Blog - British Commonwealth Stamps

In the Queen Victoria period we have added a few gems that might tempt the collector who waits for the ultimate in quality. The Nevis 4d, Scott 15 SG 18 is the nicest copy we have seen – a corner margin copy with crisp color. In Hong Kong Scott 58 SGF5 is an unusually fresh example which contrasts sharply with the faded color so often seen on this issue. For the serious collector of animal themes we have a fresh multiple of the bright blue shade of the Newfoundland seal 5c, Scott 55 SG 59a.

In the era of King George V we feature both NH (UM) as well as LH (LM) examples of the Cyprus ₤ value, Scott 110 SG 102, and a similar choice for the Falkland 1912-20 definitives, Scott 30-40 SG 60-69. Many collectors who insist on NH condition despite the large premium price this entails do not even bother perusing the LH section. However, those who are open to both LH and NH condition are often disappointed when a Geo V set appears only in NH condition. It is always nice to have both alternatives appearing side by side. Additionally, 2 nice multiples in the Geo V era are the Hong Kong broken crown variety, SG 100b, and the 1’ shade of the Bermuda that is often needed to complete the basic script set per Scott (Scott 93) but is listed as a variety in Gibbons (SG 87a). We have added this variety both as an NH single and a corner margin block of 4.

Finally in the King George VI era we have added a fresh group of Bermuda flaws – both singles and multiples. These are offered with only small premiums as compared to the flaws which are listed by Gibbons. Also, in British Asia we have added the increasingly elusive Kelantan set in fresh condition, Scott 29-43 SG 40-54, and for those a bit more forgiving of the LH requirement the rare Gibraltar 2d, Scott 110d SG 124ad, priced at about one half of a recent auction realization for an LH copy.

All these items, with the exception of the most of the Bermuda stamps mentioned, can be found on the home page of our website, with further descriptions available by clicking on the image of each item.

With regards to all our customers and readers,

Aron Halberstam

Recently we have had some inquiries about the best method for detecting hard-to-see watermarks. There are quite a few different tools available, but I find the most reliable to be good-old watermark fluid and a black plastic tray (to increase the contrast). I have used a fancier backlit watermark detector in the past and it does often provide greater clarity, but it can be cumbersome and often doesn’t help enough with the most difficult watermarks.

There are some issues where the watermark is especially hard to detect — as for example in the case of many of the QEII definitive issues of Hong Kong —
Hong Kong Scott 327 There are three watermark types for this stamp that can be very difficult to see.

Occasionally, secondary characteristics can be helpful to tell the difference between different watermark types. Looking at the back of the stamp you can often notice differences in the color or consistency of the paper and the gum. For example, in the South Georgia QEII surcharged wildlife issue, the watermark type can clearly be identified by looking at the surface of the back of the stamp.
South Georgia 50p On one set the gum is rather patchy, and on the other it is smooth.

Another challenge presents itself with the New Zealand single vs. multiple NZ and star watermarks. It is not necessarily difficult to see some portion of the watermark on any given stamp, but you can often see repetitions of the single watermark and not always of the multiple watermark. Here are some tips:

The NZ and star in the single watermark repeat in a regular manner so that they are in straight rows and columns, directly above and next to one another but with significant spacing.
The multiple NZ and star are spaced differently so that the rows are staggered, as:
So if you only have portions of the watermark, look for the way in which they repeat.
Another useful tool for the New Zealand watermarks is paper curling. For example, in the matching pictorial sets of 1935 and 1936-41, the paper curls differently when placed gum-side up on the palm of your hand and allowed to warm slightly. Depending on which set it is, the paper will either curl up from the right and left sides, or up from the top and bottom sides. The larger format stamps in the issue allow you to see the watermark fairly easily, so using one of those as a reference for the curling, you can then check the remaining stamps without having to squint. (The watermark on the smaller stamps is often nearly impossible to see due to the heavy engraving and small size, though fluid does help significantly.)
Margins and multiples are always useful for seeing a watermark:
The New Zealand Arms postal fiscal stamps also have single and multiple watermark issues, but be careful using the paper curling method as both paper types were used for the single watermark issues and do not curl the same way. It is always best with these stamps to try to see the actual watermark for positive identification.

We welcome any further tips or strategies for detecting watermarks among our readers, and we invite your questions as well. We will post any comments we feel would be useful additions to the blog.

Can you think of something specific you’d like to read about here? Send us an email and let us know!

— Posted by Kathryn Wright
Managing Director and Philatelist
Aron R. Halberstam Philatelists, Ltd.

Aron R. Halberstam Philatelists, Ltd.

Comments on some recent acquisitions now available on our price list

Watermark Detection