Great Britain - The Imperforate Issues (1840-1853)

Transition from Red to Black Ink

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During February 1841, a circular was sent to all Postmasters (and Sub-Postmasters) notifying them of the immediate change from the use of red ink to black.

“It having been decided that, in future, all Postage Stamps are to be obliterated with Black Composition instead of the Red, which has been hitherto used: I forward you, herewith, a supply of Black composition for that purpose.

The composition is ready prepared for use in its present state and does not need to be mixed with oil.

You will immediately commence using the Black Composition instead of the Red.”

No single transition date from red to black ink has been conclusively established, although the use of black ink was authorised from 10 February 1841 to coincide with the change in colour of the 1d stamp from black ro red.  It is reasonable to assume that the use of the word “immediately” in the notice implies that this was intended to be the changeover date.
 

[FB] plate 5, from London to Manchester, dated 9 February 1841,
cancelled with a red Maltese cross.

This is the last day of use of the red Maltese cross
 

[DE] plate 9, from London to Greenock, dated 10 February 1841,
cancelled with a black Maltese cross.

This is the first day of use of the black Maltese cross
 

[IB] plate 8, from Kilkenny to London, dated 11 February 1841,
cancelled with a red Maltese cross [e]

Re-directed to Brighton (“2” to pay mark on reverse),
with the stamp being cancelled again, this time with a blackMaltese cross

 

Provincial Post Towns continued using red ink for a few days after 10 February 1841, presumably so as not to waste existing stocks of the red.  However, most had changed over on or before 14 February 1841.

These two covers confirm that Shrewsbury amde the change between 13 and 17 February 1841.
 

[IL] plate 6, from Shrewsbury to Lillenhall, dated 13 February 1841,
cancelled with a red maltese cross

 

[DD] plate 5, from Shrewsbury to Edinburgh, dated 17 February 1841,
cancelled with a black Maltese cross