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 8, 2017 0:10:02 GMT
I've just found amongst some recently acquired coil strips, examples of 'blued' gum. Here's a strip with a normal for comparison; both showing different coil number fonts. I've found the blueing on values: 10c, 50c, $1.50, $2.10 and $2.60 but this may occur on others as well:
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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 7, 2017 2:30:25 GMT
This is a mailing I received from a dealer in Taiwan, who produces a whole raft of fantasy stamps, forgery reproductions and other weird stuff. This is a 'mixed franking', in that there are genuine postage stamps in addition to fantasy stamps from his Imperial Coldland Government. The fantasy stamps are in the top row. The reverse is, well, eye catching. It certainly woke me up when I received 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 5, 2017 1:16:37 GMT
Here's my very first Aden post on any forum and shows the first stamps issued by the colony: SG 1-12 'Dhows'. Until their release, all mail was franked with Indian stamps : Here's the 5 Rupees value in more detail:
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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 5, 2017 0:35:34 GMT
Thanks for posting these guys. I'll see what matches my Scott listing (bought about 3 months ago from a US dealer, who splits Scott catalogues up into country sections), and then see which details are missing. This is useful alone for quoting Scott numbers, which I can't often do, as I use a specialised SG catalogue.
I've been trying to pull together all the various mint definitives I have lying in unfiled stock cards and noticed that some of the coil stamps seem to have a bluish gum. I'm sure I've seen a reference to that somewhere (possibly in one of the articles I linked to). So that is yet another variation.
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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 3, 2017 11:16:09 GMT
Thanks for the links. I viewed those videos and a few more too; even the more traditional lithographic printing process using limestone blocks. It illustrates how inadequate my understanding of printing techniques is.
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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 2, 2017 22:30:10 GMT
Ryan, I have put in a link to a discussion about the two printing methods, but you are probably not going to enjoy much of what you read. The expert on this is a collector in Holland, but his explanations are to my mind too complex. Furthermore, he actually disputes that the printers (Jon Enschedé, aka: JESSP) used photogravure for the the 1992 issue. Using his visual analysis, he maintains that these are printed in EME; Electro Mechanical Engraving. In fact, he has stated that JESSP has been using EME since 1991 and not photogravure. But to my mind he has only confused matters. Nonetheless, whatever was used, there are still two different printing methods. Pick the bones out of this, if you can. Hong Kong 1992/97 Machin stamps photo vs litho: how to tell them apart?
If you do read through this, you might see why I have been reluctant to pursue the identification process. But I will say, there are two images posted by the originator of the thread, which may be the most useful. Those two images perhaps go some way to showing what the visual differences actually are. I have not yet looked at my mint collection, but I have not forgotten.
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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 2, 2017 15:20:41 GMT
For many many years, Hong Kong revenue (fiscal) stamps were very much 'back of the book' curiosities for most collectors. Over more recent times, as with other countries, these have become ever more sought after. One influencing factor in the rise in popularity, has been the publication of the British Commonwealth Revenues catalogue by John Barefoot Ltd. Another factor, in my opinion, is the high quality printing and design of these issues. The scarcity factor is also a key to their popularity; some issue's denominations are as rare, if not more so, than many high valued regular postage definitives of the colony. There are numerous types of Hong Kong revenues: Stamp Duty, Bill of Exchange, Contract Note and Receipt etc. Many of the earlier Stamp Duty types from the reigns of Queen Victoria, Edward VII and George V, are quite stunning; and like collecting regular postal history, finding these on piece or on a complete document, is the ultimate aim for many. 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. When eventually they appeared on the market, most ended up at the back of the album because they were not 'de rigueur'. The following gives an indication of the merits of such revenues: In October 2013, a very rare Hong Kong Revenue stamp sold for £4,901 (US$7,887) on eBay ($6,148 at today's exchange rate). The stamp is a KEVII 1903 wmk. Crown CC, P14. 1 cent 'Stamp Duty' revenue. It has no catalogue entry, as Barefoot records this as Proof status; with no used copies having been reported. If it were to be listed in the next edition, it would probably be assigned number 50. It was claimed by the eBay seller that this was actually the second one sold; the first being in 2002. This however must have slipped under the radar. Although it would be difficult to place this in a Commonwealth revenue league of 'highest price paid', this will be close to the top. A South Australian 1 penny revenue holds the all time sale record at $11,650 but this was for an 'inverted centre' variety and not a regular issue. At the very top of the stamp shown, is the distinctive bottom edge of the 'orange lozenge' 'embossed style' cancellation, in thick almost wax-like ink. Normally, a larger proportion of the lozenge is visible which gives the date the transaction was executed; the day, month, year each in a roundel shown in relief. For example: 15th January 1906:
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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 2, 2017 11:11:13 GMT
Looking into the details of the first postcard you posted, the sergeants are unlikely to be a group of Canadians. The postmark is St Albans, 10th October 1914. I believe the Canadian forces didn't set sail for England until 3rd October. St. Albans was known for a very large training camp called Briton's. From what I can find, the Canadian Forces were encamped at Salisbury Plain.
Unfortunately, the cap badges are quite indistinct. They could be Royal Artillery. One of the badges looks like one from the Northumberland Fusiliers, but I suspect this may be an optical illusion. I noticed that the men's belt buckles are quite distinctive which might offer a further clue to a military historian.
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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 2, 2017 0:55:06 GMT
I don't I'm afraid; I have never even tried. I have one of those usb microscopes which should do the job if I can summon up the energy to start. But I do know where to look for the information. You may have to give me a while and I'll try to unearth it.
The catalogues as you point out are no use. Your sample of 15 may be too small, so you may as you say, have just one type. That's why I try to get as many copies as possible, so that if I were to check through them, there is a higher chance of having both types. But because I'm fussy about postmarks, I don't pick them up too often.
I used to get mint copies from a new issues service, in blocks of four. The frustrating thing is, they just appeared in dribs and drabs without any issue details, so I just put them in my stockbooks, assuming they were just new values. But they were supplied to me inconsistently and were not complete. However, I'll check back on these, as there may be some clues - any duplicate value blocks I find may indicate I have the two different printing types.
As you may have gathered, I have not been very disciplined with these series mainly because my interest is biased towards earlier issues.
As an aside to all this, about two weeks ago a lot appeared on eBay with a pretty comprehensive study of both print types and included all the coils. These had been immaculately written up. I missed out because my bid was WELL short of the final price. No doubt the study aspect of that lot elevated its value beyond the catalogue prices.
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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 1, 2017 18:22:44 GMT
Just had a cursory glance at my extract and Scott lists 56 entries. This is some way short of the full series.
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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 1, 2017 17:49:36 GMT
I've just had one of those senior moments. I haven't even bothered to look at my Scott HK extract. Would your 2006 edition be the 'simplified/concise' or more specialist?
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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 1, 2017 17:39:36 GMT
I would be interested to hear about that. I won't hold out much hope though, as I'm afraid I've had great difficulty getting to grips with my old Scott and relatively new 'simplified' Scott Hong Kong extract. It is haphazard to say the least.
SG is a bit awkward for this series and Yang is erm... nicely laid out.
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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 1, 2017 17:22:33 GMT
As an introduction to the 1982 definitives, here is a first day cover. I'm not a great fan of FDC's for larger definitive sets, as they generally appear blocky and cluttered. This one appealed to me because of the odd arrangement. I'm sure this won't appeal to some, as this breaks away from the traditional approach. But it is at least eye-catching:
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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 Mar 31, 2017 22:15:01 GMT
My thanks to tomiseksj for doing a lot of behind the scenes work to get this table into a tidy format. Much appreciated.
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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 Mar 31, 2017 20:56:23 GMT
The Chloromine T sachet shown in my post was a stock photo from eBay, so I don't know if its concentration level differs from what I have actually used: As you may be able to see, the sachet shows 100ml and the instructions state that the whole sachet, (I used considerably less) should be dissolved in one third pint water. So based on your comments, it would seem that this dosage level from an environmental aspect, is extreme. There were however, no warnings nor further information given with this product. I use the past tense, because the product is no longer available. I'm only guessing here, but the effectiveness as a treatment for paper and textiles (as opposed to pond treatment), may well have had to be at the strength stated. Your comments regarding disposal are worth remembering though. Perhaps, there are alternatives just as effective but less damaging to the environment.
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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 Mar 31, 2017 17:59:40 GMT
Further to SCB's comments about using Chloromine T, I should also emphasise that its use is a contentious issue amongst document preservation specialists. I did some research before using this stuff and found that there was a concern. However, the main reason for such concern was centred on the one factor that is impossible to test for: TIME. Being a relatively new chemical formulation, preservationists have not had the opportunity to test the long term effects of its use. They are concerned that over time the paper fibres (lignin ?) may break down. But equally, they may not. It is quite understandable for them to be cautious, as their primary focus is on document preservation. As much of their work is dedicated to unique documents, it would be high risk to use a chemical compound that has not stood the rigours of time. I, on the other hand, am not that concerned about the long term effects on low end stamp material (where copies are in abundance). I use this chemical (and others) when I want to revive stamps with desirable postmarks. I have in fact had some stunning results on prints and even wood block prints. This has allowed me to enjoy a picture in its former glory; see below. As for the release of such chemicals down the drain: The most I mix up is about one to two teaspoons in ¼ pint of water which I store in a jar until it no longer has any cleaning ability (about 10 days). The above wood block, was in a very poor state; smoke stained and dirty. The rigging was totally invisible, until immersed in a shallow bath of C. T. This is why I use the chemical.
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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 Mar 31, 2017 16:37:39 GMT
I may be blunt here, but IMHO that HongKong stamp would have looked the same even after a normal soak and scrub in warm tap water. At least most of the 'gunk' on the back seems like toned gum and hinge remainders, which dissolves with plain water. Yes you're right, most of the 'gunk' would have dissolved in plain tap water. But there were two areas where it would not. The immersion was to kill two birds with one stone. I'll emphasise that this was a sacrificial stamp (bought for a song because of its condition) for the experiment, in the hope it might improve. It's interesting you mention that Chloromine T is seriously poisonous. I'd be interested to hear your views on it's use in Koy carp ponds (note the small image on the sachet).
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Anping
Departed
Rest in Peace
Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Mar 31, 2017 16:25:37 GMT
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Anping
Departed
Rest in Peace
Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Mar 31, 2017 16:22:23 GMT
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Anping
Departed
Rest in Peace
Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Mar 31, 2017 16:18:12 GMT
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Anping
Departed
Rest in Peace
Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Mar 31, 2017 16:13:53 GMT
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Anping
Departed
Rest in Peace
Posts: 533
What I collect: Hong Kong, Aden & States & odd stuff I like.
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Post by Anping on Mar 31, 2017 16:03:21 GMT
I've started a new thread for the purpose of providing a quick reference to all the definitive values issued from the 1992 to 1997 series. LegendEach value's entry shows if its printing method was Photogravure and in which format it is found, e.g. coil (Photo, Source); OR If its printing method was Lithography and has a centre phosphor band and in which format it is found (Litho, 1B Source); OR If if its printing method was Lithography and has two phosphor bands and in which format it is found (Litho 2B, Source); OR If it has a watermark and in which format it is found (WaterMk, Source). EDITI omitted to clarify that references to numbers prefixed by the letter Y, denotes the YANG catalogue number. E.g. Y404 Any SG reference to a number that includes the letter 'p', denotes 'phosphor' banding. My apologies to Scott catalogue users (and any others), that equivalent numbers are not here. I don't even know if Scott lists any of these variants.
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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 Mar 31, 2017 15:40:35 GMT
No I haven't. In fact I had never heard of this method before reading this thread. I guess I'll have to load up some batteries in mine; which has never been used.
Just as an aside to all of this: there is a certain forum site owner who advocates immersing such stamps in very hot water. He believes that this kills any spores, while at the same time removing all the gunk. Probably doesn't remove any foxing stains but just stops it from getting worse.
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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 Mar 31, 2017 11:53:12 GMT
It is sometimes difficult to differentiate between the different types of staining that we come across. There may be instances where a combination of toning and foxing occur. It might be worth your while reading through this month's Stamporama newsletter called the Rambler. By coincidence, Kelly (the editor, aka Poodle_Mum) has centralised a number of posts related to the treatment of stamps, and experiments conducted by a number of members. From this information, you may feel confident to treat one or two of your rogues. Here is the link, but note this will download the newsletter in PDF format directly (approx. 1800 kb) : The March Edition of the RamblerBelow is a screenshot of an experiment I carried out (which was illustrated in the article), using Chloromine T:
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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 Mar 31, 2017 2:04:04 GMT
Forgot to mention, last night I went and bought Volume 1 (4 DVD's) of Pinky and the Brain. I bit the bullet and paid equivalent of US$25, incl carriage. As these prices have not fluctuated in at least 5 years plus the fact it was a Region 2 PAL format (rare as hen's wisdom teeth) and not a US region 1 NTSL format AND it was the last one; I succumbed.
So it's Lila's fault. She made me think about it.
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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 Mar 31, 2017 1:53:54 GMT
I have the label of the Supermarine Spitfire (Mitchell : Designer) ....... Here's another from the same theme of booklets with commemorative labels; the Berlin Airlift. Nice to have one with the stamp pane on cover. Shame about that horrible parcel tape.
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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 Mar 30, 2017 23:43:19 GMT
Right, that's settled then; I shan't be collecting Brazil in the near future.
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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 Mar 30, 2017 16:39:06 GMT
That's very good of you. Thank you.
At least there was a simple non-technical answer to my query.
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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 Mar 30, 2017 15:33:28 GMT
Ah, you may be right. Perhaps LB1 might need to change his eligibility criteria then......Anyone who has at least introduced themselves to the forum can enter.
Thanks for spotting that.
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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 Mar 30, 2017 15:14:21 GMT
Can anyone shed any light on why I can't reply to this thread.I get Oops there was a problem...you may not reply to this thread.
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