Lot 65967 – 1900-05 Arms Issue 12c. in green, essay with the value tablet excised and “12 cents” in claret inserted

1908 Arms 12c essay of the accepted design for the 1910 issue, with the value tablet excised and “12 CENTS” in claret inserted (although the 12c value did not come in this design until 1921), the join touched up in Chinese white, affixed to card (90x115mm), dated “June 24th 08” and endorsed “Dupl.”(icate); ex De La Rue Archives (illustrated on p.1917 in the De La Rue Collection by Frank Walton et al), Marion and “Port Louis”.

Note: On January 7th 1908, the Crown Agents called for new Arms designs, one small and one large, bearing the words “Postage and Revenue”. De La Rue’s designs of January 16th resulted in a request for a rectangular design, and this further design on January 31st, together with the two earlier designs were sent to Mauritius. On June 19th, the Crown Agents wrote that it had been decided to have a key-plate of the Arms including “Postage and Revenue” for use with the existing duty plates. This design of June 24th was approved on July 2nd.