This page is a census of known examples of the 1897 2d blue issue overprinted with the word 'Cancelled'. This handstamp was introduced in the early 1870s to cancel proofs and other samples to be retained by the authorities (Kenneth Scudder, Queensland Postage Stamps 1879 to 1912, p. 366)
It was typeset with sans-serif capitals, 21 mm long and 2.75 mm high. It was applied in black ink on both imperforate and mint gummed issues, wmk 2nd type "Crown Q", perforation 12.5, 13. It is extremely scarce and rated 5R
The Cancelled overprint
Census
Imperforate
An imperforate upper left corner pair printed in bright blue on ungummed wove paper, with double print, handstamped 'CANCELLED' diagonally in black, endorsed “Printer’s Test Stamps”. Seen in Grosvenor auction no 171
An imperforate example in light blue on ungummed unwatermarked wove paper. It is printed on both sides with the original impression on the 'reverse' inverted relative to the 'face'. The diagonal 'CANCELLED' Handstamp on both sides (Inverted on the 'Reverse'). Seen in Abacus auction no 261 lot no 229
An imperforate example from the left-hand side of the sheet printed in bright blue, with a double print and handstamped 'CANCELLED' in black, manuscript at left: "A curiosity. Printer's Test stamps..shadow stamp". Seen in Corinphila auctions
An imperforate example in dark blue on ungummed unwatermarked wove paper. It is printed on both sides with the original impression on the 'reverse' inverted relative to the 'face'. The diagonal 'CANCELLED' Handstamp on both sides (Inverted on the 'Reverse'). Seen in Abacus auction no 261 lot no 229
Perforate
A gummed example with a horizontal 'CANCELLED' handstamp from my collection
A gummed example with a horizontal 'CANCELLED' handstamp seen on Ebay
A gummed example with a diagonal 'CANCELLED' handstamp seen on Ebay
A gummed example with a diagonal 'CANCELLED' handstamp seen in the collection of Dr Andrew Mortlock
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