India KGV "Clandestine" Inverted Overprints

Hello-



This overprint isn't listed in Scott Classic or Stanley Gibbons. I understand that it is not a "legitimate" invert. I'm pretty sure that I recall that Stanley Gibbons used to say that there were "clandestine" overprints in addition to the listed errors. I don't see that phrase anymore (I'm looking at a 2006 SG British Empire).

Anyone know the story of how these came to be? I'm guessing "clandestine" was used to mean something other than the usual American connotation.

Thanks.

Collin

P.S. This is my first attempt at an image. Feedback, please? Too big, too small, just right?

I would think the image size is just right. If you were asking about identifying the stamp to distinguish it from another very similar stamp then a larger quality resolution pic would be better.

Neat stamp. I like the KGV stamps. Perhaps (I don't know myself) the clandestine word is meant to convey the meaning that the overprint was used 'beneath' the over-seeing auspices of the main stamp issuing authority and perhaps just created by a department for it's own use without official permission. Or something along those lines?

The overprint is forged and quite common. The majority were produced in Hyderabad in 1947, they are sometimes known as the Nasik overprints. You will find similar fake inverted overprints on Pakistan stamps of the same era.

ah an indian stamp. lets just say that there are too many shady things happening. the 1948 Gandhi service issues are the ones for forging.

Hi Cjd, the image is just right, although I thought at first it might be inverted, but its OK!

am surprised the side view of King Goerge appears on many country stamps

here's one

Yes, George V is certainly well represented on stamps. I will put together a short post of definitives (and maybe a commemorative or two) to accompany the overprint thread. They are some of my favorites.

Thanks for sharing the Br Guiana. That's another nice series. The face of the stamp has a lot going on, but somehow it works.

Collin

right cjd, I have a lot of these stamps, but they seem to be all having tears here and there, torn this and that, must be the trip exposure they had before arriving at my place

you sure someone didnt taste them first :)

nic-

For what its worth, your stamp above looks to be older than the Yugoslavia/Slovenia that was discussed recently, making this (perhaps) your oldest stamp. There are two main issues of this stamp. The first issue has an original 2c and a second 2c with redrawn dies, which has differing appearances (less overall shading on the redrawn example, including the shading behind the number on the tablet). The second issue was done in 1921. Your postmark appears to be a "191?" which means it has to be from the first issue. If you have a few of the 2c stamps, you may be lucky enough to find all three examples among them. I haven't looked in Stanley Gibbons...there may be even more variations commonly found.

Collin

Hi Spock, just got back,
yes it does seem my stamps got chewed up! but for me it doesnt really matter, I like stamps that have shown the "weathering" of the years

Thank you Cjd! that is information I do appreciate!
My King Georges is turning out to be many, even have one with "straits settlement" whatever that means

Here's one from Ceylon, never thought he would reach that place

Found another one in my sortings Hongkong!

Nic-

The grumpier-looking guy with less hair (pictured here) is Edward VII, who reigned for basically the first decade of the twentieth century, between Victoria and George V. You might hear him referred to as "Baldy" but I just use KEVII.

C.

[edit: If you were still thinking that the British Guiana 2c was your oldest stamp, this one takes the honor.]

Hi Nic.....


Here's a link showing a map of the Straits Settlements.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straits_Settlements

grumpier hahahah

Cjd - First decade? 1901 to 1910? wow, that is good news for me, I think I'm about to break the 1900 barrier, I have a green stamp that says "straits settlements" showing this grumpier looking king.

I'll take a pic and come back quick, thanks again cjd!