General characteristics:
| Heading and notes: | Heading has three lines starting "ISSUED../NEW.../COLONIAL...". |
| Message area: | Boxes numbered to 40 in 8 rows on both left and right sides of the form. |
| Reverse side: | Boxes numbered 45 to 110 in 14 rows on both left and right sides. |
| Colours (text & form): | Red on blue paper. |
| Size of form overall: | 231 × 215 mm. |
Distinctive characteristics of the form:
- printed in red on blue paper;
- curved heading for NEW SOUTH WALES ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH;
- has NSW Stores number St 637 at left above the top line;
- has boxes numbered to 40 on the front and numbered to 110 on the reverse side;
- has 13 regulations printed towards the base on the reverse side;
- the main distinctions across the varieties are:
7A: no text at the base of the main "Telegram from ..." box;
7B: two lines of text at the base of the main "Telegram from ..." box and 13 Regulations on the reverse side;
7C: two lines of text at the base of the main "Telegram from ..." box and 13 Regulations plus a SPECIAL DELIVERY note on the reverse side;
The general format instituted here became the standard for all following NSW delivery forms.
NC-DO-7Aa and 7Ab.
Manilla to Tamworth
19 December 1879.
Manilla to Tamworth
19 December 1879.
One of the earliest uses of a NSW date stamp on a telegram.
Another example of NC-DO-7A was used to provide a detailed account of one of the Kelly incidents.
Characteristics of DO-7A:
- there is no text at the base of the main box "TELEGRAM from..." on the front;
- has 13 regulations on reverse side (see below).
NC-DO-7A (reverse side).
Characteristics:
- boxes numbered 45 to 110 on both left and right sides;
- 13 regulations at the base of the reverse side.
 NC-DO-7Aa - reverse side, top left corner: St. 637 on the front but no stores number above (Line) 45 on the reverse side. |
 NC-DO-7Ab - reverse side, top left corner: Stores number St 637 above (Line) 45. |
The distinguishing characteristic between DO-7Aa and DO-7Ab is the absence or presence of the Stores number on the reverse side. |
NC-DO-7B (a, b, c and d).
Melbourne via the inter-colonial line to Sydney 31 July 1880 on DO-7Bb.
Melbourne via the inter-colonial line to Sydney 31 July 1880 on DO-7Bb.
This a telegraphic message for Mr. Jennings who was in charge of activities of the Melbourne Exhibition held 1 October 1880 to 30 April 1881 in the Carlton Garden.
Scarce Sydney date stamp on a telegram. This form is DO-7Bb.
Characteristics of DO-7B:
- has additional text at the base of the "TELEGRAM FROM ..." box which starts "(You are requested to give no fee...)";
- 13 regulations at the base on the reverse side (same as for
DO-7A).
No stores number above (Line) 45.
NC-DO-7Bb has Stores number 627 above (Line) 45.
NC-DO-7Bc has Stores number 637 above (Line) 45.
Stores number St. 2147 above (line) 45.
NC-DO-7C.
Parramatta (Hospital for the Insane) to Mudgee (then posted to a nearby property)
21 August 1885.
Characteristics:
- boxes numbered 45 to 110 on both left and right sides;
- 13 regulations at the base of the reverse side.
NC-DO-7C (reverse side).
Characteristics:
- boxes numbered 45 to 110 on both left and right sides;
- 13 regulations at the base of the reverse side.
NC-EO-5B.
Delivery envelope for telegram above from Parramatta.
Delivery envelope for telegram above from Parramatta.
Details of use and rarity.
| Form sub-number |
Schedule number | Earliest recorded date | Rarity rating |
| DO-7Aa | St. 637 on the front only. | 25 January 1879 at Windsor. | R |
| DO-7Ab | St. 637 on the front and reverse side. | 5 April 1882 at Windsor. | RR |
| DO-7Ba | 637 on the front and no stores number on the reverse. | 10 May 1884 at Windsor. | R |
| DO-7Bb | 637 on the front and St. 627 on the reverse. | 31 July 1880 at Sydney. | R |
| DO-7Bc | t. 637 on the front and St. 637 on the reverse. | 13 May 1882 at Windsor. | R |
| DO-7Bd | St. 637 on the front and St. 2147 on the reverse. | 4 August 1884 at Windsor. | R |
| DO-7C | St. 637 on the front and St. 937 on the reverse. | 21 August 1885 at Mudgee. | R |