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The stamps were printed by Waterlow and Sons in the UK in a variety of bi-coloured designs and 18 denominations, ranging from ½d to £1. Their production featured intricate engraving, and collectors prize them for their aesthetic quality as well as the numerous plate flaws and colour varieties that emerged over the years. One notable flaw is the "gash in ear" variety found on Queen Mary's portrait, which was created during the printing process and is highly sought after by collectors
The Double Head series includes multiple unique characteristics, such as perforation varieties, colour shifts, and re-entries, making it a favourite among both general collectors and specialists. Despite their visual appeal and historical significance, these stamps were eventually replaced by the Admiral series in 1913.
The new issue of stamps by the BSAC in November 1910 coincided with the Royal Visit of the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, primarily to open the First Parliament of the new 'Union of South Africa', the couple, who were joined by Princess Patricia travelled across the country in the first royal train.
One interesting anecdote tied to the 1910 tour of the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, which may have inspired later embellishments about stamps being damaged, involved cows traveling by train. As part of their royal tour, the pilot train included a cattle truck carrying four cows, which provided fresh milk throughout the journey. The cows survived the entire three-week tour safely, a fact noted with some amusement: "Was this a record rail journey for cows?"
The allure of Rhodesian Double Head stamps lies not only in their striking design and intricate production but also in their role as artefacts of a pivotal time in Southern African and British colonial history.
The issuance of the Double Head stamps in 1910 coincided with the expansion of railways, which were vital for transporting minerals and agricultural products to ports for export. The stamps were used to promote and facilitate communication within the colony and with the broader British Empire. At the same time, tensions were rising between colonial powers, foreshadowing the outbreak of World War I in 1914, which would have far-reaching effects on Southern Rhodesia and the Empire as a whole.
This period also marked an era of increasing imperial symbolism, with stamps, coins, and other official imagery reinforcing British authority and presence in the colonies. The portraits of King George V and Queen Mary on the Double Head stamps not only commemorated the royal visit but also served as a visual reminder of British sovereignty in the region.
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