WATERMARKS

1) Normal

Crown

Simple Cypher

Multiple Cypher

Despite the very short life of the Downey Head issues, a total of three different watermarks were used. Initially the "Crown" watermark was used, as had been used on the previous issues of King Edward VII. In time this replaced by two designs based around a crown above the letters GvR.

Some watermarks can also be found inverted. These usually come from blocks of six stamps that would be produced specifically for use within booklets of stamps.