cjd
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Posts: 1,107 
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Post by cjd on Feb 4, 2016 20:50:35 GMT
Nice presentation. I'm limited without my primary scanner, so mine are not going to look as nice. Here is proof that diamonds are a zemstvo-collector's best friends:  The left stamp purports to be a Dmitrov 3k 1874, Sol#1. There is a subtype "k" which seems to relate to the denomination under the shield, but I can't really tell much, due to my limitations of dealing with the catalogue (mostly language, partly the image, but that might relate back to language). The right stamp purports to be an Ostrov 5k, which comes in a few flavors. Again, trying to winnow the catalogue listings, I think mine is Sol#1, from 1875, though it has two color choices, blue green or yellow green, while Sol#2, from 1878, is only green. If I'm reading the catalogue right, Sol#2 doesn't have a period/stop in the middle of the denomination line, and mine clearly has one. Really, it's glorified guessing. Fun, though. I can't say a thing about the genuineness of either one. Clarifications or corrections are always welcome. eta: falschung, I should have asked...do you want other additions to this thread, or were you hoping to show and explain yours in a more-structured setting? |
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cjd
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Posts: 1,107
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Post by cjd on Feb 4, 2016 21:44:14 GMT
Vesegonsk 1/2k which seems to be the 1881 version (23.25mm x 28mm according to the catalogue, which is pretty close to what I measure):  eta: Wow, when it is as big as your head, it sure looks rough...looks better in real life. |
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rod222
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Posts: 9,852
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Feb 4, 2016 22:15:49 GMT
Really enjoying this thread,
I knew nothing of these enigmatic stamps.
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cjd
Member
Posts: 1,107
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Post by cjd on Feb 4, 2016 23:09:28 GMT
The arms of Vesegonsk (the oval example) depict a stylized crayfish, which apparently has been a part of the arms and flag of Vesegonsk for hundreds of years, albeit in slightly more recognizable form. Zemstvo stamps can have some interesting imagery.
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cjd
Member
Posts: 1,107
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Post by cjd on Feb 4, 2016 23:27:49 GMT
Tver/Tversk was an early rival with Moscow for Russia's first city and was the seat of a medieval principality. Tver is the capital of the Tver Oblast, which includes the city of Vesegonsk from above. The device of a crown sitting on a bench appears in both arms.  It is a bit of a broken record to say that the catalogue is a challenge for this example, too. My best guess is that this is Tversk Sol#12, the 2k from 1881. Anyone wish to hazard a different guess? |
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cjd
Member
Posts: 1,107
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Post by cjd on Feb 5, 2016 0:02:24 GMT
This one has some of the lowest production values of the most recent batch I acquired.  They were going for Bogorodsk, probably the 1k Sol#4 from 1872. Images of the original on auction summaries don't look very impressive, either, so I can't say that this is definitely a forgery. I have the least confidence in this one, though. It is nice to see St. George, once again slaying the dragon. He gets around. |
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BC
Departed
Rest in Peace
Vancouver, BC Canada
Posts: 836
What I collect: Worldwide USED up to the 1960's, later years from countries that came into existence after then, like Anguilla, Tuvalu and Transnistria.
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Post by BC on Feb 18, 2016 3:38:47 GMT
These are great stamps Falschung. How easy are they to find used?
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,852
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Mar 2, 2016 3:31:55 GMT
Russia is such a beautiful country. Do we have any of Pskov? |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2018 14:02:43 GMT
In the middle 1800's the central Russian government was being pressured for more self government in local affairs and this eventually led to the granting of certain powers of local administration to the Zemstvos or Rural Districts. These districts were divided into 36 Provincial Governments who controlled 371 county/city Zemstvos. Zemstvo stamps were relatively unknown to collectors 30-40 years ago and only a few catalogs like the Chuchin, Koprowski or Herrick were available. Now a lot of information is available and Zemstvos are a sought after collectible that has greatly increased in value. I will present some examples of the Province and issuing districts. In some cases the English translation of the Russian Zemstvo name is not a science and catalogs have name variations.
The stamps generally have part of the district shield in the design which makes ID easier.
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