A surface-printed 1880s 3d-on-3d lilac or 6d-on-6d lilac?
n the early 1880s a number of developments in postage stamp usage and production brought about changes in the appearance of issues purchased at post-office counters. The first occurred as a result of continuing attempts by fraudsters to remove cancellations from used stamps. Although never successful on a massive scale, the crime’s nuisance value prompted defensive measures by the Post Office to develop fugitive inks. Their use meant that, 20 December 1882:
