Switzerland Scott 71 Value Missing

This one is similar to the previous post about paper folds. However this one appears to have had some foreign matter between the ink in the paper when it was printed. At first I thought it was a scrape but the paper texture is consistent. It's possible that someone might've doctored up with chemicals. I believe it is Scott 71, a common five cent value, with watermark type II. I believe it's a Zürich postmark from 1894. I love the stamp. The error occurred right where the five cent should be . I know it has no value but will get its own page in my collection.

This looks like someone applied a chemical that washed away the ink, not an error, nor variety, just a purposely damaged stamp.

I agree with that observation. Easy to see


Peter

What material will wash away the stamp face ink but not the cancelation? I thought the cancelations are more susceptible to solvents.

I did suspect that it might be a chemical alteration however I agree with Rob Roy thoughts that the postmark survived. It's a puzzle?

I really don't know why anyone would go through all the trouble to alter such a low value stamp. I found it in an envelope with about 100 other copies of the same stamp. I was just searching for postmarks.

I agree that it has every appearance of chemical damage, although I don't necessarily subscribe to the conspiracy theory of intentionality. Accidents happen too.