Comparing the number 77 from the accepted stamps showing a

plate number 77 with the roller impression and with each other

 

Abed H Najjar

 

Impressions from the master die were made on a roller which in turn carried seven of these impressions. Each impression had the plate number engraved on it and each of the seven impression was used to make the corresponding plate by a process of gentle rocking on the plate into predefined positions.

This was done 240 times producing the complete plate of 240 impressions.

The corner letters were finally punched on in order to complete the process.

Needless to say that as these 240 impressions all come from one die then they must all be identical!

The British Library holds impressions of each of these dies on paper. These appearing as embossed impressions.

http://www.1dplate77.com/1dplate77/Comaprisonswiththerollerimpressions.htm

Plate 73 roller image and stamps imprimatur

Below are images of the plate 73 roller impression and a plate 73 imprimatur stamp SK. The roller impression shows the features and position of

the number '73' which can be compared with the printed version on the plate 73 stamps themselves. They are indeed very similar.

 

 

 

Note the evident dashes next to numbers '7' and '3'. These dashes are an integral part of the design and form a part of the master die. The plate number was engraved next or around it on the roller impression for each plate. Note the gap below the numbers 73 which will appear red on the printed stamp.

 

Note the clear dash next to the number '7' this dash, which although evident on the plate 77 roller impression, is absent on the printed stamps.

The image in reverse again clearly shows the two dashes next to each number.

These dashes, while clearly evident next to each ''7' on the plate 77 roller impression, are completely absent on all the 'Plate 77' stamps illustrated.

How can this be so if they are printed from it?

 

'Plate' 77 stamps images in colour

 

Below are images of the plate 77 roller impression which show the shape and position of the two '7's to which one can compare the printed versions from the accepted stamps. These are illustrated in colour, in reverse and in black and white.

Close scrutiny is essential in order to compare the shape and positions of the '7's with each other and with the roller impression. The 7s must be identical in shape and position to each other on all the stamps and similar to those on the roller impression. It is perfectly clear that hey are not.

 

Plate wear is not a valid excuse on an imprimatur sheet from a plate that may have only printed a handful of sheets, if that, as was the case with plate 77.

 

Note the dashes next to each '7'. These are absent on all the right hand '7's as can be seen below. The right hand '7' does not touch the intersection.
Plate 77 roller impression left panel Plate 77 roller impression right panel  
 
Plate 77 Stamp AB left panel Plate 77 Stamp AB right panel  

How can an impression from an imprimatur sheet' be so evidently lacking in prominent features and show '7's as differing as these?

 
Plate 77 Stamp BA left panel Plate 77 Stamp BA right panel  
The right hand '7' on the right hand panel is of particular interest
Plate 77 Stamp PH left panel Plate 77 Stamp PH right panel  
 
Plate 77 Stamp LL left panel Plate 77 Stamp LL right panel  

This scan is from a printed image.

Note the left hand '77's both of which do not touch the base and point centrally down!
Plate 77 Stamp PI left panel Plate 77 Stamp PI right panel  

 

 

'Plate' 77 stamps images in reverse colour

 

Note the clear dashes next to each '7', These are absent on all the right hand '7's as can be seen below. The right hand '7' does not touch the intersection and the base should be red on the printed stamp.
Plate 77 roller impression left panel Plate 77 roller impression right panel  

Note the complete absence of the two dashes next to each '7' on all four stamps.
Plate 77 Stamp AB left panel Plate 77 Stamp AB right panel  

How can an impression from an imprimatur sheet' be so evidently lacking in prominent features and show '7's as differing as these?

A re-engraved number would undoubtedly answer this question.
Plate 77 Stamp BA left panel Plate 77 Stamp BA right panel  

Note the right hand '7' which is thick and sloping and the left hand '7' which has no top.
Plate 77 Stamp PH left panel Plate 77 Stamp PH right panel  
 
Plate 77 Stamp LL left panel Plate 77 Stamp LL right panel  

 
Plate 77 Stamp PI left panel Plate 77 Stamp PI right panel  

 

 

'Plate' 77 stamps images in black and white

 

 
Plate 77 Stamp AB left panel Plate 77 Stamp AB right panel  
 
Plate 77 Stamp BA left panel Plate 77 Stamp BA right panel  
 
Plate 77 Stamp PH left panel Plate 77 Stamp PH right panel  
 
Plate 77 Stamp LL left panel Plate 77 Stamp LL right panel  

 
Plate 77 Stamp PI left panel Plate 77 Stamp PI right panel  

 

 

An interesting anomaly

 

W R Wiggins makes the following statement, as a way of identifying plate 77 stamps, in his book:

The Postage Stamps of Great Britain Part Two, The Perforated line engraved issues-1962.

 

 

 

Tapling stamp BA-

left hand panel

Fletcher stamp PH-

left hand panel
Stamp LL left hand panel

Stamp PI left hand panel

(from printed copy)

 

It is quite clear that not one of these examples shows the features commonly accepted for the positions of the '7's as stated in Wiggins book. It is also surprising that Wiggins uses the words '..in used copies'. Does he imply that they are different on the unused copies?

How can plate numbers which must be identical in feature and position be as different as these are?

I have no doubt that the GB specialists as a whole were confused when it came to any explanation regarding plate 77 stamps.