Spud Papers – Bayern (Bavaria)

1849. 1 Kr., Black.

I am afraid I shall not be able to give very satisfactory tests to distinguish the forgery now to be commented upon, as the design of the original has been very carefully copied. I cannot help thinking that the forgers have lately adopted a different and better plan with regard to their lithographic imitations. Formerly, there were very great and striking differences in the design of the forgeries, as compared with the genuine stamps,—but, within the last few months, the designs of the forgeries have been, in all their salient points, almost identical with the designs of the real and authentic emissions. I therefore fancy that Messrs. Spiro Gebrüder have begun to be very particular in their lithographic transfers.

Genuine

Typograph. Greyish black on yellowish paper. The solid labels, which bear the words of value, are very little darker than the rest of the stamp, and are rather spotty {i.e., the ink has left little places here and there untouched). The figure in centre is at an equal distance between the top and bottom of the central square of maze-work. The maze-work itself is rather irregular at the top, and under the letters AYE of BAYERN it does not come up far enough, thereby leaving a broader space of white than in any other part. The little figures in the corners are all well made, and perfectly distinct.

Forged

Lithographed in very black ink on very white paper. The solid name and value labels are intensely black, and there are no spots of white upon them. The figure in center is nearer to the bottom than to the top of the central square. The maze-work comes close up to the top and bottom boundary-lines, but not quite so close to the side lines. The little figures in the corners are not all alike, and are not very distinct. There have been several forgeries of
this stamp; some of them better in execution than the one now under discussion, but not so accurate in minute details. I think the readiest test for the present forgery is the intense blackness of the labels, especially that bearing the word EIN, which, being a short word, allows more of the label to be seen. If I remember rightly, the old Bavarians used to be postmarked with a thing like a wheel without its tire, (i.e. with only the center and the spokes), but these forgeries are postmarked with an oval composed of straight lines. Printed in sheets of 63, 7 x 9, and ungummed.

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

For more information about the issues of Bayern, see —> Emil Minaar’s exhibition

See also –> Album Weeds – Bayern (Bavaria)