Is This 1921 Hk Stamp A New Variety Or Just Damaged/Doctored

I hope this 8c stamp is a variety, but suspect I am not that lucky.

This image shows the defective 'O' in KONG, and also the defective flower in the corner under KONG:


This is a close-up of the 'O':

It doesn't look like the paper fibers are disturbed.

This is a close-up of the flower:

Unlike the 'O', the paper fibers around the flower do seem to be disturbed.

I think this stamp is most likely doctored, but want to be proven wrong!

Any feedback is much appreciated!

I agree that the paper appears disturbed over the floral ornament. The disturbance seems to point upwards to (or run downwards from) the 'damage' to the 'O', which, I agree, doesn't show signs of disturbance to the paper.

I'd say this was the result of an inadvertent scrape to the stamp, heavier over the floral ornament, and just sufficient to take away part of the 'O', but without leaving obvious traces.

A curiosity, but in that damaged state, worthless I suspect.

I think also that the ink has been disturbed previously.

Perhaps by some adhesive or glue that stuck down and was ripped or torn off and then the remaining stamp soaked in water or burnished to remove traces of the disturbance. Thus the paper fibres would not appear to be as disturbed as they would if not saoked and pressed and rubbed.

One theory.

Can you please show a picture of the whole stamp and the back too if possible?

I'm in good company when agreeing with tonymacg and Puzzler that something happened to the stamp after printing.

It would be a tough situation to be in to have a stamp with a scuff that also had an error...the scuff introduces so much uncertainty, that you almost have to attribute anything else to the same damage.

All that being said, my only two references that would have even a chance of mentioning your top-table flaw are the SG Commonwealth and the Five Reigns, and neither of them mention it.

Maybe your stamp had dirt on the plate, and then a later scuff. Maybe it all happened at once. In any event, I don't think it is a value multiplier.

By the way, welcome!

Anyone flashing around classic-era Hong Kong is someone worth knowing.

Thank you, The Three Pillars, for your different but interesting takes on what might have caused this. Y'all have certainly saved me the time and expenses to have it expertized!

Here's the front and back of the stamp:




Cjd, thanks for your welcome! I am returning to the hobby after a lapse of 30-odd years. This stamp happened to be in my old stockbook that I thought would bring my riches, lol.

Who is to say it won't?

Unless you are measuring 'riches' monetarily, in which case I'll be willing to be the one to say it won't.

Welcome back to the fold. Stamps are great because they wait patiently for us to be ready for them. Try that with an aquarium...

Thanks for the scans. Very nice to see.

There is also a scratch or ligted portion across the stamp from the left side to the top of the King's head, similar to the top right.

The back looks a touch rusted or moldy.

But, a nice stamp to own.