The Companies Act 1862, together with The Public Offices Fees Act 1866, provided for the collection of fees by means of stamps. Basic registration fees for a company with capital to £2,000 was £2, plus £1 per £1k from £2k to £5k, plus 5/- per £1k from £5k to £100k, plus 1/- per £1k above £100k, capped at £50. There was an administrative fee of 6d per 100 words for copies of a company register and later a fee of 4d per 72 words.
1867 Issue
De La Rue, watermark Ship, perf 15, 56 set.
| Current No. | Duty | No. | Registered | Destroyed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 279 | 6d | 1 | 30 Nov 1866 | 20 Dec 1902 |
| 280 | 1/- | 1 | “ | “ |
| 281 | 5/- | 1 | “ | “ |
| 282 | £1 | 1 | “ | “ |
| 370 | 4d | 1 | 27 Mar 1871 | “ |
Although the 4d plate was registered on 27 Mar 1871, it was not put to press until 27 Oct 1875.
Watermark as seen from the front of the stamp; and cut-down die proofs in carmine, lavender, brown, and green, possibly for the 1867 Paris Exhibition.
1866 5/- die proofs in black and carmine on glazed card. This design was used as the basis for the 1867 5/- postage stamp at the suggestion of the Postmaster General: “His Grace thinks that a design similar to that adopted for the Companies Registration stamp would, especially by reason of its size and distinctive character, be well suited for the 5/- stamp. The colour of the new stamp to be pink of a somewhat deeper shade than the 3d. stamp”.
1881 Issue
De La Rue, watermark Anchor, perf 14, 56 set.
The lilac ink used for this issue is a lighter colour.
King Edward VII
1902 De La Rue Key Types, watermark Orb / Script IR / 2 Orbs, perf 14, 240 / 168 / 120 set.
King George V
1918-21 Key Types, watermark Multi Orb IR (sideways on pounds); 4d known on Orb.
Perf 15×14 (pence & shillings), 14×15 (pounds); 4d known perf 14.
Wartime printings in claret and olive.
King George VI
1947 Key Types, watermark Multi Orb IR.
Perf 15×14 (pence & shillings), 14×15 (pounds).
A new layout of the pounds printing plates had all stamps upright, 12 across by 10 down.
Shilling stamps in shades of green, olive, and yellow.
Queen Elizabeth II
1959 Key Types, watermark Multi Orb IR.
Perf 15×14 (pence & shillings), 14×15 (pounds).
