STAMP NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 208, 1 August 1935, Page 2

STAMP NOTES

(By “Philatelist.”) This week, let us consider the question of “watermarks.” As a general rule, paper on winch stamps and banknotes are printed, is made specially for the purpose, and a distinguishing design is worked into the paper curing tile process of manufacture. This varies considerably, but usually shows up fairly plainly almost as though ttiere were wet marks on the paper. The watermark may bo a single device in each sheet, a series of letters, or may consist of a number of small devices arranged so that one device falls on each stamp in the sheet. The paramount purpose is to make it more difficult to forge stamps—to make it easier to detect forgeries. Probably the most extreme case of stamp forgers cheating the postal authorities occurred in Argentine about 1920 to 1922. Very large quantities of forged stamps came into use, add it was found that, so skilful was the distribution of these, that many of the stocks bought and used by even the most reputable firms, came from an illegal source. To facilitate the detection of forgeries, the watermarks were changed sevral times, including a form of “watermark” printed on the taco of the stamps so as to be clearly visible. and eventually a fresh stamp design had to be adopted. With the stamps of New Zealand, the letters “N'.Z.” over a star, have been used as watermark for a long time. This watermark is arranged so that it occurs once on every stamp on the sheet—that is, stamps of normal size. With the air mail stamps, two devices appear on each stamp. With the irregular sized pictorials, various parts ol devices appear irregularly. In some such cases, with the “Victory” and “Peace” stamps tor instance, specimens can be tound with parts of the letters “New Zealand Postage” as watermark (from sides of the sheet). 'The watermark can generally be seen when the stamp is held up to the light. If not, then it will probably- show up when the stamp is placed face downwards on the black polished surface of a “watermark detector.” The final resort is to pour a little benzine over the stamp. This will not affect the colour or gum—except in the case of some of the very recent issues printed by new methods (care should be taken with these) and certain old stamps in water-colour. If only one device appears on each stamp, this is. described as “single watermark.” If parts of more than one device fall on each stamp the watermark is “multiple.” Letterings, etc., from the margins, are described as “marginal” watermarks. For the 2Jd. fid, 9d, and 2s values of New Zealand’s previous pictorial set., special paper was used, so that, although these stamps are double size, the watermark was exactly spaced so that only one device appeared on each stamj). In 1916, the balance of this paper was- used up for King George stamps, lid slate, 2d yellow, 3d chocolate, and 6d carmine (all engraved). Stamps from this printing are scarce, and show parts only, of the watermark, on each stamp, instead of a complete device like the rest of the Georges, while (still more rare) in some ports of the sheets. stamps missed having even the slightest portion of watermark. On the 2d, 3d, and 6d this watermark appears sideways only. The 8d King Edward, indigo-blue, also exists thus.

There are some unusual types of “watermark.”. The early stamps of Switzerland have an “impressed” watermark (collectors generally write the abbreviation “wink.” by the way), while stamps of Sweden, 1886-1891, and New Zealand, 1925. have the “wink.’ printed in blue on the back. A similar typo of thing occurred with stamps of British Honduras, 1915, when a consignment shipped early in the war were overprinted with a faint black moire pattern so that, in case of seizure by the enemy, they could bo distinguished and rendered invalid. From the back, the watermark normally appears reversed, but it should read correctly when looked at from the front. Errors and varieties do occur where the stamp has been printed on the wrong side of the paper so that the watermark appears reversed when tho stamp is looked at from the front. Another variety is often described as “watermark inverted.” However, this Is a misnomer. The wmk is there first, so it must be the printed design of the stamp which is inverted in such a variety.

Apart from albums, there are three requisites mentioned so far. which a. collector should have. Firstly, an efficient catalogue. Tin's is essential, and see that it is a complete list. Simplified catalogues are on the market—hut these are often misleading. If there is a scarce variety of a stamp, it is well worth-while knowing so that one can keep a look out for it. With a simplified catalogue, frequently no indication is given of scarce items, with the result that you might trade away comparatively scarce varieties in ignorance. Then a perforation gauge is also necessary; and a watermark detector can be helpful. Also, don’t forget to insist on good quality stamp hinges. About 27 stamps of the New Zealand dependencies go out of-issue on August 7. Now is the time to complete vour collection in the Jubilee sets of Niue, _ Samoa, and Cook Islands ; the pictorial set of Samoa; and the 2s and 3s New Zealand King George overprinted for use in Samoa, Niue, and Rarotonga. Also the 3d air mail stamp in the first design is still on sale. As there is a 3d value in the new design too, this stamp is unlikely to he renrinted. and stocks may become exhausted very shortly. [These notes are published with the co-operation of tho Manawatu Philatelic Society. Queries and items of interest for publication should be addressed to the Stamp Editor, care “Standard” office.]