Beer Duty Stamps of Tasmania
by Martin Walker & D. Ingle Smith. Draft version 1.4
YOUR HELP WELCOMED! CAN YOU ADD TO THIS LISTING?
We (Dingle Smith and Martin Walker) are undertaking a study of the Beer Duty stamps of Australia. This is listed by States with a separate section for Commonwealth issues. It is our intention where possible to publish the material for each section in the relevant State Philatelic journal. The first of these is Tasmania and hopefully the final version will be published in The Courier!
The major revisions and additions are to the Commonwealth issues, including the Uniform Series which incorporated the names of the States first issued in 1902. In the study we have used the existing published listings, information from auction catalogues and additional information from a range of Commonwealth and State archives. In addition several collectors of Australian Beer Duty stamps have generously added detail from their collections. For some sets we have listed values that should exist, ie that correspond to increases in Beer Excise duty, but which as yet no stamps have been seen!
We are not attempting a full census of all known copies but would greatly welcome any additional information from members of the Tasmanian Philatelic Society or indeed from any other collectors. This includes specialist Beer Duty collectors but equally as important is information from those who may only have a single Beer Duty stamp.
The listing for Tasmania’s issues is presented in a familiar catalogue format with additional details presented in footnotes to each issue. Following the column for recording the earliest known date (Earliest) are four columns of tick boxes to indicate the existence of the stamp as a proof (P), specimen or reference (S), mint (M) or used (U) example.
£-indicates the item is not yet recorded.
X-indicates the item has been recorded in the hands of collectors or the marketplace.
W-indicates the item has been recorded but only in archival collection(s).
For the issues of the uniform commonwealth design (with state name) we have adopted some the following rules and shorthand to identify the minor differences noted on these issues. Stamps without serial numbers are regarded as proofs and stamps with serial numbers are regarded as mint unless cancelled by a brewery and then they are regarded as used.
Suffixes used after the basic stamp descriptions are –
a) Without a designated space for the serial number
b) With a single space (No._______)
c) With two spaces (No___________ No__________)
1) With one serial number 2) With two serial numbers
type b1 type c2 By example, the 1/6d issue illustrated is b1 -indicating the stamp has one “No.______” space and one serial number whereas the 4/8d surcharge issue is c2 -indicating two “No.______” spaces and two serial numbers.
Beer Duty Stamps of Australia by Martin Walker & D. Ingle Smith. Draft version 1.4
We are keen to hear from any collectors able to add to our knowledge of the existence of the stamps listed and also any additional information not covered by the notes given for each issue.
Please contact either; Dingle Smith or : Martin Walker 5, Vest Place, PO Box 247, Weetangera, Torrensville Plaza, Canberra ACT 2614. SA 5031 phone 02 62543294
Comments and additions, ideally accompanied by scans of items not listed, would be most welcome.
We would especially welcome information on
- the three values listed, but as yet unseen by us, as produced in or about 1894.
- the Tasmanian / Commonwealth issues where it is unclear if all values were issued for all sets.
- mint stamps – are they gummed or ungummed?
- anything appearing in the draft listing in red. These details are yet to be confirmed by corroborating evidence.
It would also be appreciated if information can be sent before Christmas (2008!) and we would hope to provide the final listing for publication by The Courier in the first half of 2009.
Although we are reluctant to do so, the final version will give an indication of price/scarcity as this is always popular with readers! We look forward to your comments.
Dingle Smith & Martin Walker
Beer Duty Stamps of Australia by Martin Walker & D. Ingle Smith. Draft version 1.4