This is a 'type' of label which, in an historical context, is impossible to pinpoint. The word 'type' is only loosely applied because it seems that, the heading apart, standardisation was thrown out of the window. These labels are coined 'transitionals' which is a term beloved of label (and other) collectors when anything defies categorisation. One characteristic of these labels which a potential collector must be mindful of is that they suffer badly from dessication which is possibly the result of the lack of a cotton content in the paper. This means that an apparently perfect specimen can crumble before one's eyes if handled with anything less than subtlety. This state of affairs is exacerbated by the use of very thin paper in most cases. We also see the advent of a white (the generally used term to describe the paper colour) which varies from brilliant white to something approaching a biscuit shade.

The physical state into which these labels can fall is amply demonstated in the illustrations although, as can be clearly seen, the bright white ones have fared much better than the others.

The bulk of these labels have a common font for the station of origin and that has been described as a spidery font. Whereas the earliest labels, as shown above, vary little in size these do vary quite considerably. For the first time some destinations are printed entirely in upper case and are sometimes spread over two lines. The 'red' factor also manifests itself in a few cases but, again, there is no apparent logic to the application of different coloured inks.

The red printed example has been included also for a feature that is very rare on Brighton labels: an overstamped station name. This is the only such example on white paper in the author's collection although there are few overstamps on green labels.