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Hi gang,

I could use some help with a Red NZ Kiwi stamp. Here it is:


I have tentatively identified it as SG 324 (old #392) or SG344 aka Scott 93. While it has no standard watermark, you can plainly see at the top of the back (it is actually the bottom) a double line watermark that looks like the lower part of a double line "E". The catalogues both describe a printing where the watermark is sideways so "specimens from the margins of the sheet show parts of the words NEW ZEALAND POSTAGE in large letters." They don't say whether "NEW ZEALAND POSTAGE" is double lined. So that is my first compound question. Is the paper double lined and does the picture look like I have one of them?

So the next problem, what color is it ?? I'm leaning toward Bright Carmine-Pink.

Now for a real rub; it is perf 16 and perf 16 doesn't seem to apply to any of the listed stamps UNLESS it is #344 which is listed as "mixed perfs." My problem with such a conclusion is that previously in the catalogue (after #284), SG defines "mixed" as some combination of 14 and 11. So, what say you .... what number do I have. BTW, the perf 16 is why I have ruled this out as being a LISBON SUPERFINE watermark (SG 265bd) because that is on a perf 11 stamp. (I'm lucky enough to have one of them too!)

Lastly, for the more esoteric but very interesting to me ... what is the cancellation? It appears to be fiscal, like some kind of bank ("TERW???? Brothers Limited?")

I'm looking forward to the discussion that ensures and hope that my new gmail account will work in forwarding posted replies. I haven't had any reply notifications in weeks.

THANKS in advance.
John

It is SG324.

Local print of 1906.

Perf. 14 - please recheck the good edge

Watermark letters - as you have stated above from the edge of the sheet.

Fiscal cancellation - A business cancellation as receipt of payment received.

Cheers

Dave.

What a bone-head mistake ! Dave you are right. It is perf 14. I can't believe that I missed that. Sure would have saved me a bunch of typing, photo scanning and composition, if I had only re-checked the perf.

I can't believe I made that kind of rookie mistake.
jch

PS - It's fairly common for the edge of sheet watermark to be double lined lettering. Almost standard for Commonwealth issues and the paper maker of the time. Much easier to read than any single line might have shown.

_________________
Greg - Looking for Goulburn Australia Cancels and Grangemouth Scotland Cancels and Covers
Member of the S.T.A.M.P Club for Slightly Twisted And Mad Philatelists - Motto: "Bring back the lick!"

BTW ... The company stamp above is for :

Butterworth Bros. NZ Ltd
A drapery and clothing business

If you are interested in further info. on this business check out this site ==> http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/

Dave.

Dave & Greg,

Thanks so much for your responses! I mean that. I truly enjoy my NZ collection and feel that feedback like yours helps me understand so much more than just "stamps." That is honestly a lot of the reason I enjoy the hobby so much. I found reading up on the Butterworth Bros. an interesting historical side trip.

My screwup perf count made me go back and look at my "Lisbon Superfine" Kiwi and confirm it is perf 11 but looking over the SG catalogue I see so many more options there for all the First Pictorial Issues than what my Scott catalogue gives me. Can either of you recommend a web site or printed document that can help me sort out the many varieties of all these stamps? I have a terrible time with paper types (heck, I obviously have a terrible time with something simple like perfs! ) so would like to find something that assists me in sorting the various options in all these stamps. Any suggestions from you (or others reading this) would be appreciated.

Something like my 1893 adverts on the side faced queens is a whole lot easier to deal with but so far the only issues I've had to deal with there is how to display them and how to afford them.

Thanks again.
jch

Try the superb Campbell Paterson Catalogue; http://www.cpnzstamps.co.nz/Catalogue.htm
Even locating a 2nd hand one will give you immense knowledge.....

WOW

You Kiwis aren't bashful about prices on reference material are you? I checked out the site you suggested and the book looks positively fascinating but I will be looking for a used copy as I don't collect modern stamps.

THANKS ! for the suggestion.
jch

Yes. SG is great for most people .... but for more specialised info. then Campbell Paterson is the way to go. As Wolseley16/60 says - get a secondhand one. This will keep you enthralled for years.

But wait - there's more:

Have you seen this site ? ==> http://www.nzstamps.org.uk/

It is run by a member here and is a very interesting read too!

Enjoy.

Dave.

Dave ... have you considered being a late night tv announcer with your "but wait - there's more" ???

I briefly checked out the site you suggested and know from a quick review that I'll glean a lot of information from it. I'm not to sure how much it will help me identify the varieties of the 1st pictorials but I see it sent me to another site that will help with the Penny Dominions and Penny Universals. I believe I've also seen discussions on SB about plate flaws and will be checking mine for those too.

Thanks again for the recommendations.
John

I can also highly recommend the Campbell Paterson catalogue. It lists, watermarks, papers, perfs, colours, flaws, printing details etc etc.

T

_________________
"It is better to keep your mouth shut and let everyone think you are an idiot, than to open it, and remove all doubt!"