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This series was issued in 1926 and lasted until 1954. During this period there were many changes to the designs, perfs etc.

It has been said that this series is possibly one of the most complex issues of stamps ever issued by any country.

The information that will be shown will be of a "medium" grade of difficulty. All issues will be looked at one at a time as and when I can complete the work.

As a taster here is a representative image of what we will be looking at.

Please note. Although I have studied this topic i do not actually collect it. So here and there there may be an image that is unavailable to show and a description will have to suffice.

Please contact me if you pick up any errors on my part.

Rgds and enjoy

Colin

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

Colin:

This will be interesting to follow. I have often set this issue aside, thinking I wasn't ready to try and properly identify them. Perhaps this is the time to find what I have again and watch it unfold. Thanks for starting this one!

John A

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Armstrong'sStamps**http://www.armstrongsstamps.ca
Knowledge is Key.....Libraries work!

BEGINERS RULES

1) Colour shades are very numerous and can not (with a few exceptions) be used as a basis of identification.

2)All stamps have two types of printing of the words "Suid Afrika" the first has it in one word "Suidafrika" and is the older type and the second has a hyphen between the words "Suid-Afrika" and is the later type. start by seperating all your stamps into these two groups.

3)these stamps are collected in horizontal pairs showing one English and one Afrikaans. Vertical pairs can be collected but are worth much less (about 25% of the horizontal pair). Single stamps generally have no value except if showing known flaws errors or varieties.

4) The best way to collect these issues is via control blocks which can be accuratly identified with the minimum amount of fuss.

5) There have been so many issues of this series that to go into minute detail would mean writing a book. Therefore this tutorial will only tackle the basic identification of issues, which can then be seperated (if you desire) into their various printings.

Enjoy

Rgds

Colin

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

HALF PENNY SPRINGBOK

This stamp was first issued in 1926. The first printings took place in London by Waterlow & Sons. The plates were then sent to South Africa and further printings were done by the Government printers in Pretoria. in 1927. Printing was done in sheets of 240 (12 x 20) with a perforation of 14½ x 14. Initial printing was Typograph and then later changed to Rotograph

Perforations and phyisical dimensions were changed during the life of this issue and will be covered.

London/Pretoria - Typograph - perf 14½ x 14 - size 18½ x 22½ - No Hyphen in Suidafrika

Main identification characteristic is the "curled R" and verticle lines in the frame.

NOTE: It is extremly difficult to seperate the London from the Pretoria issues. london issues, the paper is slightly thicker and has a chalky touch and feel. image is distinctly brighter and sharper then the Pretoria printing. you will need a large group of these in order to try identify them



Curled "R" identification





Verticle lines in frame (important as these will change later)









Pretoria printing - smudgy and not as sharp.[/color]




Pretoria Rotograph printing - Perf 15 x 14 - size 18½ x 22½ - No Hyphen in Suidafrika

Main identification characteristic is the "straight right leg of R" and verticle lines in the frame.




Straight right leg of "R"




Pretoria Roto - Hyphenated issue - perf 15 x 14 - size 18½ x 22½ - Unscreened.




The "JIPEX" issue of 1936 falls into this category and can be used as an identifyer.





Pretoria Roto - Hyphenated issue - perf 15 x 14 - size 18½ x 22½ - Unscreened - Design changed. Note: design changed to horizontal lines. This change covers all subsequent printings.





Pretoria Roto - Hyphenated issue - perf 15 x 14 - size changed to 18¼ x 22¼ - Unscreened.

Note: dimension changed to 18¼ x 22¼





Pretoria Roto - Hyphenated issue - perf 15 x 14 - size changed to 18 x 22 - Screened and Unscreened.

Note: dimension changed to 18 x 22 and screened and unscreened printings.

The unscreened issue was issued in 1947 and was very quickly superseded by the screened issue and is difficult to obtain - there will be no image of this item. it is easily identifiead by the dimension and the absence of screening.

Screened Printing




Control block from screened printing




1951 - Last issue identified by the "Arrow" controls in selvedge




COIL STAMPS

This issue has had many coil stamp issues and in 1943 these stamps were issued in monocolour green. the earlier issues are difficult to identify (mainly through cut edges etc.) but the only true and accepted way is by a proving strip of 22 vertical stamps. The monocoloured issues are easy as they were only issued as coil stamps.

the monocoloured stamps had two issues and these can be identified by the screening on them. This been either fine or course screening.This issue is collected in "vertical pairs" and not horizontal ones for the normal issues.

Horizontal pairs do exist and are extremly rare


Monocoloured coil stamps





Blow up and comparrison of screening. Fine screen on the left and course on the right.



Coil Strip with paper header





This ends this lesson - the next one will be on the one penny Van Riebeek.

Watch this space

Rgds

Colin

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

Fantastic Colin. Many thanks. I have a large quantity of this stuff (halfpenny green) but have been put off from trying to make sense of it because of the complexity. Your tutorial, as well as my new digital microscope, will help me get over the line ... I hope.

Jeremy

Most interesting Colin!
I have many of these - somewhere - and now more to research.
Cheers, Kev.

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.
Click HERE to see superb, RARE and unusual stamps, at FIXED low nett prices, high rez photos, and NO buyer fees etc!

Only my pleasure. More to come and time is few.

Rgds

Colin

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

This set is so complex that I have made a simplified table of the main printings to try and make sense of it all. I went to my specialist catalogues last night (mainly the South African Union Handbook) and Colin is right when he says that this information is "medium grade of difficulty" only. These stamps are fiendishly complex and there are dozens of varieties and shades as well as coil stamps intermixed and numerous plates etc etc (not included in my table). A life time of work on this one stamp alone if anyone is so interested. The Stanley Gibbons specialised catalogue is not much help, not even pricing the London and Pretoria Typograph printings separately! I am unable to post the table here without losing all the formattting, so email me if you want a copy. Now all I have to do is start trying to sort my stamps out!

jeremy

This is the table sans formatting. The information includes the date and the catalog nos (U = the Union of South Africa Handbook, SG= Stanley Gibbons and S = the South African Colour Catalog). Note the additon of the July 1948 issue (in italics). Comments welcome


1926 London, Waterlow and Sons Typograph Perf 14½ x 14 comb
size 18½ x 22½ No hyphen Vertical lines - Curled R S29L, SG30, U22 Difficult to separate these issues as they are the same plates and printing types.
- London issue has slightly thicker paper with a chalky touch and feel
- London printing is distinctly brighter and sharper then the Pretoria printing
- Perf 15 x 14 are London printing booklets and perf 14 are Pretoria printing booklets.

1927 Pretoria, South African Government Printer Typograph Perf 14½ x 14 comb
size 18½ x 22½ No hyphen Vertical lines - Curled R S29P, SG30, U33

1930 Pretoria, South African Government Printer Rotogravure Perf 15 x 14
size 18½ x 22½ No hyphen Vertical lines - Straight right leg of R
- Smudgy diagonal lines (top centre) S41, SG42, U36

1936 (Sept) Pretoria, South African Government Printer Rotogravure (Unscreened) Perf 15 x 14
size 18½ x 22½ Hyphen Vertical lines - Diagonal lines (top centre) S53, SG54, U44 JIPEX 1936 miniature sheet issue is this printing and can be used as an identifier

1937 Pretoria, South African Government Printer Rotogravure (Unscreened) Perf 15 x 14 size 18½ x 22½ Hyphen Horizontal lines S53, SG75c, U44a Design change. Horizontal lines instead of vertical lines

1947 (Aug) Pretoria, South African Government Printer Rotogravure (Unscreened) Perf 15 x 14 size 18¼ x 22¼ Hyphen Horizontal lines U44b Size changed by 0.25 of a millimetre!

1947 (Nov) Pretoria, South African Government Printer Rotogravure (Unscreened) Perf 15 x 14 size 18 x 22 Hyphen Horizontal lines SG114, U44c Size changed again. Scarce, only available for a short period of time.

1948 (July) Pretoria, South African Government Printer Typograph Perf 14½ x 14 comb
size 18½ x 22½ No hyphen Vertical lines - Curled R S125, SG126, U33A An economy printing made from the old plates of the 1927 Pretoria issue to use up a stock of cut paper. Distinguished from the Pretoria issue by the pale olive-grey centre

1948 Pretoria, South African Government Printer Rotogravure (screened) Perf 15 x 14 size 18 x 22 Hyphen Horizontal lines - Border between stamps wider S113, SG114c, U44d Changed from unscreened to screened. Screening gives a rough image and the lines look like they are made out of dots.

1949 (Feb) Pretoria, South African Government Printer Rotogravure (screened) Perf 15 x 14 size 18 x 22 Hyphen Horizontal lines - Border between stamps wider
- Arrow controls in selvedge U44f

COIL STAMPS

This issue has had many coil stamp issues and in 1943, these stamps were issued in monocolour green. The earlier issues are difficult to identify (mainly through cut edges etc.) but the only true and accepted way is by a proving strip of 22 vertical stamps.

1943 Fine screening Perf 15 x 14 size 18 x 22 Hyphen Horizontal lines - Fine screening is light green S104, SG105, UR18 - Monocolour green issues were only issued as coil stamps.
- Collected in vertical pairs.

1943 Dark screening Perf 15 x 14 size 18 x 22 Hyphen Horizontal lines - Coarse screening is deep green S104a, SG105, UR19

Jeremy - A kind offer - I'd love to get a copy by e-mail!

Jeremy - Table received - Thanks! Very well done.

Thanks to both Jeremy and OttawaMike.
I now have a copy, although I still had a problem with the one sent by Mike.
I saved the attachment in My Documents from where I was able to open it in Microsoft Word Viewer and then print it.
Sometimes I think my computer gets confused and doe not know what it's up to! I run XP Media SP2
Oh, I have not been at it all day - I have been doing many other things and as the comp. is usually on all day I simply update every now and then.
Thanks again - interesting stuff!
Cheers, Kev.

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

One Penny is nearly ready and will be posted soon.

Watch this space.

Rgds

Colin

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

To All interested parties.

i have also created a matrix for the issues and would be willing to forward to you. Please send e-mail directly to me so that i can respond.

Rgds

Colin

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

Thanks Colin, your knowledge is really impressive. I am going through my un-hyphenated Africa stamps and even with all this info it is a struggle to identify them. Practice makes perfect I hope. I have a couple of errors on my table and will repost the updated info shortly

Here is my updated table, with thanks to Colin for most of it comes from him:

This is the table sans formatting. The information includes the date and the catalogue nos (U = the Union of South Africa Handbook, SG= Stanley Gibbons, S = the South African Colour Catalogue & R = Robson Lowe Empire in Africa). Note the addition of the July 1948 issue (in italics). Comments welcome


1926 London, Waterlow and Sons Typograph Perf 14½ x 14 comb
size 18½ x 22½ No hyphen Vertical lines - Curled R S29L, SG30, U22, RL45 Difficult to separate these issues as they are the same plates and printing types.
- London issue has slightly thicker paper with a chalky touch and feel
- London printing is distinctly brighter and sharper then the Pretoria printing
- Perf 15 x 14 are London printing booklets and perf 13.75 x 14.25 are Pretoria printing booklets. Panes of six of the Pretoria printing with left margins as printed for the booklets were sold at the post office.

1927 Pretoria, South African Government Printer Typograph Perf 14½ x 14 comb
size 18½ x 22½ No hyphen Vertical lines - Curled R S29P, SG30, U33, RL52

1930 Pretoria, South African Government Printer Rotogravure Perf 15 x 14
size 18½ x 22½ No hyphen Vertical lines - Straight right leg of R
- Smudgy diagonal lines (top centre) S41, SG42, U36, RL80

1936 (Sept) Pretoria, South African Government Printer Rotogravure (Unscreened) Perf 15 x 14
size 18½ x 22½ Hyphen Vertical lines - Diagonal lines (top centre) S53, SG54, U44, RL113 JIPEX 1936 miniature sheet issue is this printing and can be used as an identifier

1937 Pretoria, South African Government Printer Rotogravure (Unscreened) Perf 15 x 14 size 18½ x 22½ Hyphen Horizontal lines S53, SG75c, U44a, RL114 Design change. Horizontal lines instead of vertical lines

1947 (Aug) Pretoria, South African Government Printer Rotogravure (Unscreened) Perf 15 x 14 size 18¼ x 22¼ Hyphen Horizontal lines U44b, RL191 Size changed by 0.25 of a millimetre!

1947 (Nov) Pretoria, South African Government Printer Rotogravure (Unscreened) Perf 15 x 14 size 18 x 22 Hyphen Horizontal lines SG114, U44c Size changed again. Scarce, only available for a short period of time.

1948 (July) Pretoria, South African Government Printer Rotogravure (Unscreened) Perf 15 x 14 comb
size 18½ x 22½ No hyphen Vertical lines - Straight right leg of R. S125, SG126, U33A, RL205 An economy printing made from the Pretoria issue (1930 plate) to use up a stock of cut paper which was unsuitable for the rotary machines. 11,000 sheets were printed. Distinguished from the Pretoria issue by the pale olive-grey centre

1948 Pretoria, South African Government Printer Rotogravure (screened) Perf 15 x 14 size 18 x 22 Hyphen Horizontal lines - Border between stamps wider S113, SG114c, U44d, RL193 Changed from unscreened to screened. Screening gives a rough image and the lines look like they are made out of dots.

1949 (Feb) Pretoria, South African Government Printer Rotogravure (screened) Perf 15 x 14 size 18 x 22 Hyphen Horizontal lines - Border between stamps wider
- Arrow controls in selvedge U44f

COIL STAMPS

This issue has had many coil stamp issues and in 1943, these stamps were issued in mono colour green. The earlier issues are difficult to identify (mainly through cut edges etc.) but the only true and accepted way is by a proving strip of 22 vertical stamps.

1943 (Feb) Fine screening Perf 15 x 14 comb Hyphen Horizontal lines - Fine screening is light green S104, SG105, UR18, RL105 - Monocolour green issues were only issued as coil stamps.
- Collected in vertical pairs.

1943 Dark screening Perf 15 x 14 comb Hyphen Horizontal lines - Coarse screening is deep green S104a, SG105, UR19, RL105

It is very tricky to distinguish between the typograph (1926-7)and the first rotogravure printing (1930) as the R is not always obvious. An easier way is to look at the dark green horizontal block at the top centre of the stamp above the Springbok's horns and the letters. In the typograph stamps the block is a solid dark green, while the rotogravure issues it is composed of smudgy diagonal lines.

This is the 1926 London typograph printing where you can clearly see the solid green box and the curled R



This is the 1930 Pretoria rotogravure printing with the diagonal lines in the green box and the R straight legged R



and this is an example of the 1927 Pretoria typograph printing. It is the same as the London 1926 printing but you can clearly see that the green box is smudgy compared to the London printing



I hope I have got this correct Colin. Working all this out is quite a challenge!

Jeremy your identification looks fine to me.

you will see that once i post the One penny images how the "R" actually changes. the R issue only applies to the Half penny, One penny and the Six penny.

You will soon get aqauinted with the "R" - i always look at the right leg and if it has an upward curl then it has to be the "typo" printing.

Also start looking at the differences in the way the English and Afrikaans lettering differs - thin/thick etc on the same pair.

Matrix has been sent

Rgds

Colin

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

Half Penny Official Usage

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

Half Penny


Cover posted at 1951 Business fair held in Pretoria. showing Monocolour coil and Last issue of the half pennies.

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

ONE PENNY - DROMEDARIS

This stamp depicts the ship that brought Jan Van Riebeek to the Cape of Good Hope in 1652.
this stamp was first printed in London and then the plates were sent to Pretoria, just like the half penny mentioned before.


First issue- perf 14½ x 14 - Typograph - No Hyphen in SuidAfrika- size 18½ x 22½



Identification Characteristics

curled "R"
London issue clearer then Pretoria printing
No hyphen in SuidAfrika

London Printing - Clearer then the Pretoria printing.




Pretoria Printing - has a less clear and destinctive appearance then the London printing.



Curled R Identification



Pretoria booklet stamp

Can be identified by the perforation of 13½ x 14. The London printing has the same Perf. as the normal sheet stamp and is very difficult to identify


Second issue - perf 15 x14 - Rotogravure - No Hyphen in SuidAfrika - size 18½ x 22½

This issue had two distinct types and in addition to this there were the so called "Darmstadt trials".

Identification Characteristics
1) "R" has straight right leg and flush with base line.
2) No hyphen in SuidAfrika
3) Type 1 - lines next to scroll are closer together
4) Type 2 - lines next to scroll are wider apart




Type 1



Type 2



Straight right leg of "R"




Darmstadt Trials

This printing took place in Darmstadt Germany in 1929. The government of South Africa was in the process of purchasing a Goebel machine for the printing of postage stamps using the rotogravure process.

Many proofs were made using different papers some using watermarked paper and some unwatermarked paper. Complete stamps were also printed. The One Penny is the only stamp design to have been used for the trial and has a different watermark to the rest of this series. The watermark is a trefoil design. Any one penny from this series that is found without a watermark can be considered to be one of the Darmstadt trial stamps.

Note: un-watermarked stamps should be purchased with a certificate issued by the expertising committee of the PFSA.

Plate Proofs

these are scanned images from the Union Handbook





Trefoil Watermark



Third issue - Hyphen between Suid and Afrika - perf 15 x 14 - size 18½ x 22½ - Rotogravure - Unscreened

Identification Characteristics
1) image has not been screened
2) there is now a hyphen between Suid and Afrika
3) this stamp is bigger in dimension then the other hyphenated stamps that will follow

In addition to the above there is a further design Characteristic that is found on all even numbered English stamps, the so called "pimple on O"





"Pimple" on O




Fourth issue - Hyphen between Suid and Afrika - perf 15 x 14 - size changed to 18 x 22- Rotogravure - Unscreened and Screened

Note: size has changed to 18 x 22

Identification Characteristics
1) image has not been screened
2) stamp is smaller now 18 x 22
3) there is now a hyphen between Suid and Afrika
4) sunrays are dark on light background
5) Pimple on O can still be found.

Unscreened Pair



Screened Pair

Screening looks like small dots






Sixth and last issue - Hyphen between Suid and Afrika - perf 15x 14 - size changed to 17¼ x 21¼ - Rotogravure

Note size has changed to 17¼ x 21¼


Identification Characteristics

1) size 17¼ x 21¼
2) horizon to the left of the ship is now clear and distinct
3) the suns rays are now light on dark as opposed to the previous issues that were dark on light.




Coil Stamps

Just as in the case of the half penny. The one penny was issued in a monocolour red in 1943.. Again these stamps are collected in vertical as opposed to horizontal pairs (horizontal pairs do exist and are very scarce). This issue had two printings again in fine and course screening.

lost image

lost image


"Razorblade" both the one penny and the half penny were sold as a small booklet called a "razor blade' due to their small shape and size. These stamps were intended to be sold to passengers on ships. The item shown is a first issue 1937 sold at a value of 6d. This booklet comprises of horizontal pairs of stamps making up the value. Two pairs of both the half penny and the one penny.

lost image


The above three images cannot be recovered - Moderator

Customs Duty Stamps




Postcard with pre-printed stamp
image



Empire Exhibition 1937 - telegraph usage



JIPEX -1936

Showing a cover posted from exhibition and Jipex mini-sheet





Official usage stamps

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

Continuing the great work, Colin - Thanks!

Really great stuff Colin - look forward to more!
Cheers, Kev.

Thanks guys

Rgds

Colin

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

Thanks Colin, this is fantastic

Thanks Guys

Rgds

Colin

PS. my new avatar is an image of the topic of the next chapter.

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

So say I...........fantastic.

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Waroff49

The last chapter of the Never_Ending Story is being written.

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

AND SO THE LESSON ENDS.

NEXT ATTRACTION AT A STAMP BOARD NEAR YOU.

THE 2 PENNY - UNION BUILDING

RGDS

COLIN

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

Keep it going, Colin. Great stuff. Are you making the summary tables for all the values like you did for the 1/2?

Jeremy did a nice table as well that I appreciated receiving.

Great Stuff, Colin. Thank you for sharing it with us.

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Waroff49

The last chapter of the Never_Ending Story is being written.

I concur!
Kev.

Once again, thank you guys.

Tables are been made up and will be forwarded to all those that expressed an interest.

It is only through the means of feedback from the board that makes this type of work worth while.

Rgds

Colin

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

Thanks again, Colin!

It is my pleasure.

Rgds

Colin

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

Colin,
Your work is worthwhile, even if not at the present but for as long as STAMPBOARDS exists.

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Waroff49

The last chapter of the Never_Ending Story is being written.

[quote="jeremy29"]It is very tricky to distinguish between the typograph (1926-7)and the first rotogravure printing (1930) as the R is not always obvious. An easier way is to look at the dark green horizontal block at the top centre of the stamp above the Springbok's horns and the letters. In the typograph stamps the block is a solid dark green, while the rotogravure issues it is composed of smudgy diagonal lines.

This is the 1926 London typograph printing where you can clearly see the solid green box and the curled R



Jeremy

This item needs to be re classified. The London Typo Printing Plates were used once again in 1948. The way to identify these is that the Vignette is a grey and not a black like the first issue.

Catalogue Number
SACC (South African Colour Cataloge) = 125
Gibbons = 126

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

2d - UNION BUILDING




This is an issue that has distinctive design, colour, size and printing type variations. First issued March 1927. Printed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co London. The Union Building is the seat of the President of South Africa and was designed by Sir Herbert Baker.

Again the only true and acceptable way to identify certain of the issues of this series are by control and arrow blocks. However this issue has many shades and colour varieties that with a little practice allow one to identify most printings.


First issue - 1927 - Perf. 14 - Size 27,6 x 22mm - Typo graphed - No Hyphen between Suid and Afrika - No Memorial

Catalogue Designation: (SACC = South African Colour Catalogue, SG = Gibbons, BF = Barefoot)
SACC - 33
SG - 34




This stamp and the next issue have a very distinctive design that makes them extremely easy to identify from the printings that follow. The stamp does not show the Delville Wood war memorial. This monument was only erected in 1929.

[/img]

[/img]


This stamp can be separately identified from the second issue by the size. First issue has a dimension of 27,6 x 22mm and the second printing dimension is 27,2 x 22,2mm. The perforation is approximately 14.

Colour of the first two printings is a brownish purple with a grey vignette.


Second issue - 1927 - Perf. 14 x 13½ - Size 27,2 x 22,2mm - Typo graphed - No Hyphen between Suid and Afrika - No Memorial

No image posted as there is no visual difference between this and the first issue.

Cat designation:
SACC - 33c
SG - 34b

This stamp is the same as the previous printing with the exception of a size and perforation change. Size is now 27,2 x 22,2mm and the perforation is 14 x 13½.

Gutter pairs exist for these issues and are rare - Multiplication factor of 5 for valuation purposes.


Third Issue - Rotogravure - Perf 14 - No Hyphen between Suid and Afrika - Delville Wood Memorial now on stamp.

From this printing on, all stamps have the War Memorial design included.

[/img]


There are three printings in this grouping. Colour variations are the main area of identification.

Printing 1 - Slate-grey and lilac (April 1931)

SACC - 44
SG - 44



Printing 2 - Greenish-grey and mauve (1932)

SACC - 44b
SG - Not indicated



Printing 3 - Blue and violet (1938)

SACC - 44a
SG - 44d

No Image of this item is available.

This issue was only on sale for a few months before been replaced by the hyphenated issue also of the same shade. This issue is much scarcer then the previous two and is quite pricy. For colour comparrison see first printing of next issue.


Forth Issue - Rotogravure - Perf 14 - Hyphen between Suid and Afrika - Unscreened

This is the first issue that has the word SUID- AFRIKA hyphenated. There is also no screening of the printing. This issue is very similar to the previous one There are two printings of this issue.

Printing 1 - Blue and violet (11.1938) see printing 3 of the previous issue of colour comparison.

SACC - 58
SG - 58





Printing 2 - Grey and dull purple (5.1941)

SACC - 58a
SG - 58a




Fifth Issue - Rotogravure - Perf 14 - Hyphen between Suid and Afrika - Redrawn image - Screened Vignette.

This issue had eight printings starting in March 1945 until 1949. The differences are many and can not be covered by a study of this limited depth. However the first issue in March 1945 has a distinctive design in that the "2" of the value tablet touches and merges with the enclosing ring.

The outer frame is relatively clear and the "Vignette" has a screening that looks like many small dots.




The rest of this issue are generally indicated as having the following characteristics.

Screened Vignette
Hyphenated
2 in value tablet does not touch ring
Slate-blackish grey and bright violet with many shades.

These are all indicated under the following catalogue numbers
SACC - 106a
SG - 107a

March 1945 printing - Slate Grey and violet (2 touches ring)

SACC 106
SG 107



Blow up of the design showing the 2 touching ring

[/img]



Sixth Issue - Rotogravure - Perf 14 - Hyphen between Suid and Afrika - Redrawn image - Screened Vignette and frame.

This is the last issue before the size of the stamps was reduced. Issued in March 1950. this issue has a distinctive colour of slate-blue and plum. The entire image is screened.

SACC - 115
SG - 116



[/img]




Seventh Issue - Rotogravure - Perf 14 x 15 - Hyphen between Suid and Afrika - Redrawn image - Screened Vignette and frame - Size reduced to 21 x 17mm

This, the final issue was reduced in size to 21 x 17mm (21½ x 17¼ to be exact). This issue does not need to be measured as its size difference is very apparent. The perforation was also changed from 14 to 14 x 15.

There were four separate printings from April 1950 till December 1952. The various printings can only be identified from control and arrow blocks.

SACC - 133
SG - 134




COIL STAMPS

Coil stamps were issued in November 1931 from the first plates. The only way to positively identify a 2d coil is from an unbroken proving strip of 22 stamps. These stamps would command a high premium and are quite valuable.


CUSTOMS USAGE

First item shown is BF - 19 . The second stamp is not listed in the 1990 Barefoot catalogue. (If someone has an update of this please let me know)





Various covers

cover showing SACC 44b 1932 usage



Cover showing SACC 133 last issue

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

THATS ALL FOLKS

FOR NOW :lol:


NEXT ATTRACTION THE 3d GROOTE SCHUUR

COMING TO A STAMPBOARD NEAR YOU

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

Thanks for another fine, informative post!

My thanks again too Colin.
I'm really enjoying your informative posts!
Cheers, Kev.

Thanks guys

Colin

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

Many thanks for the info you posted about my halfpenny Springbok Colin. These sure are complex issues. How on earth did you manage to learn all this?

Jeremy

The author of the Union Handbook, Mr Jack Hagger was known to me. He was the world authority on this issue and very free with his advice and help. Sadly he passed away not so long ago.

In addition to this i have many articles, books etc that have been written by the South African stamp study circle. I also have been very lucky in obtaining a lot of stamps for study, this does make things a bit eaisier. Some issues need to be looked at in large quantities in order to get a "feel" for the the items.Lastly i have many fellow collectors who have assisted in my research. An issue like this is sometimes tricky and it helps when one is shown the differences as opposed to reading in a book.

Please feel free to contact me if you need assistance. As i mentioned in the beginning, i do not collect this issue but i have studied them.

Rgds

Colin

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