Switzerland Seated Helvetia 1881 Series

Is there a good source of info on this series? (with the granite paper). I am especially looking for information on forgeries. Earle does not cover this series and Scott and my (not specialized) Michel only mention their existence.

I have a few specimens, one of the 1 fr value in gold. My luck has never been that good!

Google is not much help. Most hits are dealers, the rest are Wikipedia, et. al, pages about Fournier.

You most likely already have seen these: http://www.stamp-collecting-world.c...1862def.html

http://www.swiss-stamps.org/Fondued...Helvetia.htm

Thanks,I did see that. Like most sites I found there is no information on how to distinguish the forgeries, just the fact that they exist.

Okay, I'll see what I can find.

http://www.ffejournal.com/articles.php

FFE # 2 and 3 each have an article about the "sitting" Helvetia. Looks like the attention is on forged postmarks.

It is difficult finding specific information. Have you tried asking at http://www.quicktopic.com/51/H/qdRWHrshP637 ? These guys would know!

The Serrane Guide; published by the APS; notes that the mint stamps of the 1881 series are so cheap that forgers confined their work to counterfeiting cancellations.

The Scott Classic Specialized Catalog for 2014 notes problems with forged or backdated cancellations, but says nothing about forgeries of mint stamps. See comments above by KGB. It would appear that you probably should have no concern about forged mint stamps. But, for more precise info, you may want to contact the American Helvetia Philatelic Society ( www.swiss-stamps.org ).

Just noticed that KGB also gave a reference to the AHPS.

Thanks for these tips.

Here is Fourniers forged 1 Franc for your consideration:

Another Fournier:



They are easy to distinguish from the originals - when you compare them side by side

DCottrell can you please post your copies of forgeries ,because I would like to match them to what I have . As Steve mentioned above most forgeries are done as cancelations and those stamps that are forged are poorly done ..can I see yours .

Hope this is useful. I realize now that the forgeries warning is for postmarks, not necessarily the stamp itself.

DCottrel - seems like this thread needs a bump
As a general collector I am by no means any expert on Switzerland, but I have been studying these to some extent. My gut feeling tells me your stamp is genuine. First of all due to the use of what seems to be the particular granite paper used from the 1881. (the very thin fibers can even been seen at front of your stamp, eg the tiny red fiber at lower right 'F'). Secondly the distinct embossing of the design (which seems to be missing on the Fournier forgeries kindly posted by ClassicalStamps). Lastly the fine printing details. All tells me your stamp is genuine. That's my 2c for what it's worth.

As stated by others, the postmarks are more interesting for forgers on these stamps. I presume you consider your stamp unused.
Jon