Colombia: “Industry” Stamps 1932-1951. Printings, Unlisted Varieties, and Flaws

In 1932, Colombia issued a series of stamps featuring various industries.   New designs were introduced in 1935 and 1939, and many of the designs went through various printings through different printing companies. I don’t have many of the examples noted, but have added images of those I do possess. During this period, for these […]

Colombia – 1921 Retardo Overprint on 2c Narino Stamp of 1917

Starting in 1886, Colombia began using stamps inscribed “Retardo”  on mail to charge for items that had missed normal collection. In 1914 this practice was discontinued and the last legit stamps with the overprint were issued.   These stamps are listed as Scott Numbers I1 through I7 in the back of the Colombia catalog. However, […]

Cyprus – Postal Tax Stamps of 1974-2008, and the 1984 font type differences

The Cyprus Postal Tax stamps used starting in 1974 and through today were, according to Scott, for the “Refugee Fund” In the Scott Catalog, after the 1984 Issue (RA4), Scott notes “There are two types of No. RA4”.  Unfortunately, Scott does not elaborate further. The Michel Catalog comes to the rescue with Zypern #4 in […]

1971 Bangladesh Overprints on stamps of Pakistan

Last year I obtained a packet of “500 different” Bangladesh stamps from an online seller.  Much to my surprise, half of these stamps were Pakistani stamps with a Bangladesh overprint. In 1971, East Pakistan broke away from Pakistan and formed the new country of Bangladesh.  Without postage stamps of their own, they authorized the overprinting […]

Chile – Color and Watermark Varieties of the 1934-1953 Airmail Series

The set of stamps, Chile Airmails of Scott Type AP4 and AP9 were first issued in a series that ran from 1934-1939. A second unwatermarked series was issued 1944-1955, and a final series with different colors issued in 1951-1953. In addition to the cataloged color and watermark varieties, there are also quite a few color […]

Canal Zone 1941 Airmail Cover to Washington DC

The following cover was sent via Airmail from Fort Clayton, Canal Zone to Ellen Holland in Washington DC. It initially was postmarked in Fort Clayton on October 13th, 1941.  Then postmarked again upon arrival in Washington DC on October 16th. Fort Clayton was a US Army Base in the Canal Zone.   This cover features […]

Canal Zone – Dry versus Wet Printings – 1928-1940

In both the USA and it’s Canal Zone Posession, the printers experimented with a new Dry Printing technique.   Many issues of the period exist in both their “Wet” and “Dry” printing types The wet printings used a thicker, stiffer paper and in some cases display distinct color differences. The following images show a few […]

Canal Zone Overprint Types of 1924 – 1931

The stamps of the Canal Zone, under US Possession starting in 1924 used a Canal Zone overprint on USA stamps from the period.   Prior to this, stamps of Panama were overprinted for use, and starting in 1928, most of the stamps were issued specifically for the Canal Zone (with a few USA overprinted stamps […]

Albania Ahmed Zogu Perforation Varieties

In 1925 Albania released a series of stamps featuring then President Ahmed Zogu (later King Zog).  This definitive series featured 2 designs in various denominations. This series later was overprinted and surcharged and was in use from 1925 through 1929. The standard perforation for this series is Perf 13.5, but I came across a few unlisted […]

Komitetit Te Qindreses – Series 2 & 3 – Air Relief Drops and Figures of Freedom

This series, issued in the late 1940’s (numbers 5 – 8) features air drop scenes. I have some paper varieties of these, as well as some blocks. In addition, I acquired a full sheet of 50 of the Series 3 Figures of Freedom Stamp        

Komitetit Te Qindreses – Committee of the Resistance – Albania Fantasy Series 1940’s – 1960’s

Background April 7th of 1939, Italy invades Albania and by April 12th, Albania capitulated, King Zog fled for Greece and the Albanian Parliament had offered the crown to Italian King Victor Emmanuel III.  This created an environment that led to the rise of many Albanian “Resistance” organizations.  First against the Italians, then the Germans, and […]

Albania Komitetit Te Qindreses – Partial Proofs

Came across this interesting item listed for sale by a Swiss Auction House. This interesting set appears to contain “proofs” of both the first set of 4 as well as the second “1952 overprinted” set of 4, with only the centers printed. The country name and values and borders are missing. Unfortunately the auction house […]