The above three stamps show Specimen over-prints on line-engraved, embossed and surface-printed stamps.
1½d and 1s scans courtesy Elstree Stamps, 4d scan courtesy Robert Murray Stamp Shop
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Between 1847 and 1948 some stamps were overprinted with "SPECIMEN" or "CANCELLED". Between 1847 and 1873 examples of new stamps overprinted "SPECIMEN" were distributed to postmasters. From 1879 the overprinted stamps were sent to the UPU for distribution to member administrations. After 1892 the overprints are restricted to values of one shilling and above until 1948. The specimen stamps are listed in Stanley Gibbons Concise catalogue as well as the Specialised. |
Circular to Postmasters showing specimen stamps from Rowland Hill in 1862
Image source British Postal Museum from the R M Phillips Collection. Vol XXXI Pg 18
For more examples of Postmaster Circulars go here