Identifying the King George V
Watermark Multiple Crown CA Keyplate
3d Yellow Paper Issues

Visual examples with dates from the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue
Updated - December, 2009

 Yellow Paper
1912-1920

White Back
1913-1914

Lemon Paper
1914-1916

Orange-Buff Paper
1918-1921

Buff Paper
1919-1920

Pale Yellow Paper
1920's

This article is intended to help collectors sort the various yellow papers used in the KGV Keyplates from various British Colonies printed by De La Rue. Please note as you observe the various colors displayed that the web is not an absolutely true means for displaying color. So notice the differences, but do not use them to make absolute judgements of your stamps as compared to them.

I find comparing colors to require the use of white and black paper, twin spotlamps, and more than one or two copies of the stamps (as many as possible is helpful).

Place the stamps on the black paper and sort by looking at the back and grouping them by what seems to look the same color. Eliminating the white back and lemon papers which are simple to identify. Then determine whether you see a bright or pale yellow compared to a more brownish or orangish color.

The yellow and pale yellow colors can easily be seen on the front of the stamp. You will also notice a more yellowish color to the back when compared to the buff papers.

The buff and orange-buff papers tend to look more brownish, or will have a lack of yellow in them as compared to the other printings. The orange-buff paper has a hint of orange in it compared to the buff paper which does not seem as yellowish as the others. This is particularly true when you compare the front of the stamps against white paper.

Hopefully this information is useful to you. Please feel free to write with comments, or additional information.