortunately, the catalogue does provide a few clues which may help one find their way through the maze of shades, paper types, and, in the case of unused stamps, gum. Other sources of information appear in the literature as well. However, there is no substitute for experience.

First, we can eliminate the 5d. value from the later white paper printings as these were only printed on toned paper. Next, we can eliminate the distinctive 2/- value with the yellow-brown frame as this shade was only printed on toned paper. In addition, the 1/- stamps from the earlier toned paper printings are fairly easy to distinguish as the frames generally have varying amounts of green. Below are the listed shades of the 1/- stamps on toned paper. Top row from left to right: SG 271, the greenish blue frame; SG 272, the pale blue-green frame. Bottom row from left to right: SG 272a, the light blue frame; SG 272b, the green frame. Unlisted shades exist.

Now let us compare SG 272a with the light blue frame and SG 300 with the dull blue frame from the later white paper printings.

This comparison yields a few important clues regarding the later white paper printings.

They are considerably brighter than the earlier toned paper printings.
Vivid inks were employed.
The King's head appears to have less color and is cleaner and crisper.

Compare SG 273 (left) and SG 301 below.

And compare SG 266 and SG 295 below as well.

Two white paper printings:

For the later white paper perf 14 printings, there are dates listed next to each value. Some show (1922) while others show (1923). Still others show (1922-1923). The catalogue states: "The 1922 printing shows the mesh of the paper very clearly through the gum. In the 1923 printing the gum is very smooth and the mesh of the paper is not so clearly seen. Where the date is given '(1922-23)' two printing were made, which do not differ sufficiently in colour to be listed separately".

Below is the back of a Die III white paper stamp. Look closely as there appears to be a pattern of tiny lighter and darker dots. This is the mesh as discussed in the catalogue and is from the 1922 printing. Although I have seen this pattern on toned paper printings, it is a useful aid in determining the 1922 from the 1923 printings. As usual, there are more shades to be found than are listed in the catalogue.

Finis:

I hope the information contained within these pages has shed some light on these colorful and fascinating stamps. If you are new to philately, carry on as this is a wonderful pastime. It will give many hours of enjoyment. For those who have Rhodesian Admirals in their collections, perhaps the information here will provide the impetus to delve further into these stamps. Finally for those, like myself, who had jumped headlong into this aspect of philately and all its mysteries years ago, I hope I have shed some new light or rekindled the passion that brought us here in the first place.

I wish to thank the Stanley Gibbons Company and all the students of Rhodesian philately, past and present, for their contributions found in the literature without whom this website would not have been possible. Comments or suggestions always welcome.

Overview Mono-colors Die I - Die II