Afghanistan

[Michael]

I have been interested in finding Afghanistan Scott #2, but I don't know anything about it.  It is downright dangerous to make bids on claims to this stamp on eBay, etc, because there are so many "Tigerheads" and there are no distinguishing marks for a non-Arabic speaking novice.  Does anyone know the corresponding catalog #s for Scott #2?  Is this the same as Michel #2?

Thanks!
Michael

[Jesper]

Well, this is an incomplete answer - at best.

Yor are of course right, the design of the various issues are very similar. There used to be a Scott #1, but it was determined to be either a fake or another "kind" of stamps (others can clarify).

For an image you can always visit Sandafayre. However, in this case they show #9 and later - #2 is simply too "cheap" to brag about ;-) One thing you can learn from looking at their pair of whatever it is (!) is that the Arabic inscription is NO certain sign to look for.

Please remember that these stamps (all Afghanistan up to 1891) were (mostly?) cancelled by tearing off a corner of the stamp. The "worthless scrap" you may see is therefore probably "postally used"!

These stamps are difficult to find, and you may have to pay your "philatelic dues" by buying a few "whatever" until you get the real thing.

The Scott catalog says that the distinguishing mark is that "both circles are dotted", meaning the inner and outer circle in the design, one around the center with the tiger head and one defining the outer edge of the stamp.

You can of course also "try" for it - buy what others may have misidentified as #11 for example - they should run you a couple of bucks each...

You can always send a link to other members for comments if you find it - I don't think FICC members cheat each other by "snatching" your finds.

Good luck - and by the way, should you find a copy I'll bet a years FICC membership dues that you are one of the very few members to have this stamp!

[Tim_Balm]

Michael,

As you know, and as Jesper also points out, these stamps are not very common.

[Jesper]

Ahhh, Tim - you walk right into it, don't you?

May I suggest an article on this in First Issues?  

[Nick]

Well, this will be no help at all, but I would like to express my usual opinion at this point. If it is so difficult to distinguish between these stamps, why bother? Buy one in decent condition and regard it as your "early Afghanistan".

There are, I gather, so many forgeries around that even when you have gone through Tim's masterly exercises, you might still not have what you were looking for.

That said, I'll go home tonight and check mine out (if I can fit it in after the lad's violin and fencing lessons and before cooking tonight's curry). May I put your instructions on my web site, Tim?

Cheers
Nick

[Nick]

I have also thought of something useful I can do - I'll see if I can get any information on identification from the NPS - they are usually helpful in sending me photocopies from their library. If they do, I can then send these on to anyone who is interested. Let me know if you want a copy.

Cheers again,

Nick

[Tim_Balm]

There are, I gather, so many forgeries around that even when you have gone through Tim's masterly exercises, you might still not have what you were looking for.
Cheers
Nick

Nick, Sorry to imply that there is a flood of forgeries of these stamps.  I meant to indicate there are 5 major varieties of the genuine Sc#2 (and a few sub-varieties).  Therefore, telling the occasional stray forgery from a genuine is most difficult.  Forgeries are reported, but they are not rampant.  The best way to weed them from the garden is by paper type and paper weight.  That is why I suggested leaving that to a higher authority.

Tim

[Tim_Balm]

May I put your instructions on my web site, Tim?

Cheers
Nick

Certainly, Nick.  I only ask that you indicate "All free advice carries a money-back guarantee."  These tests are not likely "fool-proof" because I've been shown too many times what things fools can do with my advice/guidance.  

[Tim_Balm]

One more thing about these early issues.  The mint copies are the most likely to be forged.  As I understand it, many of the forgeries were to defraud the postal system, not collectors.  Hence, forging a used stamp didn't make sense.  The ones I have are all used (a piece torn off) and on-piece.  By the way, the "piece" that is torn off usually extends across a whole side of the stamp.  I have yet to see one where a pie-shaped piece has been torn out.  That does not mean they do not exist, just that they are less common.

[Nick]

Thanks Tim

I'll add your tests and your warning. The comments on forgeries were made under my own steam. I have written to NPS asking for copies of the material they have available and will post again if I get a useful response.

And thanks, as ever, for your efforts on the latest auction.

Cheers,

Nick

[Jesper]

Hey, hey, leave a little room for us regular folk ;-)

Nick, if you ever get anything on these babies, please share with the rest of the class - I, for one, can never get enough information.

It may also be helpful to Tim in his article writing...  

[Nick]

Will do.

Nick

[Nick]

A terrific day today for stamps. My Auction 28 wins arrived, my new Scott Classic (a late birthday present) - it's amazing how much difference colour illustrations make and, a reply from NPS on Afghanistan. It's just the first few pages of the Gibbons Specialised, but anyone who is interested is welcome to a copy.

Their reply (to another question) also mentions a book called the Cata Catalogue International, which, they say, gives Scott. Michel, Zum-something, Gibbons and Yvert numbers for the stamps of "over 100 countries". Can anyone give me some more information on this publication? Sounds like just the thing I need.

Cheers

Nick

[Michael]

I love the color illustrations in the hardbound Scott catalog too (I have the recent dark blue and not the newest edition...but now I'm of course envious).  I'm surprised by how many people roll their eyes or make comments when I carry it around to shops or shows, saying it is a waste of money.  It is too expensive of course, but the alternative to keep up with changing catalog values or confusing Scott re-numberings is to buy the entire 20 lbs multi-volume catalog for 3-4 times more money...

I would love to have the info on the Afghanistan first issues.  As an email attachment or, if not possible, a fax (205-934-8490).
Thanks!  Michael

[Tim_Balm]

... and, a reply from NPS on Afghanistan. It's just the first few pages of the Gibbons Specialised, but anyone who is interested is welcome to a copy.  Cheers

Nick

I'd like the info also.  Tim