Switzerland 1949 Grimsel Reservoir Type I And II Identify

I see from Scotts that there are two varieties of the 20c from this series.

I have a couple which I'd like a more experienced eye to look over.





Apart from the obvious colour difference are these one of each type?

Thanks in advance.

Anthony,

I am not convinced that the stamp you've identified as Type 1, is in fact Type 1.

Scott indicates that the criterion for Type 1, is that there are three line that pass above the rock.

My reading of the Zumstein catalog, which I would consider more authoritative here, states that there needs to be 2 "durchgehende Linien", or solid lines. The stamp which you've identified as being Type 1 seems to have broken lines to me. The thrid line shoudl be solid and unbroken.

In addition to the line test, there is another criterion in Zumstein for a Type 1, that is that type 1 does NOT have diagonal lines in the background area between the 0 in 20 and the edge of the dam. In Type II, there are diagonal lines with approximately the same slope as the edge of the dam in that area between the zero and the dam's edge. Both your stamps seem, to my eyes, to have those diagonal lines, hence my reaction that neither is Type .

This is what my eyes are seeing but perhaps others might see it otherwise.

-Larry

I also think that they are both Type 2.

Stanley Gibbons describes Type 2 as having "(a) Two clear horizontal lines instead of three between shore and top of rocks." (ie as Larry says in Zumstein), and also "(b) Horizontal line inserted to mark base of building. (c) Cross-hatching extended above '20H'" - and both of your examples have these.

So sorry, Anthony, it's not the valuable Type 1.

Interesting shade difference . . not mentioned in SG, which just says "maroon".

And isn't this whole series a wonderful example of quality engraving?

Thanks guys. I was leaning that way myself.
The set is lovely though I agree.

Agreed. Its a really beautiful series and I particularly like the 70c issue.

If you're interested in this series which shows the landscape and engineering wonders of Switzerland, take a look at this archive of an exhibit: http://www.swiss-stamps.us/Exhibits...001.001.html

I have just found an envelope with most of this set. Just missing - 25, 35 and 70.
There are a few overprints from this set too.

From the link above (many thanks ldhaber) the 3c is almost as rare as the 20c type I.

Over 4 years later but I think I have found a type I.

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! It's one of the non retushed stamp.
Unfortunately, it is cancelled ( It Worth 4500 CHF if **)
For information, the values from Michel catalogue ( which are more realistic than Zumstein- because of the variation of the CHF)
Cancelled: 85 €
New ** : 4200 €

Good luck for finding a new one !

Even though this topic started 8 years ago (!) it's proved very useful as I just found 20 of these stamps and it was easy to see they were only the Type 1 :)

Type II not I !

Eiger, I agree...a very useful thread. I am finally getting around to my accumulation of Switzerland and am going through these with a microscope. No luck so far on the Type I, but beautiful engraving. With a microscope, you can see the thicker parts of the ink shine.

Ive found a new collection I think it is the type 1 new stamp.


3 years later....

Hello.
There are really three types.
Regards.

Hi all

I have three of the Grimsel reservoir stamps. Based on the tread below all three appear to be the more common type 2 stamps. However my eye is not yet refined enough to be sure. What do you think?

I got into reviewing my stamps to make some money but I have begun to enjoy learning the history etc behind these and my other stamps. No money but learning a lot.

Look at the house baseline:

At left (your stamps) there is a thick line along the entire base (common stamp)
At right, the base is not a continuous line ("Urtype" - uncommon)