Ceylon postage stamp year 1861-64 QV 1d dull blue wmk p14

Ceylon postage stamp year 1861-64 QV 1d dull blue wmk p14 19a cat £225 The Ceylon 1861–64 One Penny (1d) Dull Blue is a classic and highly studied issue from the early Perkins Bacon & Co. engraved era. This specific stamp marks the crucial period when Ceylon transitioned from imperforate sheets to the introduction of machine perforations, which were notoriously erratic during these initial years. Technical Specifications & Details Catalog References: SG 19 (Stanley Gibbons) / Scott 18 Design: Features the famous Chalon-style head of a young Queen Victoria in profile, facing left, enclosed in an oval frame with “CEYLON” at the top and “ONE PENNY” at the bottom. Method of Printing: Recess engraved by Perkins Bacon & Co. on hand-made paper. Watermark: Star (Specifically the classic Large Star watermark used for early British colonial issues). Perforation: Clean-cut or rough Perf 14 to 15 (commonly summarized in catalogs simply as Perf 14). Philatelic Nuances to Watch For The Perforation Varieties During the 1861–1864 window, the perforation machine needles were frequently dull or poorly aligned. Because of this, you will find this stamp in two distinct states: Clean-Cut Perforations: The holes are punched entirely clear of paper discs. Rough Perforations: The paper discs cling to the edges, giving the stamp a “ragged” or fuzzy appearance. Both variations are correct for this period, but clean-cut examples generally command a premium. Paper & Shade Variations The hand-made paper used by Perkins Bacon during this era often caused variations in how the ink was absorbed. The dull blue shade can lean slightly toward a deeper blue or display a more grayish-blue cast over time. Expert Note: Be careful not to confuse this issue with the later 1863–66 De La Rue printings of the 1d value. The De La Rue printings were produced via typography (surface printed) rather than engraving, feature a completely different frame layout, and bear the Crown CC watermark. Catalog Valuation & Market Status As an early engraved classic with a clear star watermark, the 1d dull blue is highly sought after by British Commonwealth collectors. Used Condition: Readily available but condition is everything. Clean cancellations (such as the early Ceylon barred ovals or numerals) that do not heavily obscure Victoria’s face are preferred. Mint Condition: Unused or Mint Never Hinged (MNH) examples are genuinely scarce and carry a significant catalog premium, as most of these lower-value stamps were heavily used for local domestic drop-letter rates at the time.