What is also unusual for Type 4 is the fact that they are printed in different coloured inks and on different coloured papers. We illustrate a selection in mint pairs and the combinations known are:
|
 |
|
Type 4 in different coloured inks, printings on green paper. Here are the black, red and
green versions. Known used September 1893 but discontinued by end of 1893 |
|
 |
|
Type 4 again - this time on grey paper in the black, red and blue shades. The franks
were most probably withdrawn from use in December 1893 |
|
- Black stamp: Papers - white, pale green, dark green, grey, red
- Blue stamp: Papers - white, pale green, grey, red
- Red stamp: Papers-white, pale green, dark green, grey
- Green stamp: Papers - white, dark green, red
Leslie Fletcher et al postulate that the printings in various coloured inks and paper could indicate a distinctive combination of colours for each regiment stationed on the island.
 |
|
|
The Type 4 design printed
on red paper |
|
We believe this is a bit fanciful, as it would cause a lot of extra bookkeeping for their Military post offices. A more likely reason would be that the military had a supply of different papers, and printed the stamp using different inks, what ever was on hand. This would produce a variety of stamps that could be affixed to envelopes, a possible attraction for the troops. The Type 4 is found quite regularly in multiples, mainly pairs, and we suspect were collected by the troops to sell to dealers.
There was a mystery expounded by Fletcher et al, in that they discovered two different types of the stamp numbered 20. In a later article by H.G. Leslie Fletcher (London Philatelist 1967, pages 229-230), he expands on the two types of No. 20, and illustrates one example having come from apparently the bottom left corner of the sheet of 25 (5x5). Of course, this stamp should be numbered 21, assuming the numbering sequence is continuous. Fletcher postulates that the corner copy is a forgery. Incidentally, within this article a number of newly discovered covers are listed - though the number known is still very small.
|
 |
|
 |
|
Type 4 printings on white paper. One theory is that
different colour papers were an indications of different
regiments, however Francis and Charles kiddle believe
the reason for the changes in paper was more pratical
in that whatever was in hand was probably used.
Note also the crossed flag design. |
|
Jim Crompton pointed us in the direction of a website on the subject of New Caledonia at www.rfrojola.com/nceindex.htm (Richard Frajola, PO Box 2679, Ranchos De Taos, NM 87557, US). On that site is illustrated part of a slide show presentation of the five frame exhibit of New Caledonia formed by Frederick Mayer. It was shown at ROMPEX '00 in Denver, Colorado, in May 2000. Here, besides showing a number of proofs, essays and colour trials, there is illustrated two complete sheets of the Type 4 stamps, in red and in blue on grey paper. Looking at the stamp numbering within the sheet, it goes logically from numbers 1 to 20 (first four rows), but the final row is so different. It goes 20, 21, 23, 24 and 25; ie no number 22, and number 20 occurs twice in the sheet. Accordingly, there is no forgery as described in the Fletcher article, but his detailed descriptions make it easy to plate or position stamp number 20 into either the fourth or the fifth row. Returning again to the Fletcher et al article of 1965, the r econstructed sheet (which of course has a gap for stamp numbered 22), is incorrect.
The Military Franks were withdrawn from usage probably in December 1893, thus giving a very short period when they were valid for postal purposes. From 1894, the troops were still allowed a 10 centimes franchise, providing the envelope was signed by the postmaster or had the regimental cachet applied. After 1901, the 15 centimes Mouchon type stamp overprinted 'F.M.' was made available to troops for their letters. |
Home 