I came across this stamp in one of my stockbooks. It appears to have a 1st day of issue cds. As the date is pretty central and very clear, I wondered if it was maybe a false postmark? Any advice on this stamp, and on how to spot false postmarks, would be greatly appreciated.
Support the Hobby -- Join the American Philatelic Society 27 Sep 2013 11:12:17am
re: Bahamas - first day cancel?
Hi James, Unfortunately, there is no simple test to detect forged postmarks suitable for any country, any period.
I have few concerns with the stamp you are showing. If it actually is a First Day Cancel, or not, will have to be checked in Michel or Stanley Gibbons as Scott does not provide the day of issue. The stamp was likely soaked off an FDC or otherwise favor cancelled, which explains the neatness of the cancellation. As a collector of used stamps, I appreciate the neat cancel. It is a very pretty stamp.
webmaster for the ISWSC http://iswsc.org and ATA http://www.americantopicalassn.org 27 Sep 2013 11:52:18am
re: Bahamas - first day cancel?
Here is the information at www.allworldstamps.com (the old online simplified Stanley Gibbons Catalogue).
"11 March 1938 Wmk Mult Script CA. Chalk-surfaced paper (1s. to £1). P 14.
155 1s. grey-black and carmine (thick paper) (15.9.38) £20.00 £6.00
a. Brownish grey and scarlet (4.42) £325.00 £60.00
b. Ordinary paper. Black and carmine (9.42) £20.00 £7.00
c. Ordinary paper. Grey-black and bright crimson (6.3.44) £11.00 £0.75
d. Pale brownish grey and crimson (19.4.48) £12.00 £1.50"
This info should help you determine if it is one of the minor varieties issued after the initial date of issue. I would say based on the image it is either No. 155 or 155c. If it is a variety we know it is a fake cancel.
