Original Colours

The postage dues of King George VI continued on from those of King Edward VIII. They were printed in letterpress by Harrison & Sons on paper with an “GviR” sideways watermark.

Watermarks shown as seen from the front of the stamp.

1937-38 “GviR”, Sideways

½d	Emerald	1938
1d	Carmine	1938
2d	Agate	1938
3d	Violet	1938
4d	Dull Grey-green	1937
5d	Yellow-brown	1938
1s	Deep Blue	1937
2/6	Purple/Yellow	1938

All except the ½d are known sideways-inverted.
Only one used 2/6 sideways-inverted is known (ex Lajer).

Specimens

Overprinted “Specimen” Type 23.

Varieties

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Broken “2” in “½” occurs at row 3/14, 7/13, 9/9.
Rounded “2” in “½” occurs at row 9/13.

The 2d is known bisected at: Robin Hood’s Bay Station, Yorks (1938); Boreham Wood (1951); Camberley (1951); Harpenden (1951, 1954); St Albans (1951).

Overprints

Postage Dues were overprinted “M.E.F.” (Middle East Forces) beginning in 1942. In Eritria and Tripolitania, these were replaced by B.M.A. (British Military Administration) from 1 July 1948, and B.A. (British Administration) from 6 Feb 1950.

1942: ½d, 1d, 2d, 3d, 1s

1948: 5, 10, 20, 30 Cents, and 1 Shilling

1948: 1, 2, 4, 6, 24 M.A.L. (Military Authority Lira)

1950: 5, 10, 20, 30 Cents, and 1 Shilling

1950: 1, 2, 4, 6, 24 M.A.L. (Military Authority Lira)

For stamps overprinted “Southern Rhodesia” see Changed Colours.

Control Blocks

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I: Imperforate    P: Perforated bottom margin

Control Q44 is listed in some catalogues but this should not exist.

Covers

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For the import of stockings post-war:
the Malta cover attracted 3/- Purchase Tax plus a Post Office fee of 6d;
the Gibraltar one attracted 6/- Purchase Tax plus a Post Office fee of 6d