4d. Queensland cliche type

The 4d. sheet of 120 stamps was composed of 30 recurring cliches or dies. Each cliche was a single die-impressed mould of 4 types. It was derived from the Original 1d Die. with the FOUR PENCE being separately engraved on each of the four subjects of the new quadruple die. The types can be difficult to distinguish. Usually looking at a combination of the spacings of the lower letters helps.

Type 1

• Curved line of the lower right spandrel joins the horizontal line below. Similar to Type II
• The end of the additional curl to the bottom of the right omament points directly to the lower bar of the 2nd "E" of "PENCE"
• The letters of "FOUR" are evenly spaced, as are those in Type II, but there is more space between "OU", and the "R" is narrower, than in Type II
• "NC" of "PENCE" is wider apart than in Types III and IV. Similar to Type II
• May have a white spot below 2nd "E" of "QUEENSLAND"
• May have a split in the vertical frame line of the upper left spandrel
• Curved line of the lower left spandrel does not join the vertical frame line

Type 2

• In the right side ornament, the "reversed S" 1s usually undamaged
• Curved line of the lower right spandrel joins the horizontal line below. Similar to Type I
• Break in the thin lower frame line at the left comer, where it does not meet the vertical frame line
• The letters of "FOUR" are evenly spaced, as are those in Type I, but there is less space between "OU' and the R’ is broader
• "NC" of "PENCE" is wider apart than in Types III and IV. Similar to Type I
• May show coloured flaw above lst "E" of "QUEENSLAND"
• Flaw between "SL" of "QUEENSLAND" which varies in prominence

Type 3

• lst "N" of "QUEENSLAND" has a short right leg. Similar to Type IV
• There is often a fine white line joining the upper points of the lst "N" of "QUEENSLAND"
• In FOUR , there is more space between "F0" than between "OU", and a wider space still between "UR"
• "NC" of "PENCE" is closer together than in Types I and II. Similar to Type IV. Also the "C" may be thick or thin
• 1st "E" of "QUEENSLAND" has a slightly longer lower bar
• No break in the left vertical frame line at the lower corner

Type 4

• Break in the thin upper frame line adjacent to the left corner
• lst "N" of "QUEENSLAND" has a short right leg. Similar to Type III
• "NC" of "PENCE" is closer together than in Types I and II. Similar to Type III
• Curved line of the lower right spandrel does not join the horizontal frame line at an acute angle

I have shown the most prominent characteristics in the block of 4 below

Type 1, Type 2
Type 3, Type 4