Match Tax The superb assembly of the proposed 1871 ½d. issue, comprising a die proof in black on glazed white card (60x90 mm.) stamped "Mar. 29 1871." and "BEFORE HARDENING"; the adhesive as prepared in blue on gummed paper with four imperforate corner plate blocks of six (plate numbers "2", "3", "9" and "10"), plate "36" block of twelve, inter-panneau block of twenty-four (the two blocks of twelve arranged tête-bêche), plate "4" pane of twenty-four rouletted 18, an envelope with embossed "INLAND REVENUE" crest on flap and the front inscribed "Return. Stamp prepared by Mr. Lowe for affixing to Lucifer Match boxes, not passed by the House of Commons", colour printed handbill advertising Bryant and May's "Chancellor Matches" showing an example of the tax stamp and jubilantly advising of the new tax "Introduced 20th April 1871 - Withdrawn 25th April 1871", and forgeries of the adhesive in green, dull violet and mauve; mostly good to fine