German Stamp I Need Help On

When I look in my 2011 Scott standard it shows Scott # 76 & 79 being perf 14 1/2 with 26 x 17 holes, which my stamp has. It does not really specify the differences between the 2. I think I have a # 79 but I would appreciate any help on this. Thanks!

The difference between #76 and #79 is not the perforation.

#76 Deutsches Reich in script
#79 Deutsches Reich in block letters

Since your stamp has Deutsches Reich in block letters, it can only be #79(26x17) or #79b(25x16). Then count the perforation holes to distinguish. Your stamp is #79.

It looks to me, from the images in my 2003 Scott's that the stamp has been redrawn (there are two images, one for each number)
The rays of light in the sky look simpler and softer on the #79 and the text, especially on the sides - Deutsches Reich - looks thicker. I think yours looks like a #79.

Ahh. Block letters, that is why it looks thicker. Well done khj, couldn't see that in the pictures. Gotta get a newer catalogue with the better images.

Scott's a royal mess when it comes to the Germania issues. I'm not fluent in Scott, so let's see how badly I can confuse the issue...

There are numerous stamps of this design:

Scott 63 (1900) -- this design uses the text "REICHSPOST" at left and right.



Scott 76 (1902) -- switch to "DEUTSCHES REICH" at left and right. Gothic font..



Scott 79 (1902) -- Roman instead of Gothic font. Differences in the sun's rays.





Scott 93 (1905-1919) -- similar to Scott 79, but with watermark. Peacetime and wartime printings which can vary considerably in appearance, and are catalogued as separate sub-varieties.

I don't understand why Scott doesn't put a one-line footnote, or at the very least (block)/(script) next to the design numbers. Why make us all sit there and guess what is different?

Very nice pictures, PostmasterGS! Yes, I forgot about the watermark variety.

Check watermark to see if 93b. If so, then check to see if pre-war printing (93c).

Thanks folks, I really appreciate the good information. It is for sure 26 x 17 so I do believe it is a scott 79, but it is watermarked (I could actually see the watermark without using the fluid). I have a 2011 scott catalog but my eyes were not sharp enough to spot the differences in the script type. So, is 79 watermarked?

79 doesn't have a watermark. That's a peace printing -- 93c.

Postmaster, thanks for making the differences so clear.
Mike

My scott does not show a 93c only 93 & 93a. If I had more German stamps I would invest in a more detailed guide. My scott is the standard version so it must not show all varieties.

I believe Scott only differentiates the peace/war printings in the Classic Specialized.

It's only in the specialized. SCV is $3.00.