How To Identify Turkish Stamps From 1908 - 1909

In going thru the Turkey section in the Scott's Internationals, I believe I misplaced the issues from 1908-1909 - Scotts #122-160.

I understand the difference in the issues is the "Sultan's mark or signature". I believe it is the "squiggle" to the right of the marking in the center circle. But obviously I am uncertain.

So my question is, what do I look for to determine the different types?

Thank you!

Hi mobilman44,

The form of the Sultan's toughra (formal signature) changed in 1909 when he took the title of "Reshad" but you're right that is reflected by a change in the shape of the small squiggle on the right-hand side of the toughra.

However, I find it easier to distinguish the 1909 set from the 1908 set by looking to see whether there is a gap between the writing directly under the toughra and the circular frame just below it.

In the 1908 set there is no real gap (Type A19)

In the 1909 set there is a clear gap (Type A21).

Nigelc,
Thank you, yes the space under the toughra does give a clear indication.

You made my day!!

Fancy Ottoman Sultan Tugras:
http://www.tugra.org/en/tugralar.asp

The first image is Scott design A19 - 1908 issues:





This image is Scott design A21 - 1909 issues:




The arrows on the upper right point to the difference in the tughras. The lower left arrows point to the difference in the text alignment.

I originally tried sorting the stamps based on the "squiggle" on the upper right of the inner circle. My problem was it looked like there were 4 different designs instead of the 2 I expected. Of course the reason is that the stamps are used and old and have cancellation marks on them.

I finished the sorting last evening, and thanks to you all, have a much better understanding as to what I am dealing with.

I've been reviewing the link to the various tugras. Very interesting. Before, they all looked alike to me, but now I can see the differences - although small - in them.

Have to say, this hobby sure does expose one to the rest of the world!