Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Hi to all,
Just recently received these purchases.
They were very reasonably priced, also my first Ever McCracken plate.
Regards
Horamakhet
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Hi Horamakhet
You have Plate 3, top left corner pair of the 1931 Kingsford Smith 3d airmail, very nice centring. They were issued on March 19, 1931. The 2d, 3d and 6d stamps were made from steel plates, and each plate settings were 10 across and 8 down (80 stamps per sheet).
The plate number is above number 1 of the stamp sheet. The numbering system is counted horizontally 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71-80.
They were printed by John Ash who became Government Printer in 1927.
The block of 4 Hermes and Globe which is beautifully well centred at bottom left of the sheet with a full imprint was issued in October 1937 or February 1948, the perforation is 13½ x 14, I cannot say whether it's thin or thick paper, you will need to check it out against the light.
If it's thick the stamps were printed in 1937, if thin it would be 1948.
Rob
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Hi Rob
As always, thanks for the information, it is very useful.
If I hold the Hermes up to the light, from the back I can see the pattern on the front, and if from the front I can see the watermark.
Both sets only cost me twenty dollars, so being MNH I am quite happy with the purchase.
I have certainly been bitten by the bug of trying to secure pairs or blocks of Pre-Decimals.
Regards
Horamakhet.
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Hi Horamakhet
I had another look at your original upload concerning the Hermes and twin Globes on an iPad, the image seemed to be a lot clearer, it is obviously a thin paper block of 4 as it is very apparent by the clear view of the watermark.
It was made in 1948, the ACSC number is 163z (McCracken imprint block of 4) in MNH it is catalogued at $60.00.
A very good purchase. Not a bad bug to be bitten by.
Rob
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Hi to all
Here are my latest arrivals.
They are all MNH ecept for the 10/- Robes which is MLH
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Hi Horamakhet
Nice display, I'll start from the bottom up.
The bock of 4 1937 3d blue sesquicentennial commemorative (perforation 13½ x 14), this one has a gutter. ACSC 176zb - Ash imprint block of 4 MNH $40.00; and every stamp is well centred.
1938 1/- Specimen on thick chalk surfaced paper (perforation 14 x 13½), ACSC 214x; MLH $30.00
1932 6d Kookaburra comes in various shades, but all are the same catalogue value. ACSC 150, $50+.
1947 B.C.O.F. (Only the proofs are 1946) MNH. Perforation 15 x 14; it is difficult to see the "6" of "1946" whether one is looped at the top or not, if they are smudged or faint, they are major varieties, I will need to see them in larger detail).
1935 ANZAC commemorative MNH. Perforation 11. This is an expensive stamp, it is catalogued at $100 (market value between $75-$90).
In some cases with the KGVI, and especially with most of the KGV stamps the imprint will add a little bit more to considerably more to pairs, blocks etc.
When you display other stamps it would be good if you use a black background, the perfs can be seen more in detail.
There are two types of 1935 1/- ANZAC commemorative stamps, the normal type and the plate proof.
You would need to count the top tips of the perforation from end to end whenever you see these, who knows what you find.
Normal: 13 tips (perforation 11). Quantity issued: 996,600 copies
Plate Proof: 16 tips (perforation 13½ x 12). Quantity printed for approval but never issued: 48 copies. The perforation is the same as the 1935 2d ANZAC.
The difference in value: Normal in MNH, market value - $75-$90: Plate Proof, market value $2,500
The bottom stamps are from my collection. The normal is on the left and the proof on the right.
Tip: Always check for toned or foxed stamps, especially on the perforations (any signs of rust). What I see are clean.
Rob
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Hi Rob
Thanks for the information which is always helpful.
I have a set of the Anzac Stamps arriving soon, but they are mint lightly hinged.
Great info about how to distinguish between the common one and the rare one.
I need to purchase a set of the ACSC but I am waiting for the new edition, which hopefully will also be in colour.
The BCOF pair I think are smudged, but I will double check on the weekend and post a larger detail.
Next time I will remember to use a black background, it does show up the stamps better.
Regards
Horamakhet
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Hi Horamakhet
The 1/- is still worth a pretty penny as in MLH it is catalogued at $50.00, and who knows what can turn up when looking. There will be a colour version of the King George VI catalogue I believe before the end of the year which will have a few of mine in it, and there is already a colour version of King George V and the Kangaroo and Map series.
I am very interested in seeing the smudge and looking forward in seeing it at a larger scale. Black is the best background as it brings out everything, missing perforations and other damage that is hidden when using a white background.
In your case I can tell what gauge the perforation is with a black background (in some cases it can provide information whether the stamp is a first, second or third issue in the KGVI issue of the kangaroo, and whether the Hermes with twin Globes is 1934, 1937 or 1948), it is near impossible with a white background.
You have picked up what makes a good collection, I collect used copies as well, but they are either (1) based on very important historical significance or (2) they are scarcer than the mint copies (and there’s not many of them), the latter (2) I have yet to find.
Rob
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Hi Rob
Hope this is better.
I have also included a close up of the overprint BCOF.
It is getting harder and harder to find nice copies of used Australian Stamps. They all seem to have been postmarked by some heavy fisted postal employee.
I am keeping my eyes closely peeled looking for imprint blocks, at the moment, but if I see a MNH single I want, and it is affordable I will try and purchase them.
I have set myself a cut off point of pre-decimal, as unfortunately it is my opinion that Australia is printing stamps with making money from collectors.
I have copies of thre KGV and Kangaroo volumes in colour, and it makes a really big difference in identifying varieties.
I am waiting with baited breath, as they say for the new KGVI volumes.
Regards
Horamakhet
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Hi Horamakhet
At first I thought it may be a smudge caused by something wet or damp rubbing against the stamps causing the smudge as the Kookaburra is also smudged, considering the overprint can be smudgesd and not the kookaburra as the inking process of bother are quite different.
And then I notice that both stamps have the smudge in the exact area which may make it a major variety, but I would need to have it better investigated, as major varieties are very much sought after.
A friend who lives in Victoria will be back at work next week from a holiday, I will show him the image, he should be able to assess whether it is a variety or damage by wear, and will let you know of the result.
Rob
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Hi Horamakhet
I forgot to mention in the last post that it does get harder to find good copies of early stamps, and it seems to be the norm obliterating the stamps to a point where it just a messy blob of ink covering the stamp. But perseverance and a lot of searching which is what I do does eventually pay off.
It is always the best way to collect stamps is to keep within what is affordable, and imprint blocks are better than the imprint torn off, though the stamps with missing selvedge is also good to collect.
Many people prefer a cut-off point in the their collection as all the stamps being provided today would entail tomes of albums (it is also known as wallpaper stamps, the amount of stamps issued in the entire year of 1938 would be no more than 20% of the amount issued from January to December 2018.
Being a collector of a specialist collection I prefer to collect the entire series of KGVI and QEII including listed and unlisted varieties (have no interest in flyspeck varieties, as they have very little to no importance).
I do not as yet have the coloured version of the kangaroos and KGV, you’re one up on me, though Geoff Kellow did say to me that the coloured version of the KGVI catalogue should be published by the end of 2018, we’ll probably see it sometime in the New Year or sooner. My unlisted stamps should be listed in the new edition, including the very rare 1938 ½d very early state of plate crack.
Colour makes a very big difference in identifying varieties and the introduction of colour in the ACSC makes the catalogue the more important in understanding Australian stamps, unlike other catalogues printed in Australia and overseas, it mentions all known recognisable varieties of interest, errors, plating, brief history of every issue etc., a versatile information centre for the collector of Australian stamps.
Rob
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Hi Rob
Thanks for the information.I really do appreciate it.
Looking forward to the information from your friend.
It is very hard to decide on a cut off point, but for me, in the time being, I will stick to pre-decimal.
Good material is getting so hard to find, and sometimes very expensive, but sometimes I have a lucky find, and pick up items inexpensively.
All the stamp dealers now seem to be specialist dealers, the old fashioned "family Dealers" have long gone.
But you never know what is hiding around the corner.
I am going with the family to New Zealand next year, so I will check out the dealers there, and also the opp shops. I know NZ pretty well, as that is where I was born, and Auckland in particular is my old stamping ground. (pardon the pun)
Regards
Horamakhet
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Hi Horamakhet
Cut off points to many can be difficult though some collectors make it a golden rule not to exceed a certain year in pre-decimals. When you say that stamps can be quite expensive I can relate to that. I only deal with one stamp dealer who are truly specialists in their field, they only deal in pre-decimals and only venture into the decimal era if there happens to be any major varieties.
I have come across two stamp dealers who should never have a stamp shop and one in Blacktown who sells just about all QEII pre-decimal and decimal issues, but no specimens or varieties, just the normal commercial issue, I will sometimes go there to fill modern gaps but it is too far to travel.
I remember in the 70s in Brisbane there used to be a stamp business family in the former Adelaide street Arcade in the CBD, the shop was all antique wood right down to the cabinets and they properly looked after their stamps and were fairly priced, they are no longer there, in fact when I visited Brisbane only a few years back, much has changed and the Arcade is no more.
Back in 1984 when I first visited Sydney there was a small stamp shop at Milsons Point just under the Bridge, compact and again owned by a family of stamp dealers, took my fiancée to see that shop and buy some stamps from them in 2009, the shop was gone, and I was told by a neighbouring shop that it closed its doors sometime in 2002.
Many stamp dealers think they are specialists, though none I have met in the past 10 years are, with the exception of the people I know as their expertise in Australian stamps are internationally renowned.
I have a friend in NZ though I haven’t heard from him for some time, will contact him soon.
Rob
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Hi Rob,
I remember that Arcade, and the stamp shop, If I remember correctly, it was upstairs. It was run by a man and his wife.
Myer in Melbourne in the late 70's had a stamp shop on the sixth floor, but that is long gone as well.
I think we both know the same dealer in Melbourne. He really knows what he is talking about, and he is really a treasure when it comes to stamps.
He has a lot of very nice stamps.
Wish I had the money for some of them.
It is amazing how people always remember their roots, and when they return to their country of origin, no matter how many years have passed, they can still find all the old land marks.
Have you ever seen the tv show called 800 words,(My wife's favourite show) I used to visit those areas with the family all the time. Mind you, some of the coast line where it is filmed is the most dangerous and shark infested places in NZ. Fishing is very good though.
Regards
Horamakhet
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Hi to all
These are some of my new purchases.
I just could not resist buying them.
It is interesting to note that on the three & half pence overprint block, on the bottom two stamps the overprint is lower than on the upper two stamps.
Is this normal, or a variety?
Regards
Horamakhet
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Interesting denomination overprint on the blue stamp. Looks to be two colors. I have never seen that. Can you tell me anything about the process? Did they run it through twice for the overprint? Thanks. Ernie
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Hi Ernie
The 3½d is a 1941 surcharge overprint. It was originally a 3d stamp. On December 10, 1941 a ½d war tax was added. On that date, in order to use up surplus stocks of stamps rendered obsolete by the rate increase and rather than print new postage values. There were three surcharges issued - 2½d on 2d, 3½d on 3d and 5½d on 5d.
The overprint is yellow on a black square background.
They are a nice well centred block of 4.
Rob
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Thanks for the info Rob. Hope you are well!
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Not doing too bad at the moment, how are things in Florida.
Rob
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Hi Rob and all
Thanks again for the info on the stamps, as always it is very helpful.
I have been buying a few blocks lately, (Rob inspired me.) My wife tells me, Not more stamps, then if she sees any in opp shops, she buys them knowing I will never say dont.
I have a few more which I will pick up today from the post office, so will hopefully post in a few days.
It is very hard to not buy when I see these blocks, and especially when sometimes they have the printer or plate details.
Regards
Horamakhet.
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Hi Horamakhet
Every stamp has it's own story and when needs be I like sharing those stories, it puts life into what seemingly looks like little pieces of coloured paper with a design on it.
My fiancee is very much the same when it comes to stamps, even though she doesn't collect them she wants to join the club I'm in, and let's me know when new stamps come out.
Imprints make the stamp more interesting, but the plate number now that is another kettle of fish, not an easy find.
"It is very hard to not buy when I see these blocks, and especially when sometimes they have the printer or plate details".
I know what you mean.
Rob
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Hi to all,
I just could not resist buying these, and although I already have the Mitchell stamps, I did not have the one shilling green, and they were sold as a set, so I had to have them.
The penny purple George V does not have a variety near the base of the crown, I did not realize that there was a bit of fluff on the stamp till I posted it. The other varieties are there though. (same on the 5 shilling, just a bit of fluff, I did not notice.
I also found a booklet of the 1927 Canberra in excellent condition.
Regards
Horamakhet
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The blocks are a nice find, I'll discuss them in the next post. At the moment I noticed you mention that you have a 1927 Canberra booklet in excellent condition, does it look like the picture below, they are currently selling at $175. And are the Coats-of-Arm Specimens MUH or MLH?
Rob
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Hi Rob
Here is s scan of the front of the booklet.
The stamps inside are as if they just came off the printing press.
The COA specimens are very light hinged.
Both items were at bargain prices.
Regards
Horamakhet
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I have four of the booklets in my collection, all in excellent condition (apart from the usual rust around the staple). I think the most I paid for any of them was around $95, and that was last year. Shop around, they're still out there!
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Hi Dave
every now and then they turn up
What I paid for mine was less than half of your price. It was a case of being in the wrong place at the right time.
The other book I have is in bad condition, and five of the stamps are missing, but I only paid $10 for it, so I was happy. (I found it in Noumea, amongst a collection of local stamps)
With all the small stamps shops going to the wayside, it is very hard to find bargains, but sometimes you can strike it lucky.
Regards
Horamakhet
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Hi Horamakhet
Both you and Dave (Dave having 4) are quite fortunate to get that booklet, they are currently selling between $150-$175. The latter being in choice condition, the rust on the staple is irrelevant to the value but the cover condition and the stamps within must be as if new, there should not be any toning of the gum or rust specks.
The Canberra commemorative booklet you have would be worth about $120-$150 (considering that there is no damage to the gum, nevertheless, that was a good buy), I should get out of the house once in awhile and look at other collections people are wanting to sell and see what there is to buy.
Rob
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Hint - I bought all of mine offshore 
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It's amazing the things you find in far away places.
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Hi to all
I could not resist buying these, regardless of the fact that the 150 years of NSW I already have, but for $10.00 for all of these it was purchase I could not refuse.
Regards
Horamakhet
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Ah, you are trying to trick me into collecting Australia! 
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Hi Ben
Definitely
Wait till my latest purchases arrives.
Mind you, it was Rob who inspired me. (Best inspiration I have been given in Philately)
Horamakhet
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Hi to all,
Just recently received these purchases.
They were very reasonably priced, also my first Ever McCracken plate.
Regards
Horamakhet
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Hi Horamakhet
You have Plate 3, top left corner pair of the 1931 Kingsford Smith 3d airmail, very nice centring. They were issued on March 19, 1931. The 2d, 3d and 6d stamps were made from steel plates, and each plate settings were 10 across and 8 down (80 stamps per sheet).
The plate number is above number 1 of the stamp sheet. The numbering system is counted horizontally 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71-80.
They were printed by John Ash who became Government Printer in 1927.
The block of 4 Hermes and Globe which is beautifully well centred at bottom left of the sheet with a full imprint was issued in October 1937 or February 1948, the perforation is 13½ x 14, I cannot say whether it's thin or thick paper, you will need to check it out against the light.
If it's thick the stamps were printed in 1937, if thin it would be 1948.
Rob
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Hi Rob
As always, thanks for the information, it is very useful.
If I hold the Hermes up to the light, from the back I can see the pattern on the front, and if from the front I can see the watermark.
Both sets only cost me twenty dollars, so being MNH I am quite happy with the purchase.
I have certainly been bitten by the bug of trying to secure pairs or blocks of Pre-Decimals.
Regards
Horamakhet.
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Hi Horamakhet
I had another look at your original upload concerning the Hermes and twin Globes on an iPad, the image seemed to be a lot clearer, it is obviously a thin paper block of 4 as it is very apparent by the clear view of the watermark.
It was made in 1948, the ACSC number is 163z (McCracken imprint block of 4) in MNH it is catalogued at $60.00.
A very good purchase. Not a bad bug to be bitten by.
Rob
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Hi to all
Here are my latest arrivals.
They are all MNH ecept for the 10/- Robes which is MLH
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Hi Horamakhet
Nice display, I'll start from the bottom up.
The bock of 4 1937 3d blue sesquicentennial commemorative (perforation 13½ x 14), this one has a gutter. ACSC 176zb - Ash imprint block of 4 MNH $40.00; and every stamp is well centred.
1938 1/- Specimen on thick chalk surfaced paper (perforation 14 x 13½), ACSC 214x; MLH $30.00
1932 6d Kookaburra comes in various shades, but all are the same catalogue value. ACSC 150, $50+.
1947 B.C.O.F. (Only the proofs are 1946) MNH. Perforation 15 x 14; it is difficult to see the "6" of "1946" whether one is looped at the top or not, if they are smudged or faint, they are major varieties, I will need to see them in larger detail).
1935 ANZAC commemorative MNH. Perforation 11. This is an expensive stamp, it is catalogued at $100 (market value between $75-$90).
In some cases with the KGVI, and especially with most of the KGV stamps the imprint will add a little bit more to considerably more to pairs, blocks etc.
When you display other stamps it would be good if you use a black background, the perfs can be seen more in detail.
There are two types of 1935 1/- ANZAC commemorative stamps, the normal type and the plate proof.
You would need to count the top tips of the perforation from end to end whenever you see these, who knows what you find.
Normal: 13 tips (perforation 11). Quantity issued: 996,600 copies
Plate Proof: 16 tips (perforation 13½ x 12). Quantity printed for approval but never issued: 48 copies. The perforation is the same as the 1935 2d ANZAC.
The difference in value: Normal in MNH, market value - $75-$90: Plate Proof, market value $2,500
The bottom stamps are from my collection. The normal is on the left and the proof on the right.
Tip: Always check for toned or foxed stamps, especially on the perforations (any signs of rust). What I see are clean.
Rob
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Hi Rob
Thanks for the information which is always helpful.
I have a set of the Anzac Stamps arriving soon, but they are mint lightly hinged.
Great info about how to distinguish between the common one and the rare one.
I need to purchase a set of the ACSC but I am waiting for the new edition, which hopefully will also be in colour.
The BCOF pair I think are smudged, but I will double check on the weekend and post a larger detail.
Next time I will remember to use a black background, it does show up the stamps better.
Regards
Horamakhet
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Hi Horamakhet
The 1/- is still worth a pretty penny as in MLH it is catalogued at $50.00, and who knows what can turn up when looking. There will be a colour version of the King George VI catalogue I believe before the end of the year which will have a few of mine in it, and there is already a colour version of King George V and the Kangaroo and Map series.
I am very interested in seeing the smudge and looking forward in seeing it at a larger scale. Black is the best background as it brings out everything, missing perforations and other damage that is hidden when using a white background.
In your case I can tell what gauge the perforation is with a black background (in some cases it can provide information whether the stamp is a first, second or third issue in the KGVI issue of the kangaroo, and whether the Hermes with twin Globes is 1934, 1937 or 1948), it is near impossible with a white background.
You have picked up what makes a good collection, I collect used copies as well, but they are either (1) based on very important historical significance or (2) they are scarcer than the mint copies (and there’s not many of them), the latter (2) I have yet to find.
Rob
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Hi Rob
Hope this is better.
I have also included a close up of the overprint BCOF.
It is getting harder and harder to find nice copies of used Australian Stamps. They all seem to have been postmarked by some heavy fisted postal employee.
I am keeping my eyes closely peeled looking for imprint blocks, at the moment, but if I see a MNH single I want, and it is affordable I will try and purchase them.
I have set myself a cut off point of pre-decimal, as unfortunately it is my opinion that Australia is printing stamps with making money from collectors.
I have copies of thre KGV and Kangaroo volumes in colour, and it makes a really big difference in identifying varieties.
I am waiting with baited breath, as they say for the new KGVI volumes.
Regards
Horamakhet
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Hi Horamakhet
At first I thought it may be a smudge caused by something wet or damp rubbing against the stamps causing the smudge as the Kookaburra is also smudged, considering the overprint can be smudgesd and not the kookaburra as the inking process of bother are quite different.
And then I notice that both stamps have the smudge in the exact area which may make it a major variety, but I would need to have it better investigated, as major varieties are very much sought after.
A friend who lives in Victoria will be back at work next week from a holiday, I will show him the image, he should be able to assess whether it is a variety or damage by wear, and will let you know of the result.
Rob
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Hi Horamakhet
I forgot to mention in the last post that it does get harder to find good copies of early stamps, and it seems to be the norm obliterating the stamps to a point where it just a messy blob of ink covering the stamp. But perseverance and a lot of searching which is what I do does eventually pay off.
It is always the best way to collect stamps is to keep within what is affordable, and imprint blocks are better than the imprint torn off, though the stamps with missing selvedge is also good to collect.
Many people prefer a cut-off point in the their collection as all the stamps being provided today would entail tomes of albums (it is also known as wallpaper stamps, the amount of stamps issued in the entire year of 1938 would be no more than 20% of the amount issued from January to December 2018.
Being a collector of a specialist collection I prefer to collect the entire series of KGVI and QEII including listed and unlisted varieties (have no interest in flyspeck varieties, as they have very little to no importance).
I do not as yet have the coloured version of the kangaroos and KGV, you’re one up on me, though Geoff Kellow did say to me that the coloured version of the KGVI catalogue should be published by the end of 2018, we’ll probably see it sometime in the New Year or sooner. My unlisted stamps should be listed in the new edition, including the very rare 1938 ½d very early state of plate crack.
Colour makes a very big difference in identifying varieties and the introduction of colour in the ACSC makes the catalogue the more important in understanding Australian stamps, unlike other catalogues printed in Australia and overseas, it mentions all known recognisable varieties of interest, errors, plating, brief history of every issue etc., a versatile information centre for the collector of Australian stamps.
Rob
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Hi Rob
Thanks for the information.I really do appreciate it.
Looking forward to the information from your friend.
It is very hard to decide on a cut off point, but for me, in the time being, I will stick to pre-decimal.
Good material is getting so hard to find, and sometimes very expensive, but sometimes I have a lucky find, and pick up items inexpensively.
All the stamp dealers now seem to be specialist dealers, the old fashioned "family Dealers" have long gone.
But you never know what is hiding around the corner.
I am going with the family to New Zealand next year, so I will check out the dealers there, and also the opp shops. I know NZ pretty well, as that is where I was born, and Auckland in particular is my old stamping ground. (pardon the pun)
Regards
Horamakhet
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Hi Horamakhet
Cut off points to many can be difficult though some collectors make it a golden rule not to exceed a certain year in pre-decimals. When you say that stamps can be quite expensive I can relate to that. I only deal with one stamp dealer who are truly specialists in their field, they only deal in pre-decimals and only venture into the decimal era if there happens to be any major varieties.
I have come across two stamp dealers who should never have a stamp shop and one in Blacktown who sells just about all QEII pre-decimal and decimal issues, but no specimens or varieties, just the normal commercial issue, I will sometimes go there to fill modern gaps but it is too far to travel.
I remember in the 70s in Brisbane there used to be a stamp business family in the former Adelaide street Arcade in the CBD, the shop was all antique wood right down to the cabinets and they properly looked after their stamps and were fairly priced, they are no longer there, in fact when I visited Brisbane only a few years back, much has changed and the Arcade is no more.
Back in 1984 when I first visited Sydney there was a small stamp shop at Milsons Point just under the Bridge, compact and again owned by a family of stamp dealers, took my fiancée to see that shop and buy some stamps from them in 2009, the shop was gone, and I was told by a neighbouring shop that it closed its doors sometime in 2002.
Many stamp dealers think they are specialists, though none I have met in the past 10 years are, with the exception of the people I know as their expertise in Australian stamps are internationally renowned.
I have a friend in NZ though I haven’t heard from him for some time, will contact him soon.
Rob
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Hi Rob,
I remember that Arcade, and the stamp shop, If I remember correctly, it was upstairs. It was run by a man and his wife.
Myer in Melbourne in the late 70's had a stamp shop on the sixth floor, but that is long gone as well.
I think we both know the same dealer in Melbourne. He really knows what he is talking about, and he is really a treasure when it comes to stamps.
He has a lot of very nice stamps.
Wish I had the money for some of them.
It is amazing how people always remember their roots, and when they return to their country of origin, no matter how many years have passed, they can still find all the old land marks.
Have you ever seen the tv show called 800 words,(My wife's favourite show) I used to visit those areas with the family all the time. Mind you, some of the coast line where it is filmed is the most dangerous and shark infested places in NZ. Fishing is very good though.
Regards
Horamakhet
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re: RECENT PURCHASES
Hi to all
These are some of my new purchases.
I just could not resist buying them.
It is interesting to note that on the three & half pence overprint block, on the bottom two stamps the overprint is lower than on the upper two stamps.
Is this normal, or a variety?
Regards
Horamakhet
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08:03:03am
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Interesting denomination overprint on the blue stamp. Looks to be two colors. I have never seen that. Can you tell me anything about the process? Did they run it through twice for the overprint? Thanks. Ernie
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Hi Ernie
The 3½d is a 1941 surcharge overprint. It was originally a 3d stamp. On December 10, 1941 a ½d war tax was added. On that date, in order to use up surplus stocks of stamps rendered obsolete by the rate increase and rather than print new postage values. There were three surcharges issued - 2½d on 2d, 3½d on 3d and 5½d on 5d.
The overprint is yellow on a black square background.
They are a nice well centred block of 4.
Rob
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10:12:58am
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Thanks for the info Rob. Hope you are well!
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Not doing too bad at the moment, how are things in Florida.
Rob
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Hi Rob and all
Thanks again for the info on the stamps, as always it is very helpful.
I have been buying a few blocks lately, (Rob inspired me.) My wife tells me, Not more stamps, then if she sees any in opp shops, she buys them knowing I will never say dont.
I have a few more which I will pick up today from the post office, so will hopefully post in a few days.
It is very hard to not buy when I see these blocks, and especially when sometimes they have the printer or plate details.
Regards
Horamakhet.
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Hi Horamakhet
Every stamp has it's own story and when needs be I like sharing those stories, it puts life into what seemingly looks like little pieces of coloured paper with a design on it.
My fiancee is very much the same when it comes to stamps, even though she doesn't collect them she wants to join the club I'm in, and let's me know when new stamps come out.
Imprints make the stamp more interesting, but the plate number now that is another kettle of fish, not an easy find.
"It is very hard to not buy when I see these blocks, and especially when sometimes they have the printer or plate details".
I know what you mean.
Rob
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Hi to all,
I just could not resist buying these, and although I already have the Mitchell stamps, I did not have the one shilling green, and they were sold as a set, so I had to have them.
The penny purple George V does not have a variety near the base of the crown, I did not realize that there was a bit of fluff on the stamp till I posted it. The other varieties are there though. (same on the 5 shilling, just a bit of fluff, I did not notice.
I also found a booklet of the 1927 Canberra in excellent condition.
Regards
Horamakhet
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The blocks are a nice find, I'll discuss them in the next post. At the moment I noticed you mention that you have a 1927 Canberra booklet in excellent condition, does it look like the picture below, they are currently selling at $175. And are the Coats-of-Arm Specimens MUH or MLH?
Rob
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Hi Rob
Here is s scan of the front of the booklet.
The stamps inside are as if they just came off the printing press.
The COA specimens are very light hinged.
Both items were at bargain prices.
Regards
Horamakhet
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I have four of the booklets in my collection, all in excellent condition (apart from the usual rust around the staple). I think the most I paid for any of them was around $95, and that was last year. Shop around, they're still out there!
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Hi Dave
every now and then they turn up
What I paid for mine was less than half of your price. It was a case of being in the wrong place at the right time.
The other book I have is in bad condition, and five of the stamps are missing, but I only paid $10 for it, so I was happy. (I found it in Noumea, amongst a collection of local stamps)
With all the small stamps shops going to the wayside, it is very hard to find bargains, but sometimes you can strike it lucky.
Regards
Horamakhet
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Hi Horamakhet
Both you and Dave (Dave having 4) are quite fortunate to get that booklet, they are currently selling between $150-$175. The latter being in choice condition, the rust on the staple is irrelevant to the value but the cover condition and the stamps within must be as if new, there should not be any toning of the gum or rust specks.
The Canberra commemorative booklet you have would be worth about $120-$150 (considering that there is no damage to the gum, nevertheless, that was a good buy), I should get out of the house once in awhile and look at other collections people are wanting to sell and see what there is to buy.
Rob
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Hint - I bought all of mine offshore
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It's amazing the things you find in far away places.
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Hi to all
I could not resist buying these, regardless of the fact that the 150 years of NSW I already have, but for $10.00 for all of these it was purchase I could not refuse.
Regards
Horamakhet
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Ah, you are trying to trick me into collecting Australia!
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Hi Ben
Definitely
Wait till my latest purchases arrives.
Mind you, it was Rob who inspired me. (Best inspiration I have been given in Philately)
Horamakhet
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