I have a question for the Panama varieties and that is as follows:
Panama, Scott #183c, with DOUBLE SURCHARGE ERROR, Mint, "Waxy" Original Gum. What is meant by "Waxy" original gum, could someone send me a picture showing "Waxy" appearance would be appreciated.
Waxy gum is another term for tropical gum. The stamp has it's original gum, but the gum has been altered by high heat and/or humidity. The result is gum that looks often more glossy than it should or with an odd sheen like that of wax paper.
I have heard with the Panama Overprinted Map stamps of 1903 to 1906 that if you have one with a overprint that is not printed lightly that it is a reprint is this true? Someone also told me that these stamps are fakes is that true?
I would advise against any particular system of identifying fakes from the series you mention (Canal Zone Scott 1-3). I have seen certified copies with stronger and slightly lighter imprints. The best bet is to have a cert.
His second question was a much earlier time frame than the 183c stamp, and in fact coincides with the first issue of Canal Zone stamps. Also I have heard the "strong imprint" theory before, but only in relation to Canal Zone first issue stamps, so I assume when he said Panama in his second post he meant the Canal Zone because all the other data correlate.
