Mechanical Copyright stamps

Allan & Co

Australia, Music Publisher.

Allans had its origins in the music selling firm of Wilkie & Webster, formed in Melbourne in 1850. In 1862 George L. Allan joined and the name became Wilkie, Webster & Allan. By the time he was 21, he had become a partner and the name became Allan & Co. In 1936 the Sydney branch of the company joined with Nicholson & Co Ltd of Sydney, which lasted until the mid-1950’s when Allans sold their shares. In the mid-1970’s the form became part of Brash’s Holdings, continuing as a separate operation. As Allans Music Group, the company continues today as one of Australia’s largest music publishers and retailers.

Type	Image	Details
1a		Date: 1918 Issues: 2 Size: 16.5 mm. Perf: 11 Rarity: RRR Design: Ornamental border, "ALLAN & CO / MELBOURNE" and value handstamped in centre.
1b		Date: c1918 Issues: 1 Size: 16x16 mm. Perf: 11 Rarity: RRRR Design: As Type 1a, but oval and value printed in black.
2		Date: 1922-66 Issues: 100+ Size: 17 mm. Perf: 11 or roulette 7 Rarity: CC Design: "ALLAN & CO PTY LTD" in arc at top, "MUSIC PUBLISHERS MELBOURNE" in arc below. FLoral-style ornaments in corners. Basic colour changed over the years, starting in olive-green, then blue (the commonest), then red or rose, finally back to blue.
3		Date: 1923-29 Issues: 15 Size: 15.5x14 mm. Perf: 11 Rarity: RR Design: Allan's trademark script logo in central panel, value below and "W.G.C" above, the meaning of which is a mystery.
4		Date: 1924-28 Issues: 4 Size: 17 mm. Perf: 14x15 Rarity: RR Design: Same basic design as also used for J. Albert & Son, L.F. Collin and D. Davis & Co. New Zealand in green, Australia in red. Printed in England by Harrisons for some records exported to Australia.

Gallery Items

On reverse of Kingsley cardboard record

One of 5 on back of Viking EP

1d and 3/4d olive-green on Mastertouch medley roll, with Alberts (x2) and Davis.

Note: The images above are those actually used for my publication "Stamps on Music". They were taken at 600dpi, and at 150% actual size. This means if this page is printed, the images will come out quite clear. Each image here is further hyperlinked to the original JPG, which will display quite large on your screen.