The 1938 To 1957 Period. The introduction, in 1937 and 1938, of the various denominations of a new definitive postage stamp series, rotary-printed from recess plates, marked the beginning of a new era in Australian postage stamp production. The adoption of the new technique had an almost immediate effect upon the postage due series. It was decided that the name or frame plate should be printed by the recess process but because the stamps were bicolours it was found to be more convenient for the second printing to be continued by the letterpress method. At that time it was noted, and placed on record, that the letterpress dies and plates were considerably worn and would need replacement in the near future. To create the recess frame plate, it was first necessary to engrave a new die. The frame presentation followed the same general pattern as before but differed markedly in detail. It will be noticed (Fig. 18) that the formation of the letters varied considerably when compared with stamps of the immediately prior series and that over the whole frame design pattern other slight differences occurred. No alterations were made at that time to the duty plates and the same denominational range as before was maintained. The first values in the new series to be distributed were the 1d. and 2d., on 7th May, 1938. Other printings quickly followed and by July the complete series had been introduced into use. Tenth Series, 1938-46 (Fig. 18). Frames recess-printed and centres letterpress-printed on paper ½d., 1d., 2d., 3d., 4d., 6d., 1/-. Eleventh Series. The earlier decision to replace the several letterpress plates of the postage due series was not implemented at the time originally intended because of the outbreak of World War II and ensuing staff and material shortages at the Note Printing Branch. However, the task was taken in hand late in 1945 and it was then found necessary to prepare a completely new set of dies and letterpress plates for each current denomination. In the development of the new dies, various small changes of detail came about, although the general form of presentation remained the same. So far as the pence values were concerned, an easily discernable point of difference was the shape of the coloured portion inside the letter "D". This was in the form of a segment of a circle (Fig. 19). Previously, it had appeared as an upright rectangle rounded on the outer corners. The new form of the denominational expression in the 1/— stamp may also be readily distinguished from the earlier form by the fact that it had three lines of shading, instead of six as previously. There were also numerous other small differences and colour shades occurred to some extent. It should be noted that the frame design accorded with that of the tenth series. Distribution of the series was commenced on 14th May, 1946 and by the following year the 1d., 2d., 3d., 6d. and 1/- values had appeared. Because of the small demand, and the existence of substantial stocks of the earlier printings, the 4d. denomination was not issued until late in 1951 or early in 1952 and the 2d. did not appear until 1956. These values completed the basic range as had been expressed in the 1938 series but it may be noted that the 1½d. stamp of the eighth series (1921-30) was still maintained in stock at many post offices. During 1948, a need was felt for a 5d. postage due stamp and its provision was authorized on 15th May, 1948. The Note Printing Branch was suitably advised and was in a position to commence printing late in October. The initial distribution took place on 10th December, 1948. Eleventh Series, 1946 - 56 (Fig.19). Frames recess-printed and centres letterpress-printed on paper watermarked as Fig. 17. Shades of carmine and green. Perf. 14½ x 13¾. ½d., 1d., 2d., 3d., 4d., 5d., 6d., 1/-. Twelfth Series. Following a review of the postage due series, it was decided early in 1953 to provide also 7d., 2/- and 5/- denominations. The 7d. stamp was required because of the 1951 postal rate changes and the other two denominations because of operational requirements. It was decided at this time to discontinue the 1½d. stamp, which had been first issued in 1925 and continued to be held in stock. The Note Printing Branch was requested on 8th April, 1953, to prepare the necessary designs and was asked, so far as the two new high value stamps were concerned, to ensure that these would be sufficiently distinctive to obviate confusion with 2d. and 5d. stamps. The new designs were approved on 22nd June, 1953, and the three new stamps introduced into use on 26th August, 1953. So that the 1/- postage due stamp would conform in appearance with the new 2/- and 5/- stamps, the values being expressed on a white ground in each instance, a new design was prepared for this value also. The design was approved on 11th September, 1953, and the stamp introduced into use on 17th February, 1954. A further change in postal rates, from 1st October, 1956, brought about the requirement for an 8d. stamp. The design, which followed the pattern established in the eleventh series, was approved on 6th February, 1957, and the stamp issued on 24th April, 1957• It was decided, at the time the 8d. stamp was authorized, to cease printing the 2d., 3d. and 6d values, thus establishing the revised range of denominations as ½d., 1d., 4d., 5d., 7d., 8d., 1/-, 2/- and 5/-. Twelfth Series, 1953-57 (Figs 20 to 23). Frames recess-printed and centres letterpress-printed on paper watermarked as Fig. 17. Shades of carmine and green. Perf. 14½ x 13¾, 7d., 8d., 1/-, 2/-, 5/-. The Unwatermarked Series: 1958-1961. It was decided on 17th January, 1957, that postage due stamps of denominations below 5/- should be printed on unwatermarked paper. This was in line with the practice then followed in regard to the printing of postage stamps. At the time, considerable quantities of finished and partly finished stocks of the several denominations were on hand and it was not practicable to put the decision into effect for approximately twelve months. Early in 1958 distribution was commenced of some values of the series on unwatermarked paper but specific dates of issue were not arranged as earlier stocks held at post offices had first to be exhausted. Initial supplies of the 1d. and 8d. stamps were first sent out from the Note Printing Branch on 25th February, 1958, and of the 2d., 4d. and 5d. two days later. The first supplies of 1/— stamps were distributed on 6th May, 1958. In view of the subsequent change of sheet format, as explained later, it may be noted here that the above stamps were issued in sheets of 120 divided into two panes each of 60 stamps, (10 rows of 6). This sheet arrangement had been maintained since 1918. It may also be observed that the 7d. and 2/— stamps were not printed on unwatermarked paper at this time because substantial stocks on watermarked paper were still held. Thirteenth Series 1958 (Figs. 20 to 23). Frames recess—printed and centres letterpress—printed. Unwatermarked paper. Shades of carmine and green. Perf. 14½ x 13¾ ½d., 1d., 4d., 5d., 8d., 1/-, Revised Sheet Format. After the Note Printing Branch had commenced the printing of postage due stamps on unwatermarked paper, it was found that some paper wastage was occurring because of the shape of the printed stamp sheets in relation to that of the paper being used. To avoid this, the Note Printing Branch proposed that in future, the sheet arrangement should be varied so that while the sheets would still contain 120 stamps, as had long been the case, each sheet would be arranged in panes of 60 stamps, in twelve rows of five units. (to be continued) Extracted from APO Philatelic Bulletin no 70, February 1965 | 
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