Spud Papers – Turks Islands

 One Penny, Six Pence and One Shilling.

The imitations of these stamps are simply execrable, and may be detected by the paper and gum.

Genuine

Finely engraved, with clearly-defined background. The lettering almost as deep as the labels. Paper crisp, with yellowish gum.

Forged

Background speckled, without any attempt at pattern, except a few loops on the left side. Profile of Queen very poor and indistinct. Lettering not nearly so deep as the labels containing it. Paper thin and white, and white gum.

From “The Spud Papers” by Atless, Pemberton & Earée, 1871-1881.