Germany: Hohenzollern Large Yacht Trial Color Proofs!

I've never seen these before and I know a number of you specialize in this area (*ahem PostmasterGS). I have that gut feeling about bargains again ... Only 7.5 hours left!

http://www.kmphilately.com/index.php?a=2&b=9390852

Brian

These fakes have been around a while.

Here's some good background -- an article from the February 1982 issue of Vorläufer (1.6MB PDF).

Thanks Postmaster. It was very interesting reading this article.

Wow. Thanks for the info! I hadn't planned on bidding, but it's still a great lesson.

It would seem a lot of people are fooled by these. 17 bids by 8 different bidders. Closing price ... $157!

The odds of your average buyer knowing for sure they're fake are slim to none. They look good from a cursory exam, and the embossed seals give them an air of authenticity.

Heck, I've specialized in German Colonies for decades, and I didn't know those "proofs" existed until about a week ago. I keep all the Vorläufer back issues on my iPad to read when I'm traveling, and I happened to read that 30 year-old article last week.

Though to be honest, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. With German stamps in general, proofs are rare.

I saw a set of these for sale at PIPEX. I wanted to walk away without commenting, but couldn't stop myself. I referred the dealer to SCF and recommended he look up this thread.


From the article:




PostmasterGS, can you expand on his comment about postal card fakes?

I purchased some unused colonial postal stationary at the show and would hate to learn I got duped.

Thanks!

Brian

Brian,

Check your e-mail.