Spud Papers – Straits Settlements

The same head and inscribed circle has been adopted for the six lowest values of the genuine stamps, but each value has a different design in the angles. The 32 c. and 96 c. are also alike, with the exception of the corner devices.

The originals are engraved in De La Rue’s best style, but the forgeries are coarse, and heavy-looking.

Two Cents.

Genuine

The face is lined throughout, and there is only a very little space at the bottom of the neck. The throat is rounded naturally.

Forged

The details of the genuine have been very carefully copied; so much so, in fact, that it is very difficult to describe the differences between it and the forged. In the latter, the lines do not extend right across the face, there being a space left between the eye and chin; this last slants into the throat, giving the Queen a “bull-necked” expression. There is a well-defined space at the back lower portion of the neck.

4, 6, 8, 12, 24 Cents.

Genuine

Each stamp has a device in the corners differing from that upon the forged 6 cents here shown.

Forged

These are detected with the greatest ease, all the dies being from one matrix, the denomination of value alone being altered. All the angles therefore contain an imitation of the one used in the genuine two cents.

32 Cents.

Genuine

The corner designs are finely done, and are composed of four figures resembling fleurs-de-lis, diverging in contrary directions from a very small diamond. There is a white line above the linear ground, and its companion line at foot tapers slightly towards the right.

Forged

The ornaments in the angles are very coarsely engraved, and are thick and ill-shaped. There is no noticeable space between the line under POSTAGE, and those forming the groundwork. The bottom stroke of the A in POSTAGE runs into the G.

96 Cents.

Genuine

The angles contain a device composed of a pair of crossed links; the remainder of the design is exactly like the previously-named value. The genuine stamps are always upon paper watermarked c.c. and crown, whereas the forgeries are devoid of watermark.

Forged

The angles being the same as in the 32 cents, no further description is necessary.

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