4d. Queensland sideface colours

The 4d stamp has two watermarks. The first, issued on 6 June 1879 is the 1st watermark, Watermark Crown and Q W. 5 (SG 131) and the second one is the 2nd watermark, Watermark Crown and Q W. 6 (SG 141). Both are perf 12 and there are four recurring types in the sheets of 120 stamps (10 x12). The first watermark is much more scarce (Crown and Q W. 5 )

1st watermark

The 4p. was issued on 6 June 1879 and the colour was orange yellow. It is estimated that 220,800 stamps were printed before this first type paper ran out. These stamps lasted through to August 1881. They were probably the result of two printings, as there are two shades of orange-yellow

• the first, the shade of the February 1878 plate proofs but with a heavier, less clear impression
• the second in a lighter shade, with more yellow and a clearer print

2nd watermark
Orange- Yellow [shades] 12 August 1881
It is estimated that 289,920 were printed in two, or possibly three printings. There are basically three groups of shades in these printings:

• Orange-Yellow, August 1881. Similar to the November 1880 colour proofs and lighter than the same colour of the previous 1879 group
• Dull Orange-Yellow, early to late 1882
• Pale Orange-Yellow, about June 1882. This is quite a weak shade