1883 (September 26).
Two piece (each 30mm x 120mm) from the Appendix Sheet submitted by De La Rue to the Crown Agents in connexion with the proposed new issue of postage stamp by the Malta government, representing a colour scheme for nine values. The 1/2d value (in green) was to use existing Malta 1/2d printing plate (not present), the other eight duties were submitted in the form of the ANTIGUA 1/2d keyplate. Each perforated 12 on watermarked Crown CA paper in the following colours, with manuscript value at right: Rose ('1d'), Grey ('2d'), Blue ('2 1/2d'), Brown ('4d'), Chestnut ('5d'), Sage-green ('6d'), Violet ('1/-') and Yellow ('5/-'). In the event, the first general Malta issue did not appear until January 1st 1885 (1/2d to 1/- colours as proposed (but without the 5d and 6d values), with the large format 5/- value (in Rose) following a year later.
(See J. Easton 'De La Rue History', pp386-388 and 'The De La Rue Collection', p.4573).
A UNIQUE SERIES OF COLOUR TRIALS OF THE HIGHEST IMPORTANCE.
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