Engraved Stamp Beauties

Khep · Post by **Khep** » 09 Feb 2010 08:23

A great thread, litho. Worthy of the recent nomination, for sure.

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 09 Feb 2010 09:46

Thanks Khep. Here is one for you.

iomoon · Post by **iomoon** » 09 Feb 2010 10:05

I posted this in another thread, but it is worth reposting here.
Yet another Slania masterpiece.

Dead link removed

Khep · Post by **Khep** » 09 Feb 2010 14:38

lithograving wrote:Thanks Khep. Here is one for you.

Thanks, litho.

Looking at that big scan is, I think, the 1st time I've noticed the small 'H' above the last letter of CANADA. I assume that's for the designer, Otto Hahn.

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 10 Feb 2010 11:42

iomoon wrote:I posted this in another thread, but it is worth reposting here.
Yet another Slania masterpiece.

Image link inactive. Removed

Yes that's a very nice SS. Either you or someone else before pointed out that there are hidden designs on the sheet. I can't seem to find them, perhaps you could point them out or possible provide a sharper image.

iomoon · Post by **iomoon** » 10 Feb 2010 12:00

There may, or may not, be hidden data in the stamp. I have no idea.

The other thread has an expanded portion of the stamp.

jugoslavija_post · Post by **jugoslavija_post** » 10 Feb 2010 14:20

Found some.......

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 11 Feb 2010 05:16

Erik, the 30Kr from Norway looks like a good example of the art of engraving but as with most countries the majority of their stamps are now offset/litho.

I just want to point out that usually on Austrian engraved stamps the name of the engraver is on the bottom right and the designer on the left. Name in the middle means of course that the engraver also designed the stamp.

The team of Dachauer and Lorber created numerous stamps between the 1930s to the 50s.They are some of my favourite stamps

The one below was designed by Adelbert Pilch who worked on dozens of stamps and engraved by Franz Ranzoni

The one below was designed & engraved by Ranzoni

Marcel · Post by **Marcel** » 11 Feb 2010 07:10

iomoon wrote:I posted this in another thread, but it is worth reposting here.
Yet another Slania masterpiece.

Dead link removed

This is actually quite nice! The detail is just admirable. Feel like in a place of fantasy:)

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 11 Feb 2010 11:44

The following is restricted to persons of 15 and over. Which I'm afraid excludes you Erik from viewing this page, unless of course you are accompanied by a GOMC adult member.

Not really a beauty but she is engraved, well not all of her,some of her large parts are photogravure.
This Yugoslavian stamp was actually printed by the Austrian State Printers, see enlargement.

The local Yugoslav State Printers in Belgrade where already producing very fine engraved stamps as you can see below but they didn't have multicolour capabilities at the time and therefore contracted out.

Anyone remember Tito?

tonymacg · Post by **tonymacg** » 12 Feb 2010 00:07

I put these up in the Bi-colours thread, but they're equally fine specimens of De La Rue's work for the Empire in the 1940s:

Bahawalpur SG O20-O27

figmente · Post by **figmente** » 12 Feb 2010 02:45

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 12 Feb 2010 06:16

tonymacg wrote:I put these up in the Bi-colours thread, but they're equally fine specimens of De La Rue's work for the Empire in the 1940s:

Bahawalpur SG O20-O27

Yes I agree with you tony about De La Rue produced stamps. They had some master engravers, pity they weren't allowed to include their name somewhere on the stamps as some were from other countries.
I believe that since stamps (well some ) are little works of art, then the designer and engraver should be accredited. For example stamps of Austria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark,France, Sweden and many more credit the artist on the stamp whereas Canada, USA, GB, Australia and many others, don't.
Same with adding the name of the printing company to stamps, some do, most don't.
I remember Courvoisier S.A always added their name to the stamps they produced, except the ones they printed for the UN I believe.
For me this is just another interesting part of stamp collecting.

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 12 Feb 2010 06:23

Yes figmente another good example from Sweden engraved by Martin Mork.
Sweden had/has many fine engravers besides Slania.

Khep · Post by **Khep** » 12 Feb 2010 06:58

lithograving wrote:For example stamps of Austria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark,France, Sweden and many more credit the artist on the stamp whereas Canada, USA, GB, Australia and many others, don't.

If you look at the large scan of the Bighorn Sheep stamp, there is a small 'H' above the last letter of CANADA. Would this be the "signature" of the designer, Otto Hahn?

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 12 Feb 2010 07:43

Khep wrote:
lithograving wrote:For example stamps of Austria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark,France, Sweden and many more credit the artist on the stamp whereas Canada, USA, GB, Australia and many others, don't.
If you look at the large scan of the Bighorn Sheep stamp, there is a small 'H' above the last letter of CANADA. Would this be the "signature" of the designer, Otto Hahn?

You are absolutely right Khep about the H as is another example of Otto Hahn shown below but this lasted only for a few issues in the fifties.

and the loon designed by Laurence Hyde LH lower left, as was the Recreation Sport one after.

At least the designers were able (allowed?) to put their stamp on the stamp for a short time but no recognition whatever for the engravers such as Silas Robert Allen and Yves Baril

Khep · Post by **Khep** » 12 Feb 2010 09:25

lithograving wrote:
Khep wrote:
lithograving wrote:For example stamps of Austria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark,France, Sweden and many more credit the artist on the stamp whereas Canada, USA, GB, Australia and many others, don't.
If you look at the large scan of the Bighorn Sheep stamp, there is a small 'H' above the last letter of CANADA. Would this be the "signature" of the designer, Otto Hahn?
You are absolutely right Khep about the H as is another example of Otto Hahn shown below but this lasted only for a few issues in the fifties.

At least the designers were able (allowed?) to put their stamp on the stamp for a short time but no recognition whatever for the engravers such as Silas Robert Allen and Yves Baril

Hmmm . . . Interesting. I wonder if one of Hahn or Hyde insisted, was told it wasn't CP policy/tradition, insisted some more. If these are the only few examples of any on-stamp signature recognition in Canada's stamps -- there's probably a "story" about why somewhere -- perhaps only in someone's memory.

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 12 Feb 2010 09:33

Hmmm . . . Interesting. I wonder if one of Hahn or Hyde insisted, was told it wasn't CP policy/tradition, insisted some more. If these are the only few examples of any on-stamp signature recognition in Canada's stamps -- there's probably a "story" about why somewhere -- perhaps only in someone's memory.

Yes it interested me too why they were allowed to add their initials for a while & then stopped or if the did it without the postal authorities knowing, but then the engraver would also have to be in cahoots with the designers and I doubt if it would have gotten to the printing presses without someone noticing it.
Anyway I could never find out any info regarding this anywhere but I find it just another reason why I love stamps.

iomoon · Post by **iomoon** » 12 Feb 2010 09:40

There is an article on this in January's Scott Stamp monthly.

It seems that

Emanuel Hahn did Scott #'s 323-324, 330, 335-336, 352, 360-361

Lawrence Hyde #'s 365-369

Carl Mangold # 371

A.L. Pollock # 334, 363, 375-376, 381, 395, 400, 411

Gerald Trottier # 378-379

Philip Weiss # 390, 398, 410, 412.

nigelc · Post by **nigelc** » 12 Feb 2010 10:16

After centuries of Ottoman control the island of Crete came under the protection Britain, France, Italy and Russia in 1898 and was self governing until its union with Greece in 1913 (although technically still part of the Ottoman Empire during this time).

All of Crete's regular issues were recess printed by Bradbury Wilkinson in London.

Here's the third issue from 1906 marking the appointment of the second High Commissioner, Alexander Zaimis, replacing Prince George of Greece.

25 lepta: Alexander Zaimis

1 drachma: Prince George landing in Suda in Crete in 1898 met by the admirals of the protecting powers

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 12 Feb 2010 10:18

iomoon wrote:There is an article on this in January's Scott Stamp monthly.

It seems that

Emanuel Hahn did Scott #'s 323-324, 330, 335-336, 352, 360-361

Lawrence Hyde #'s 365-369

Carl Mangold # 371

A.L. Pollock # 334, 363, 375-376, 381, 395, 400, 411

Gerald Trottier # 378-379

Philip Weiss # 390, 398, 410, 412.

I normally don't get Scott's Monthly (did years ago) so I suppose I will get this issue. Thanks iomoon.

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 12 Feb 2010 10:27

nigelc wrote:After centuries of Ottoman control the island of Crete came under the protection Britain, France, Italy and Russia in 1898 and was self governing until its union with Greece in 1913 (although technically still part of the Ottoman Empire during this time).

All of Crete's regular issues were recess printed by Bradbury Wilkinson in London.

Here's the third issue from 1906 marking the appointment of the second High Commissioner, Alexander Zaimis, replacing Prince George of Greece.

25 lepta: Alexander Zaimis

1 drachma: Prince George landing in Suda in Crete in 1898 met by the admirals of the protecting powers

Nice clear detail in the 1 Drachma vignette, is the frame also engraved or litho ?

nigelc · Post by **nigelc** » 12 Feb 2010 10:50

lithograving wrote:
nigelc wrote:After centuries of Ottoman control the island of Crete came under the protection Britain, France, Italy and Russia in 1898 and was self governing until its union with Greece in 1913 (although technically still part of the Ottoman Empire during this time).

All of Crete's regular issues were recess printed by Bradbury Wilkinson in London.

Here's the third issue from 1906 marking the appointment of the second High Commissioner, Alexander Zaimis, replacing Prince George of Greece.

25 lepta: Alexander Zaimis

1 drachma: Prince George landing in Suda in Crete in 1898 met by the admirals of the protecting powers

Nice clear detail in the 1 Drachma vignette, is the frame also engraved or litho ?

The frame is engraved too. I've not seen any discussion of the frame design but I would guess that the corner ornaments are from ancient coins. Many of the earlier Crete stamp designs were taken from coins underlining the continuity of Greek culture.

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 12 Feb 2010 11:48

Just checking on the net and found to my surprise that Bradbury Wilkinson was a subsidiary of the American Bank Note Company since 1903. See link.

http://www.booneshares.com/WE.html

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 14 Feb 2010 13:17

I'm taking a break from watching the Olympics so I can relax with my stamps.

Here are some Polish stamps which show that Czeslaw Slania was not the only excellent engraver produced by that country.

This large imperforate stamp measures 85mmX105mm

Below is a close up of the 20gr

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 14 Feb 2010 13:22

More Austrian ones, again in my opinion some of the best examples of the art of engraving, especially the Brahms.

NewPhilatelist · Post by **NewPhilatelist** » 14 Feb 2010 13:49

This thread is great! I have collected engraved beauties for years and I must recommend two fine, must have books if you want to know more about the engravers of stamps and banknotes. They are both out of print but available in the better online bookstores. They are both by Gene Hessler:

The Engraver's Line, a bibliography of American stamp/banknote engravers.
The International Engraver's Line, a bibliography of international engravers.

Although not complete, these are the most exhaustive sources for worldwide stamp engravers and their work that I have come across in the U.S..

tonymacg · Post by **tonymacg** » 14 Feb 2010 14:27

In a charming note, Gibbons tells us this circa 1869 die proof of Hyderabad SG 1 was 'Eng. Mr Rapkin. Plates by Nissen & Parker, London'

NewPhilatelist · Post by **NewPhilatelist** » 14 Feb 2010 14:43

Here a just a few of my favorites.

jugoslavija_post · Post by **jugoslavija_post** » 14 Feb 2010 14:56

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 15 Feb 2010 03:20

tonymacg wrote:In a charming note, Gibbons tells us this circa 1869 die proof of Hyderabad SG 1 was 'Eng. Mr Rapkin. Plates by Nissen & Parker, London'

That is beautiful calligraphy, what does it say on it ?

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 15 Feb 2010 03:27

NewPhilatelist wrote:This thread is great! I have collected engraved beauties for years and I must recommend two fine, must have books if you want to know more about the engravers of stamps and banknotes. They are both out of print but available in the better online bookstores. They are both by Gene Hessler:

The Engraver's Line, a bibliography of American stamp/banknote engravers.
The International Engraver's Line, a bibliography of international engravers.

Although not complete, these are the most exhaustive sources for worldwide stamp engravers and their work that I have come across in the U.S..

Thank you for the reference, I will try to get them.

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 15 Feb 2010 03:41

[/quote]

According to my old Michel Europa this 1943 Croatian stamp was printed in Vienna by the Austrian State Printers.
Interestingly there are two types. One has the engraver's ( K. Seizinger) initial " S " in the open right window above the entrance door, the other is without.
I can't make out which type yours is though.

NewPhilatelist · Post by **NewPhilatelist** » 15 Feb 2010 04:42

lithograving wrote:
...two types. One has the engraver's ( K. Seizinger) initial " S " in the open right window above the entrance door, the other is without.
I can't make out which type yours is though.

[/color]

Mine is without the initial. The other type has the initial "S" on the lower window pane of the window Michel mentions. It should be quite obvious to the naked eye when you come across it. The initialed type has been on my want list for a while, but I have never actively searched for it. Perhaps I will pursue a copy, now that is has been brought to my attention again.

Here's a link I found on the web for this issue:
http://www.balkanphilatelie.de/_downloads/SeizingerUS.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It mentions another initialed type (proof only?) where the initial is on the flag to the left of the lower window.

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 15 Feb 2010 05:18

NewPhilatelist wrote:
lithograving wrote:
...two types. One has the engraver's ( K. Seizinger) initial " S " in the open right window above the entrance door, the other is without.
I can't make out which type yours is though.
[/color]

Mine is without the initial. The other type has the initial "S" on the lower window pane of the window Michel mentions. It should be quite obvious to the naked eye when you come across it. The initialed type has been on my want list for a while, but I have never actively searched for it. Perhaps I will pursue a copy, now that is has been brought to my attention again.

Here's a link I found on the web for this issue:
http://www.balkanphilatelie.de/_downloads/SeizingerUS.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It mentions another initialed type (proof only?) where the initial is on the flag to the left of the lower window.

Thanks for the link. I wouldn't mind having the Easter card

, would be nice for framing.

Draccae · Post by **Draccae** » 15 Feb 2010 09:09

iomoon wrote:I posted this in another thread, but it is worth reposting here.
Yet another Slania masterpiece.

Dead link removed

What a great sheet! It has such a fairytale feel to it and the detail is amazing.

tonymacg · Post by **tonymacg** » 15 Feb 2010 09:19

lithograving wrote:
tonymacg wrote:In a charming note, Gibbons tells us this circa 1869 die proof of Hyderabad SG 1 was 'Eng. Mr Rapkin. Plates by Nissen & Parker, London'

That is beautiful calligraphy, what does it say on it ?

Lithograving, I've manfully resisted the temptation to imply I could read anything but the date and the value. M.A. Nayeem's Hyderabad Philatelic History devotes seven pages to the stamp, including a couple of pages on the design and calligraphy.

The drastically abbreviated version is that it reads Sarkar-i-Asafia/Sanatun 1283/Ek Ana - 'Government of the Asaf [dynasty]/Year 1283/One Anna'. Nayeem provides a detailed discussion of the calligraphic style and the arrangement of the elements: much too detailed to go into here, but if you're interested, email me off list, and I can send you a scan of what he has to say. Sad to say, apparently the name of the calligrapher is unknown.

OpusMcN · Post by **OpusMcN** » 15 Feb 2010 15:56

I was in my local stamp shop today checking if they had any second hand stock books, and the only one was unfortunately full of mint GB... Sad but true

Here's the one that particularly struck me...

Cheers,

Craig.

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 16 Feb 2010 04:56

OpusMcN wrote:I was in my local stamp shop today checking if they had any second hand stock books, and the only one was unfortunately full of mint GB... Sad but true

Here's the one that particularly struck me...

Cheers,

Craig.

GB only issued a few engraved stamps during the last 100 years but most were superb, like this one.

BACK O BOURKE · Post by **BACK O BOURKE** » 16 Feb 2010 06:26

South West Africa 1931-1937 Pictorial issue

NewPhilatelist · Post by **NewPhilatelist** » 16 Feb 2010 06:34

BACK O' BOURKE wrote:South West Africa 1931-1937 Pictorial issue

That is one superb piece!

jugoslavija_post · Post by **jugoslavija_post** » 16 Feb 2010 06:43

BACK O' BOURKE wrote:South West Africa 1931-1937 Pictorial issue

Why did they make it 20/- instead of £1?

BACK O BOURKE · Post by **BACK O BOURKE** » 16 Feb 2010 07:05

NewPhilatelist the South West Africa 1931-1937 Pictorial issue (13) is great I will post the rest of the scans.

Sorry, Erik I cannot give a answer to your question.

BACK O BOURKE · Post by **BACK O BOURKE** » 16 Feb 2010 07:10

South West Africa 1931-1937 Pictorial Issue

nigelc · Post by **nigelc** » 16 Feb 2010 07:17

These are really beautiful stamps and printed just twenty miles from where I live!

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 16 Feb 2010 07:39

BACK O' BOURKE wrote:South West Africa 1931-1937 Pictorial issue

I really think the dark green & red brown colours go well together compared to some bi-coloureds where the colours clash.

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 16 Feb 2010 08:44

A few of the castle series from Spain. Very fine engraving but some of the bi-colours seem to clash, especially the 50 Centismo and the 3 Peseta.

Close up of the 1 Peseta below where the 2 colours get on well together IMO

lithograving · Post by **lithograving** » 16 Feb 2010 09:22

French Art

jugoslavija_post · Post by **jugoslavija_post** » 16 Feb 2010 10:20

BACK O BOURKE · Post by **BACK O BOURKE** » 16 Feb 2010 19:24

South West Africa 1931-1937 Pictorial Issue