QV 1844 1d Pink S1 embossed letter sheet type 2 SG SL1 Die 61 Cancelled 1846

The Mulready envelopes and sheets that were launched in May 1840 met with such public derision that they were very quickly replaced with embossed envelopes and paper. They were released in February 1841, initially using up the existing stock of Mulready paper (Dickinson) and then continuing with Dickinson ‘silk thread’ paper with a different ‘silk thread’ (actually a twisted cotton yarn) arrangement.

The embossed head is S1 with the ‘sinuous lock’ pendant curl  at the back of Queen Victoria’s head. This was used until 1864. Dies 1 to 115 were struck from it and the die number is found at the bottom of the Queen’s next preceding the WW initials of William Wyon.

This letter sheet (SG SL1) has the ‘silk threads’ (type 2 - one red and one blue) running parallel with the top of the folded front. Letter sheets were introduced on 18th February 1844

Embossed head Die 61

Cancelled with an indistinct 1844 town cancel.
Also has a very clear Newton Abbot Oct 11 1846 cancel

Address to Thos. Martin, Seal Engraver, Newton Abbot.

Please examine photographs as these are part of the description and show condition. AG53/34e