China #361 Imperforate Offset Head

I think this is a #361 but the head is much lower than normal. Does the offset improve value or is it a rarity for collectors?

I would imagine that the offset vignette would command a premium. It also looks like possibly a Proof ?

This specific stamp is well-known for defective printing. Gibbons' comments are more useful than Scott's: "...Collectors are warned against imperforate, ungummed copies of No. ---(this stamp)...Sheets of these, in an unfinished state, were looted from the printing works in Hong Kong. The stamps were never issued..."

So, is this an illegal stamp?

Hmmm. Good question. I think not, as it was intended as a perfectly legitimate stamp, but the entire inventory was stolen during wartime. I would guess the authorities immediately declared it invalid, but that's not quite the same as illegal...

Thanks, that makes me feel better. Wasn't sure if the feds were going to bust down my door or what. Haha! Thanks for all the responces.

But you must still worry about the Part 17 Terrorists, who peek in the window, see you working on your albums, then shove a campaign poster soaked in watermark fluid under your door.

They've already slipped your guard dog a handful of caramels and the poor thing's still chewing away, unable to bite or bark.

After both of you are woozy and disoriented (meaning you are no longer working on China), they burst in, restrain you with 50,000 hinges (which tickle!), and force you to watch while they re-arrange your collection in Gibbons order. Not a pretty sight.

Yes, paranoia is starting to set in.