Roo Sky Retouch

Any good examples out there of this 1951 issue? My catalog has a poor picture that seems to indicate much stronger horizontal lines close to the hill. In this closeup, I have weaker lines, but just as close to the hill.

Hi Partime,

Gibbons says that the sky is normally unshaded by the hill.
If it is the SG 228 B, sky retouch and a good copy, then it would have a value of $80.. Australian.
However, it does look like it could be the retouch.
Horamakhet

All of my other copies show horizontal shading lines much further from the hill, like the example below. Maybe I got lucky with my first example.

Hi Partime,

I am no authority on the Roo issue, but I would say that your first example is probably the retouch, some-one out there with more expertise will probably have a difinitive answer for you

Regards

Horamakhet

I just picked up a much better copy of the Sky Retouch (SG 228b), Foggy Hills Retouch (ACSC 180ga) in a recent purchase. The previous owner was kind enough to point it out.





Any idea of the value in a block of 15?

I don't know the value in a multiple though I do know the highest value multiples are ones where either jubilee lines or the entire sheet or pane are there to prove the position of the variety. That said, your multiple is quite striking, easily visible with no magnification. A fine and beautiful piece.

Murray Payne in the UK is the preeminent expect on all matters pertaining to KGVI-era Commonwealth philately. You may wish to email them (Dickon Pollard) for assistance.

The prices are from the recent edition (2015) of the Australian Commonwealth Specialists' Catalogue (ACSC). Your block of 15 will most likely be about $20 to $30 above the ACSC values.

It is a striking specimen; you definitely reeled in a good catch.


Retouched sky above hills (top stamp)
ACSC 178db) 1938. Wallaroo. ½d. Perforation 13½ x 14. C of A watermark.
ACSC - Mint Unhinged $250; Mint Lightly Hinged $200; Used $200

There is also a retouched shading above the hills not as thick - ACSC 178da - Mint Unhinged $175; Mint Lightly Hinged $125; Used $125.

The retouch varieties (Nos. 178da and db) are successive states found only on sheets with the McCracken imprint.


Foggy Hills with heavily retouched sky (lower right stamp)
ACSC 180ga) 1949. Wallaroo. ½d. Perforation 15 x 14. No watermark.
ACSC - Mint Unhinged $75; Mint Lightly Hinged $50; Used $50

Nice work Rob,
good to see this variety clarified so well.
Cheers.

Thanks again to Rob. Always good to see confirming copies.

Thanks Rod.

Thanks Partime; if possible I like to give a helping hand to either identify the stamps or give the stamp the most recent ACSC value.

Bumping this older thread. Just wanted to add a new purchase, the complete right, sheet B showing the "Foggy Hills Retouch", 180ga, at R6/8. Also includes "Fleck of Colour over kangaroo's head", 180h, at R9/4. This was later removed, per ACSC.

Foggy Hills Retouch:

Fleck of Colour over kangaroo's head: