France 1849 15c And 1fr - Forgeries?

I have doubts about my French rather rare 15c and 1Fr 1849 stamps. Maybe they are forgeries, although the 15c has a Bühler signature behind. Help would be appreciated. Maybe this problem has been discussed before, if so I would behelped by an URL.

They look quiet genuine to me..

Nice stamps. The "b" above Buhler's experts mark probably means he identified it as a particular shade. Depending on which catalogue he used, it could either be the darker green (Michel) or yellow-green (Yvert).

both genuine, yes.

Everybody has a different definition or rare, but these stamps are perhaps more accurately described as being expensive when in high quality. The 15c has 3+ margins with a little staining from the cancel, so is only worth a fraction of any catalog value you find.

As for the 1f, do you have watermark fluid? The back clearly has an overall paper adherence, so you need to check if it was glued there to cover a thin or repair, if you haven't done so already.

Thank you hy-brasil, The condition of the 15c is rather poor indeed.... it is what it is, alas. Examening the1f I can see no paper adherence, the stamp clearly is of 1 paper layer, and would be thicker in case of paper adherence. Besides holding it against the light there is no sign of a thin or repair. So I guess this one scores a little higher regarding catalogue value ?!
PS: I am sure you did not mean it that way but your analysis is rather ruthless. I used the term "rare" because my English is just mediocre. But apart from that I really appreciate your professional feedback!

I apologize for sounding so harsh. Don't get me wrong, the 15c is not a poor copy, it is just not perfect. I'd be happy to have the stamp in my collection since a very fine sound example is out of reach for me. This one just doesn't merit the highest prices as reflected by catalog prices. This is true of classic stamps in general.

The problem today is that classic stamps not in highest quality are typically offered at arbitrary high prices on ebay and elsewhere where knowledgeable dealers would offer them for much less.

As for the 1f, did you indeed use watermark fluid to examine the stamp? Holding it to the light is insufficient. So, is there just an optical illusion or image flaw I'm seeing here? I see a definite step on the back that should not be there, with paper apparently in two different colors besides:

What is it that I'm seeing here?

Maybe you are right, I will examine it to be sure. I will let you know the outcome!

Alas, trying to seperate what might be 2 layers I destroyed the stamp. Bad luck :/ Afterwards I think there was something wrong with the backside of the stamp indeed, but there was nothing that could be done about it. Repairs and forgeries: terrible!

There is no way a re - backed stamp would have the cancel showing through.
The lines were from the plate pressure during the printing process.

Truer words were never spoken.

RIP little stamp.

*** Edited by Staff - Please review the rules that you agreed to when you registered. ****** happens, but I can only blame myself

It could also be the cancel soaked into the envelope paper.it can occur with very thin paper.so someone tore off the paper around the stamp,a tricky operation without damaging the stamp .

I don't think so, perfl2, because in that case I would easily have managed to remove the remaining envelope paper. But whatever is the truth, the patient died during the operation, alas.

Hi Cor,

By what method did you attempt the operation?

it´s too traumatic to even talk or think about it. I learned from it and let the poor stamp rest in peace.

Fair enough.

In future, when in doubt, soak first.