Anping
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What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 17, 2017 0:03:13 GMT
In the meantime, I thought you might like to see the Scott listings for these stamps. As noted with some of the HK QV issues, no mention of possible fading or fugitive inks. Thanks for posting that extract. There's no particular reference to fugitive inks in Gibbons either, and I have the dedicated Hong Kong catalogue. As for Scott, I'm amazed that anyone masters these listings. So haphazard and awkward, with entries missing, e.g. Scott #36, 36a and 36c. I understand these are in the specialised cat, but what's so specialised about stamps that were standard issues?
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 16, 2017 14:01:30 GMT
Below are the mint KGV definitives from the 1912-1921 Wmk Mult Crown CA issue, starting with the 1 cent to 30 cent values. These include the various shades, and once again types A and B of the 25 cent: Following on; are the 50 cent to $10 values. A few examples show the different coloured backs, ranging from: white to pale olive to emerald:
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 15, 2017 11:46:59 GMT
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 15, 2017 11:33:40 GMT
Here are the dollar values. The $3 and $5's vignettes are fugitive as is the purple of the $3. The $5 copies also include different colour backs. The bottom left $10, is an example of parcel use. The right bottom copy is still on a very close cropped piece, consequently it is in perfect condition, with a distinct sheen from the chalky surface:
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 15, 2017 1:38:04 GMT
Following on; the 20 cent to 50 cent values, including the various shades and different coloured backs. The 25 cent is shown with both types A and B: The 50 cent value comes in all manner of shades, including the vignette. Some of these are not listed in catalogues but are recorded/noted in reference books. A number of these are badly susceptible to soaking; to the extent that the the green ink will wash off completely, turning completely white. Different colour papers were used for the 50 cent, over its printing lifespan.
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 15, 2017 0:20:38 GMT
Below are the KGV definitives from the 1912-1921 Wmk Mult Crown CA issue, starting with the 1 cent to 12 cent values. These include the various shades:
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 12, 2017 22:37:25 GMT
"Endeavor to persevere," Chief Dan George (as Lone Watie) in The Outlaw Josie Wales, which is one of my "favoritist" westerns ever! Well spotted sir! One of my most favouritists too!
Josey Wales: When I get to likin’ someone, they ain’t around long.
Lone Watie: I notice when you get to DISlikin’ someone they ain’t around for long neither.
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 12, 2017 21:35:27 GMT
Yes it's crisper and brighter. Just check out the woman's face lying down underneath the horse, just above the '1644'; then scroll up and compare to your previous image.
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 12, 2017 1:24:00 GMT
Postmark collection of Hong Kong, Treaty Ports, foreign arrival marks, shipping marks and instructional and directional markings are the new vogue. Prices are increasing too rapidly for my taste. I think years ago these markings were collected mainly by those who couldn't afford the colony's high value stamps. Now it has turned on its head. Here's one from my reference library, which sold on eBay for around £285 a couple of months ago. This is a dual language directional marking for Cheribon (north west Java). EDIT: The stamp can be picked up for about 50 cents.
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 12, 2017 0:15:15 GMT
Thanks for posting that. Anping is the port for Tainan on Formosa. Only six definitives were ever used from there, all sold from the a British vice-consulate; this being the top value.
These are very scarce postmarks. The one shown is an absolute gem. I do have just one myself, but not a full strike.
That auction item should be hotly contested, and I would be surprised if the hammer price does not exceed estimate.
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 11, 2017 22:19:44 GMT
Is it a proprietary commercial hand-stamp with a similar function to a perfin?
Yes. These are referred to properly as security markings. These came more into use when perfins were prohibited by the postal authorities (can't remember when). Pilfering of stamps was a big problem in Hong Kong and the Treaty Ports, hence the vast array of these. Even from Royal Navy ships and other establishments. I can't find much about the company, except it was German and may have had offices in Ice House Street Hong kong. There is a reference to a company of the same name having gone into liquidation in 1908.
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 11, 2017 21:35:40 GMT
Would you measure the distance between the upper and lower blue frames and the height of the lettering? Thanks.Edit:And the length between the end of the character H up to and including the K (H.O.N.G.K)
Found it:
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 11, 2017 9:57:25 GMT
Now that is a keeper. As you point out, the stamp itself is somewhat faded from immersion BUT the interesting part is the blue handstamp. I don't recognise this. It may be a firm's chop (but too unclear at the moment), or it's an instructional marking. Probably the former because of the ink colour but a high res scan could be tinkered with to reveal more clues.
There is a study area within the Hong Kong Study Circle dedicated to firm's chops and forwarding agent's cachets. There is an online library of these, but it is a little difficult to navigate if you don't have a reasonable starting point.
When I get time, I'll check to see if any instructional markings are recorded that resemble yours.
It was well worth posting BG.
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 11, 2017 1:23:57 GMT
Following on from the above, here is the same parent stamp but overprinted 10 cent; 1898 SG55/a (Scott #69 [no variant listed]). This has the additional Chinese chop. Once again the top stamp has faded somewhat. The next row shows the Grey-green and the yellow-green: Additional care should be taken when selecting these, as they are rather pricey. Aside from good copies being rather difficult to find, many of these are plagued with grotty cancels.
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 11, 2017 0:07:57 GMT
It can be very disappointing can't it. Well it took me an age to finally accept that I hadn't quite got it right. I haven't tried it myself, but I've read that these fugitive greens (and perhaps other colours as well) can be 'fixed' when they are soaked, by adding salt. I remember doing this when I tie-dyed my old T-shirts when...erm... there was real music to listen to.
I'd still like to see it though. It might be of use to others.
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 10, 2017 23:01:35 GMT
Here's a little visual information regarding the fugitive ink found on the 1891 30 cent issue; SG39/a (Scott #47/a). The top image is what appears to be a fine looking yellow-green copy. Although it's not that bad, the ink has actually run and so is considerably paler and too yellow than it should be. The next row shows a true grey-green followed by a true yellow-green:
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 10, 2017 17:19:44 GMT
Thank you for the reply. By coincidence, I have just changed to scanning in TIFF after having read the potential issues with JPEG. My concern was that showing TIFF images for detailed viewing here, would result in compression being evident. Or does this not occur?
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 10, 2017 16:35:19 GMT
As for your compression issue Most scanning software should have an option for JPEG quality or compression - you do not need necessarily high or 100% but 70-75% is fine And this is the problem. Or at least the problem I have. I use Vuescan Standard with my Canon Lide210. Unless I buy the professional version at another $80, I am unable to control any file compression. As for the Canon software; useless.
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Anping
Departed
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 9, 2017 22:41:49 GMT
This post has been copied from another, at the request of Beryllium Guy. Prompted by bobby1948's recent bargain find of a US 1869 12c Pictorial, I thought I might mention my own, bought from a bricks and mortar shop years ago. It was marked as SG19 (Scott #24). I paid £19 ($23) for it: Having checked it when I got home, it was in fact the 1892 96 cent SG7 (Scott #7). This was catalogued at £400; that's about $500 at today's exchange rate. So who was the dealer concerned? Non other than Stanley Gibbons in the Strand, London. I was beside myself at getting such a difficult stamp for a song.
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 9, 2017 19:39:47 GMT
Prompted by bobby1948's recent bargain find of a US 1869 12c Pictorial, I thought I might mention my own, bought from a bricks and mortar shop years ago. It was marked as SG19 (Scott #24). I paid £19 ($23) for it: Having checked it when I got home, it was in fact the 1892 96 cent SG7 (Scott #7). This was catalogued at £400; that's about $500 at today's exchange rate. So who was the dealer concerned? Non other than Stanley Gibbons in the Strand, London. I was beside myself at getting such a difficult stamp for a song.
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 9, 2017 13:52:00 GMT
By the way, for HK Scott #1, the 2-cent value, the catalogue lists pale brown and dark brown colours. In your photo, are both colours represented or are both considered to be the same one, and if so which one? Just curious. Those are actually a mid-tone; neither one or the other. The difference between the pale and deep brown is not that pronounced anyway. I've just added a pale 2 cent value to my image. Now having had the opportunity to look at these in daylight, the first 2 cent (wing margin copy) is in fact the deep brown. The second one I'll consider as an intermediary shade, as it is has a slight chestnut hue. The pale 2 cent is probably a very late used copy, as it has just a partial CDS. The B62 'killer' was phased out more than 20 years later.
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 9, 2017 0:18:51 GMT
I actually found an image of a mis-perfed $1 on $2 copy in my very bloated reference folder:
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 9, 2017 0:01:48 GMT
By the way, for HK Scott #1, the 2-cent value, the catalogue lists pale brown and dark brown colours. In your photo, are both colours represented or are both considered to be the same one, and if so which one? Just curious. Those are actually a mid-tone; neither one or the other. The difference between the pale and deep brown is not that pronounced anyway. I do have a couple of the deep shade, but the cancellations are a bit intrusive (one of which has a very early 'Amoy Paid' CDS over the B62). That's why I didn't use them. I've shown a left hand wing margin copy, which doesn't always survive from the 1862 issue. Early collectors were offended by these and cut many of them down. I like them. I have a mini collection of these for the early issues (barely any others from 1862). I try to find left and right hand versions, which make quite a neat display. These now command higher prices than their normal brothers. This in some ways is understandable; after all these were only present interpaneau.
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 8, 2017 21:24:00 GMT
That is a beautiful example; centred to perfection, which is very uncommon in itself. I think there is another variety of the overprint (possibly the diagonal overprint applied upside down). Sadly, I have only the normal copy.
I have seen some appallingly mis-perfed copies of the normal stamp, which is only amplified by the large format of these.
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 8, 2017 20:46:21 GMT
Here is a selection of my Hong Kong 1862 no watermark definitives. These are almost impossible to collect in perfect condition, as they invariably have a minor fault of one sort or another. The most frustrating trait is the centreing. The margin for error when perforating sheets of these values was minute; less than 1mm. So finding a perfectly centred copy is slim. The printers eventually acceded to requests to increase the perforation margins, which was done for later issues. The odd pulled perf is common, as is a messy cancellation. All those below are cancelled with the Hong Kong assigned B62 barred numeral, in either black or blue. I've selected those pictured for having the most visual appeal, balanced with condition.
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 8, 2017 19:22:48 GMT
Thank you kind sir. I'm surprised that anyone noticed that I had been 'snuck' in, before time. I'll "endeavour to persevere" to satisfy your craving for Queen Vicky stuff. It's just that I'm reluctant to 'showboat' some of my material, plus none of it is housed in an attractive form.
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Anping
Departed
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 8, 2017 19:12:44 GMT
The 30c gray (grey) green and its sister actually turn a yellow 'apple' green, as they don't like a bath at all. So you find that used copies are often mis-described as yellow-green. These two (and the 10c overprint versions of the parent stamps) are also affected by light. So even mint copies turn a yellowish green.
Another annoying 'changeling' effect is caused by toned gum. This is an optical illusion and again gives the impression that a mint stamp is a yellowish green, when it's a grey-green.
I don't have my reference books to hand, but some colours are doubly fugitive. This means that they react to both water and chemicals. Use of these inks was quite deliberate due to the frequent attempts to remove postmarks and re-use the stamps.
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 8, 2017 12:09:31 GMT
This cover I bought to commemorate the handover of Hong Kong back to China on 1st July 1997, after the 99 year lease had expired. Produced by Bradbury, this shows two panes of the Machin Farewell to Hong Kong 1st class booklet:
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 8, 2017 2:25:31 GMT
Please excuse me posting this here in 'Ephemera' but I didn't know where this should go. Mods, please feel free to find another home for it. Anyway, this I thought was a bit crafty; more a bare faced cheek really. This was sent by a merchant of all people, in the hope that his matchbox label would defy the eagle eyed postal authorities (no chance; they learned from the British). Well it didn't work Mr Kanhiylalal; It was spotted and attracted a postage due fee. But then again, maybe it did work. Mr K. wasn't out of pocket but the recipient had to cough up. Maybe that's the way to make your millions!
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Anping
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Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Apr 8, 2017 0:46:40 GMT
Generally, revenue stamps have survived far better condition wise, than regular postal definitives. This is undoubtedly due to the function they performed.They didn't undergo the rigours of the postal system but were generally attached to legal documents. These of course were filed away in cabinets for very long periods, rarely seeing the light of day. Consequently they weren't fiddled with by collectors. Although not strictly speaking revenue stamps, these two pairs show regular postage stamps used for fiscal purposes. These are SG49 and 50 (Scott #62 and 63) from the 1891 (surcharge in Chinese characters) issue. The use of the characters 'PAID-ALL' around the bottom of the CDS, indicates such useage. Too often these are seen for sale, as having been postally used.
The other reason for showing these, is that they are fine examples of fiscal/revenue stamps being stored away on documents for many years. It is difficult to find postally used copies of these in 'as issued' condition. The $1 on 96c is very prone to fading when soaked, due to the use of fugitive purple ink for the stamp's design:
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