THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE

TO THE GREAT BRITAIN LINE ENGRAVED

1d AND 2d STARS 1840 –1864

Volume 18

THE TWO PENCE VALUE – DIE 1

PLATES 1 to 6

Addenda & Corrigenda to the whole series

You will be pleased to know that the last volume in the series completing Ken Statham's Essential Guide to the Line Engraved 1d & 2d Stars has now been printed.

It was always our intention, even whilst Ken was writing and illustrating his publications, to finish with something special.

We are delighted to tell you that with the permission of Messrs Spink, successors to Robson Lowe, we have been authorised to include:-

Photographic reproductions of the 2d Plates 1 to 6 complete reconstructed sheets from the collection of the late C F Dendy Marshall. They felt that the inclusion with this volume of the Essential Guide would be of great benefit to Philately. We have spent some time finding a "photographer" who could provide the best possible reproductions at a realistic cost. We are delighted with the results and the presentation box has been designed so they can fit easily in a pocket on the inside sleeve. This makes them readily accessible for speedy reference and are separate so they can be used in conjunction with Volume 18.

I have used my set of these photographs for many years and I find them invaluable. The actual size is slightly bigger than the originals although the stamps themselves are the same size. There is approximately an extra inch at the top of each photograph to facilitate removal from the protective sleeve without the need to touch the actual stamp images. They are 11 inches by 10 inches, there are 12 photographic images on photographic paper. These photographs are only offered as part of Volume 18. We decided to go to the trouble an expense of photographic reproductions rather than photocopied or printed to get as close as possible to the originals and avoid the "dots" which other alternatives would include.

SOME COMMENTS WE HAVE RECEIVED ABOUT VOLUME 18

"A very fine piece of work …. The photographs of the reconstructed plates are a piece of pure inspiration."

"A Brilliant Finish"

"Thank you for a superb volume. I am absolutely thrilled with it"

"The photographic reconstructions are superb"

"A brilliant reference book"

"I find the books really useful and especially the addenda and corrigenda in the latest set".

"Thanks for a very enjoyable read"

"I admire the time and effort that has gone into this major work."

HISTORY TO THIS VOLUME

Ken's untimely death in June 2003 left us with a full written text and illustrations complete as far as the Plate 4 J Row. This left a number of illustrations to be completed along with the Addenda and Corrigenda. Unfortunately, the illustrations were not immediately available to us, although we knew they were amongst Ken's papers. In addition, we knew that many were not yet drawn individually. However, thanks to the help of the Executors we were able to secure the outstanding paperwork. This coincided with an offer of help from Winston Hollins, completing in a way, a full circle for us, as it was Winston who introduced us to Ken in the late 1970's.

As many Line Engraved collectors will know Winston is not only an enthusiast for the period but a keen collector, author and correspondent especially on the Repairs throughout the whole Line Engraved period with particular expertise on the 2d value. An added advantage for us was Winston's knowledge of computers, which often somewhat out paced ours.

Over the last 18 months or so the final illustrations were completed from Ken's notes and drawings by Winston, who then put together the Addenda and Corrigenda for the whole series using the notes Ken had left. He also added his own Addenda and Corrigenda and some useful information on Earliest Dates and Errors of Watermark.

At this point we must also thank our long time friend and enthusiast John Dellar who kindly "volunteered" to proof read the Book using his knowledge of the subject.

As the publisher I then had the daunting task, with Kathy, of deciding what alterations should be made and what extra information could be added. This was no easy task but I hope I have struck a fair balance. To achieve this I stuck to Ken's original principles.

When we asked Ken Statham to write this series we had no idea how long it would take to complete but we felt it was very important that his immense knowledge of this subject should be made available to collectors in the future. Although this volume is the end of the series I am sure that Ken would have wanted it to be the beginning for philatelists in the future to continue their research. We hope they will be able to achieve the same degree of meticulous care which Ken set as his standard.

Despite the cost of the inclusion of the 12 photographs, the near doubling of the cost of the presentation box etc, etc,we have managed to keep the cost to you in line with that of other volumes.

Volumes 18 covers the 2d Stars Plates 1 to 6 including the plating summary plus the Addenda & Corrigenda by Ken Statham and Winston Hollins and the 12 photographs and includes:

Earliest known/recorded date of usage

224 PAGES and

OVER 745 DIAGRAMS

ILLUSTRATING EACH RECORDED VARIETY

The volume is encased in an
ATTRACTIVE HAND MADE BLACK PRESENTATION BOX
WITH GOLD EMBOSSING

With 12 Photographic reproductions of the

2d Plates 1 to 6 complete reconstructed sheets

from the C.F.Dendy Marshall Collection

neatly enclosed within a special sleeve on inside cover for easy use

We feel that few people would have the knowledge to produce a work of this nature covering the whole of this wonderful philatelic period and we are sure that all readers will find the context and illustrations both interesting and rewarding whether or not their current interests include the Line Engraved Issues. We believe that the whole series which with this publication is now complete is a magnificent reference work of this very interesting period.

We are absolutely delighted that Ken Statham was awarded a GBPS Literature Prize, and a Large Silver Gilt at Autumn Stampex 1997. He has also won the Rowland Hill Award for Research and the GBPS “President’s Cup” for 1999 for this publication. We know just how many hours he dedicated to producing this series of books and are very pleased that his contribution to philately has been rewarded in this way. We know he would be immensely proud as we are that the whole series has been completed and made available to fellow enthusiasts.

THE PRICE OF VOLUME 18

IN PRESENTATION BOX WHICH INCLUDES THE PHOTOGRAPHS IS

£100 plus postage and packaging

Payment may be made by Cheque, Eurocheque, Mastercard (ACCESS) or Barclaycard (VISA)

EARLIER VOLUMES

Although Volumes 2, 3 and 4 are now completely sold we are actively seeking second hand copies to help enthusiasts to complete their sets.

We still have new copies of the sets covering volumes 5 to 17.

If you would like to see a sample in the form of Black Plate 3 (Volume 2) and a page from the Plating Summary so that you can see what the content of the actual volumes is like please write, telephone, fax or email:

Eric Paul Ltd.

PO Box 44,

MARPLE,

Cheshire, SK6 7EE

Telephone: 0161 427 2101

Fax: 0161 427 6386

Email:ericsyrett@ericpaulltd.fsnet.co.uk Web Site www.ericpaul.co.uk

YES PLEASE

SEND ME VOLUME 18

of THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE

to the

GREAT BRITAIN

LINE ENGRAVED 1d and 2d STARS 1840-1864

IN PRESENTATION BOX

including

photographic reproductions of 2d Blue Plates 1 to 6 complete reconstructed sheets

from the late C F Denby Marshall collection.

AT THE PRICE OF £100

Plus Inland Postage £10

Overseas customers please add:- Surface Mail £15, Air Mail £25

Name:
Address:



Telephone No:

I enclose my cheque for £...............................................With/Without Introduction.(please delete as appropriate)

Overseas customers please add:- Surface Mail £15, Air Mail £35

Or Debit: 1) Access(Mastercard) No.............................................................................

2) Barclaycard(Visa) No. ...........................................................................

Expiry date:..................................................Security Code………………

Signed: ...............................................................Date ................................

I would also like to receive Volume 1 – Introduction to the whole Series £25 –

Set of Volume 5 & 6 in Presentation Box £100 plus Post & Packaging –