DDR - Wilhelm Pieck Definitives

Mi251-255 released 1950, Mi322-326 released 1952/53 & Mi342-343 released 1953 look pretty much identical.
Is there an easy way to distinguish between them?

Mi 251/5 and 322/6 : watermarks are different
Mi 342/3 : without name of President.

Philh2004,

MiNr 251 - 255 can be distinguished from 322 - 326 by watermark. The first series is Wz.1 (Scott 292) and the second series is Wz.2 (Scott 297)


MiNr. 342-343 are different printing types. The earlier types are photogravure vs typography for 342 - 343. The easiest way is to look at the right side of the stamp. There is no printing on the right hand side of 342 - 343.


MiNr. 342


Earlier versions:


Hope that helps!
Dan

Excellent, thanks both. I didn't notice the difference with the text on 342-343. Should have opened my eyes more!

Although to be fair my album confused me as well! It had 325-326 underneath 327-341. And then on the next page put 342-343 to the sides of 322-324.

Sorted, just need 342-343 then.

philh2004,

I don't know if you also collect Soviet Occupied Germany stamps (1945-1949) that were issued before the DDR became a country in 1949.

The reason I bring this up is that MiNr. 212 - 227 are identical to the DDR issues 327-341 except for their watermark. (Wz.1 vs Wz.2 again)

If you got MiNr.334, the 25 Pf. Virchow stamp in a lot, you did well! It's a key issue of the series and has a Michel catalog value of 450.00 Euro used. The MiNr. 221 stamp is 2.50 Euro used. They are often confused.

Dan

Hi Dan

I haven't started collecting them yet, but have considered, when my DDR collection nears completion.

I picked 327-341 up at a very good price on ebay the other week. I don't have any equipment for checking out watermarks at present as it's not something I've ever required before.

I would like to check though. What's the easiest, cheapest way of checking?

Philh2004,

There are a lot of threads here on watermarking. There are also some videos online on how to do it. It isn't difficult but it does take a little practice. The actual watermarks don't always look as crisp and clear as the illustrations.

I use a black plastic card as a background. Place the stamp face down. Sometimes that is all you need to do. More often, though, you need to do more. I use lighter fluid (Ronsonol). A few drops will usually bring out the watermark. (You may have to tilt the card a little in a light for the most difficult watermarks) Ronsonol is good for mint stamps as well. It doesn't disturb the gum. Let it dry and you are good to go.

You will need to learn how to watermark for the early DDR issues. (e.g. Pieck, 5 Year Plan) Sometimes that is the only way to differentiate the stamps.

Dan

Philh2004, the cheapest and easiest way would be to hold the stamp in front of a light bulb and look for a watermark. Foreign stamps can very often be identified this way.

Peter

Here's the back of the stamp. I've tried holding it up to the light and also against a black background but I'm still struggling to be honest. I've read about scanning the stamp in and photoshooting it, so might give that a try.

Philh2004,

I usually use lighter fluid on a black background to make the watermark pop. Try that or, if you want to pay a little more, there is watermark fluid specifically designed for stamps.
Dan

Lighter fluid sounds dangerous?!!!

Lighter fluid has been commonly used for a long time to check watermarks. I only use enough to soak the stamp (a few drops). I wouldn't suggest using a dish full. If you have concerns (some people do) there is watermark fluid available.

Dan

Here are some options:

https://www.ihobb.com/c/WATERMARK_DETECTION.html

Dan

Thanks Dan. Should I use lighter fluid, do I need to soak the stamp in water afterwards?