Forged Stamps of Hamburg

The Hamburg scroll is right-of-center.

Left side of the scroll is closer to the upper inner frame than is the right side.

Inside decorations at the top of the scroll touch (or almost touch) the scroll.

Four shading lines at the left end of the scroll, the innermost two of which are incomplete to missing.

One shading line at both ends of the scroll.

‘S’ does not touch the trident-shaped ornaments near it.

Dot between the foot of the ‘S’ and the scroll below it.

Nine shading lines in the bottom-loop at each end of the scroll.

Left outside curly decoration of the scroll is larger than the one on the right side.

Neither of the stars touches the battlements.

Left star is (centered) above the second inside battlement.

Closer to the dome than is the right star.

Near vertical dash on the top of the short up-stroke of the ‘7’ (may appear as a dot).

Cross is poorly executed, with a squashed look, and the top is wedge-shaped.

It does not touch the scroll.

Right star is just right of the right edge of the second inside battlement.

Left inside foot stroke of ‘A’ looks like a dot.

Seven shading lines in each loop of the scroll, the outermost of which is often partially merged with the top of the frame line.

Curled head of ‘g’ does not touch the outline of the upper scroll.

Period after ‘g’ is large and equidistant between the ‘g’ and the scroll.

Top stroke of ‘E’ is bent / curved.

Vertical line over “S” ends in a dot. (does not apply to the 1865 lilac)

‘S’ does not touch the trident-shaped ornament.