Hong Kong, Scott #52 Or #61?

I thought at first look that this would be a #52 or maybe 52a (yellow green), but in the upper left in the spot where #61 would have a Chinese character, there is something there, between the "D" and "E" in the date on the cancel.

Any Hong Kong collectors out there that can take a look at this and give me an opinion? There's quite a bit of C.V. difference between the 52a @ $160 and the 61 @ $17.50.

I hate to even guess on this one. Thanks for your help, Ray

Ray -

My opinion is that there has to be nothing in the upper left corner to be a #52. If there is something there, like you said, then it is a #61. The Chinese character in the upper left takes on many different variations. I think your stamp has a partial Chinese character there, making it a #61.

Also, Hong Kong #61 is a prime example of green "fugitive" ink. Sorry to say, but your stamp has been put in water and is faded out. I scanned a pair of #61 stamps, from my collection, below to show you what the color should look like.

Your stamp does have an interesting purple security marking across it. I wonder if you can make it out, stamp in hand, under magnification? Just curious what company name is on it.

Hope this helps you,

Linus

Quoting myself...




I found the answer, believe it or not, in my own collection. I have almost the exact stamp, with the same security marking diagonally across it only mine is reading in the opposite direction. I have scanned my stamp below, which also has water-damaged, fugitive green ink. The company name is: SIEMSSEN & CO.

I thought you might like to know.

Regards,

Linus