New Zealand: Second Sidefaces - 1882-1900

The set was introduced in 1882 to serve the dual purpose of prepaying both postal and revenue charges, earlier issues having only postal validity. The ½d was first issued in 1895, the 2½d in 1890 and 5d in 1891.

Four different papers were used during the period 1882-1898, and the Waterlow paper was used for a provisional printing of the ½d and 2d in 1900.

The original perforating machine used was a comb machine gauging 12 x 11½. This was followed in 1890 by two rotary machines gauging 10 and in 1896 by a rotary machine gauging 11. The latter was used in conjunction with one of the rotary 10 machines for a time, but from 1897 the rotary 11 machine was used alone. Throughout the period an older perf. 12½ (line) machine was occassionally used alone or in combination with the 'nearly 12', 10 and 11 machines. It was also used to reperforate sheets originally defectively perforated thus giving rise to 'mixed' perforations. The multiplicity of machines and the occassional use of two machines in combination resulted in a wider range of perforation varieties than is found in any other group of New Zealand stamps.

It would seem that at times defective electros were replaced by new ones held in reserve, such 'substituted electros' being recognisable by characteristic flaws in design. These are of considerable interest to the specialist.

Designs

Based on those of the First Sideface issue of 1874, adapted by W.H Norris to include the words "Postage and Revenue". In the ½d the head was copied from coins of the period. The design was the work of F.W Sears. The head on the 2½d was copied from Jubilee coins of 1887, the 2½d, being designed by A.E Cousins, the 5d by A.W Jones.

Dies, Plates and Printing

The dies were engraved by W.R Bock and A.E Cousins. Electrotypes were made by W.H Kirk of the Government Printing Office, and the printing was by the Government Printer, Wellington. 
The dies of the 1d and 2d values were retouched by A.E Cousins in 1886 and again in 1889. The 6d value was retouched in the later year.

Composition of Sheets

Sheets of 240 in four panes of 60 (10 horizontal rows 6)

Identification of Papers used

Four papers were used apart from the provisional use of the thick Waterlow paper, used sideways for the ½d and 2d in 1900. These papers are known for convinience as the 'first', 'second', 'third', and 'fourth' papers.

• First Paper - 1882 to 1888
  This is similar to the paper used for the First Sideface issue. It differs from the others in having a Horizontal Mesh and in its watermark, in which there is a distance of 6mm between the foot of the 'NZ' and the top of the 'Star'.
  
  Second Paper - 1888-1898
  A fine quality smooth paper with Vertical Mesh, in the watermark there is a distance of 7mm between the foot of the 'NZ' and the top of the 'Star'.
  
  Third Paper - 1890-91
  A good quality paper with Vertical Mesh, the watermark having only 4mm between 'NZ' and 'Star'. Also known as 'Life Insurance' paper.
  
  Fourth Paper - 1898
  A coarse paper with very clear Vertical Mesh. Found only with perf. 11. The watermark is the same as in the 'Second' paper

Acknowledgements: CP Catalogue of New Zealand Stamps

Original Set
A) Paper with horiz mesh (1.4.82-86)
wmk. NZ & Star 6mm
a) p12 x 11.5
SG 187 - 193






b) p12.5 (1884?)
wmk. NZ & Star 6mm
1d Rose to Rose-red (die 1) HM
Rose (shades)
SG 193a



Dave