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Windsor Spoofs

It might well have been the British Post Office’s refusal to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lewis Carol’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” that prompted the artist Gerald King to produce his own “Alternative” collection but, judging by the depth with which he later treated the Jubilees, one can’t help feeling that he had a soft spot for the Windsor Castle design.

His Lundy set consists of ˝, 1, 2 and 9 puffins, (the currency of this island in the Bristol Channel). Corner marginal blocks of four show a De La Rue imprint and, incongruously, one value shows the Bradbury extra flagstaff.

The issue is not without related items. There are:

Frame & vignette die proofs

 

- on card, signed and with imprint, (this time of Bradbury’s). Some of the vignette proofs show an extension of the design to show the words “Windsor Castle”.

 

 

Specimens

- overprinted in red. I have seen two versions of these.

 

Negative impressions

- all values. Gerry doesn’t know how these came about.

Imperf un-gummed values; Colour trials & Essays; and using tinted papers

First Day Covers – several designs

Other covers

– which include one with Gerry’s own postage due on it.

As to the exhibition cover above, Gerry didn’t recognise it. It’s his stamp but somebody else’s cover and cancel.

Shades

As to shades, Gerry writes: “Up to now I think there cannot be more than 40 sets floating about; I cannot remember the details of first production (all are by laser copier but not all by the same machine -- I kept hacking around looking for the best; finally found it in Halesworth, 2 miles from where I live;  So there are probably three or four shades , in fact one of the earlier halfpennies was bright green,  the 9d bright blue;  but generally they should be the colours you have now.  I very much doubt whether the total output will exceed say 60-80---- I am 72 now, and only produce to order or an occasional foray on ebay.”

Some collectors might be under the impression that Gerald King restricted his spoof issues to Lundy. There is, however, a set for Burma (in annas & rupees) and, perhaps due to disappointment with the litho issue, GB values but with E2R’s Machin head. Also, further such values for Her Majesty’s own Golden Jubilee.

Although all these are clearly of unofficial status, one occasion seems to bestow some sort of approval when the postmark on this example tied one of his imperforate stamps to this postally delivered cover.

AJA - June 2008, modified September 2008