The Transvaal One Penny Arms Stamps 1870-1885

Lars Jørgensen RDPSA FRPSL, Grand Prix National winner at Cape Town 2022 WSC with his “South African Republic Transvaal 1869-1885”, has recently published the results of his latest research in more than 500 pages.

This in-depth study covers all aspects of the first Transvaal one penny stamp: from the making of the printing plates to the details of the overprint settings used on the basic stamp and from different perforations to usage on cover. The study is published by the Transvaal Study Circle and is divided over two richly illustrated volumes:

Volume I – The ZAR Issues and the Overprinted Issues of the First British Occupation 1870-1879 (A4 size, 294 pages); ISBN 978-1-9997203-2-2.
Volume II – The 1883 Re-Issued One Penny of the Second ZAR (A4 size, 224 pages); ISBN 978-1-9997203-3-9.

A substantial part of the two volumes is dedicated to a complete description of all positions of the one penny printing plates. It is explained and illustrated how gradual wear and tear over time influenced the printing plates. For each position it is specified when identification features first occur and/or disappear. Additionally:

All surreptitious printings and fake stamps have been described in depth.
For each issue of the genuine stamps details of the printing/s are provided including an extensively illustrated guide on correct identification.
Information on rarity, largest known multiples and usage on cover is provided.
The overprint settings used on the one penny stamps during the British Occupation are dealt with comprehensively and identification features of all settings/positions are illustrated.

While the positions of the 1883 re-issue have previously been described the current publication breaks new ground. For each position different stages of deterioration are established and the development of new flaws mapped. As for the earlier issues, covered in volume I, it is the first time that all positions have been described. The research has led to several other discoveries including previously unknown papers, sequence of printings, which plates were used for which printings and the fact that the ‘narrow set’ one penny printing plate was a plate of 16.

The two volumes are obtainable from the author, Lars Jørgensen, at lars.jorgensen.fs@gmail.com or from the Transvaal Study Circle treasurer.transvaalstudycircle@gmail.com.
The price for the two volumes is €90 (+ €18 postage and packaging for Europe).

Sample pages: https://fepanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/LJ_sample_pages.pdf

Info flyer: https://fepanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/LJ_1d_book_info-flyer_v3.pdf