Guatemalan Identification Issue

I was hoping that some of our more seasoned Guatemalan experts have a quick and easy way of identifying the difference between Guatemala 31 (1c blue) and Guatemala 43 (1c blue) These stamps are of the same design. The number 31 is lithographed. Any help or hints would be a big help

Thanks Rick

There are several differences: paper and printing process are two but the third difference as shown on the photos is the easiest to see. Sorry about the out of focus scan.



Number 31 has all horizontal lines are the same at the top of the stamp. Also on #32-41




Number 43 has several of the uppermost horizontal lines shaded more heavily than the others. Three, or four, lines above the train are heavier and five, or six, lines above the ship are heavier. Also on #44-50

Marty

Opps, my copy of 31 almost looks the same as my 43 as far as lines above the train so I better elaborate a little more. Look closely and you'll see that the sudden change in the lines is more pronounced above the ship. The printing process makes for overall finer detail on #43-50. Note the thickness of the lines, especially above the ship, on #31

Marty

Marty Thanks ! I will concentrate on the area above the ship, I had been looking for a bigger difference on the other side this should help me sort these much better thanks !

I see quite a difference in the short lines to the left of the front of the train.

Yes, there is a difference in the horizontal lines on the left above the train. The heavier lines on #43 stand out well from the much lighter lines below them. Although #31 also shows a similar contrast in the lines, the difference is considerably less than that on #43. Because of their similar upper lines characteristics, only the 1 centavo presents an ID difficulty. All the rest in question (#31-50) are much easier to ID.

To nr-notrare. I've got to get my act together; I didn't correctly reply to your comment. The lithograph printing, as you know, does not have the capability to print lines, etc as fine as that used on #43 (which is engraved, I think though I'm not sure at the moment). So you are right, the finer lines of #43 to the of the train give a look of more "white space" than #31.

Marty

Actually that's not what I meant......



Look at the short lines on the left edge.......

number 43 is engraved and the images are sharper(generally speaking) but I have such a hard time distinguishing between the 2 that I have never sold or traded a stamp as a #31 ..i wouldnt want to charge for the wrong stamp !!

Phil
I may have to buy a know number 31 just to use it as reference

Rick I dont think you will see much difference..i have seen them in the APS circuit books..but never purchased one....perhaps I am giving out too much information or am color blind but I even have problems with the #32 brown and the #44 yellow brown !! You sure see a lot more of the #44 !!

Phil
I am finding out what you mean ! I just don't like to miss identify the stamps

Rick, I received a call from one of the Guatemala society members the other day..hes down in Guatemala now for the 35th time..he asked if I were going to the I.S.G.C. meeting in August at the APS show in Pittsburgh..i doubt it..we are going to be spending a lot of time in September at the big Quad centenial show in Albany..David Giles is coming down..if there were any way you could manage to make it to Pittsburgh..you would be welcomed by the members and make instant friends....

Pittsburg is several hours away but just might make a nice trip !!

Find a motel make it an over nighter then you can have two days at the show !!

I thought I'd add this to the mix. Let me know what you think. Because of similar heavy lines above the train, Scott 31 and 43 are the most difficult to ID. Both have heavy uppermost 3 lines above the train. This tends to not be true with the rest of the stamps in both series. As a disclaimer, my eyes are not as good as they used to be and the differences could have simply been caused by worn plates when printed.

However, I personally believe it is a bit easier when comparing other stamps in the series. The first photo is #31-34. Note that the lines above and around the ship are pretty much the same and the short lines on the left below the train are well pronounced. This is true for all #s 31-41 I have.




On Scott #43-46 below, notice that above the ship, the top 5 lines are heavier than the rest of the lines around the ship. The short lines to the left and below the train tend to be less pronounced than on #31-34, especially #43 and 46. I find it interesting that #43 is one that does not have well pronounced short lines below the train.




Finally, Scott #51-58, are revalued Scott #38-41 and fit the description I give for Scott #31-41.

Marty