Great Britain - The Imperforate Issues (1840-1853)

Experimental Black Cross

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Trials on the formulation on ink during the Summer of 1840 had concluded that the ink used in the cancellation of stamps should change from red to black but before this could occur a wider scale and practical test was required.

On 31 August 1840, the London District Post, which dealt with items posted and to be delivered to addresses within London, began such an experiment.  Local London letters cancelled with a black Maltese cross from this date have become known as having an “experimental black cross”.
 

[PI] plate 2, sent locally within London, dated 31 August 1840,
cancelled with a black Maltese Cross.

This is the first day of use of the experimental black Maltese Cross in London
There are seven other recorded examples used on the First Day.
 

[HI] plate 1 sent within London dated 2 September 1840,
cancelled with a black experimental maltese cross.

This is the third day of use of the black cross in London and
the second earliest recorded use cancelling a 2d blue.
 

[CL] plate 4, from Otley to London, dated 11 November 1840,
cancelled with a red Maltese cross

then re-directed, within London, on 14 November 1840, by the addition of
[IK] plate 1a, cancelled with the experimental black Mlatese cross

The first 1d black was also re-cancelled with the black Maltese cross
 

Additional items not in display
 

[OG] plate 3, sent from London to East Barnet, dated 31 August 1840,
cancelled with a black Maltese cross [e]

First day of use of the experimental black cross in the London District office