Dutch Indies

1902-08 22 1/2c brown and olive green & 25c violet

Queen Wilhelmina

Quick History

Update: See Dutch Indies 1864-1908 - a closer look

Update: See Dutch Indies 1915-38 Semi-postals

The Dutch Indies ( Netherlands Indies, Dutch East Indies) was a Dutch colony consisting of Java, Sumatra, Lesser Sundas, Madura, Celebes, Moluccas, Western New Guinea, and two thirds of Borneo. After the Japanese occupation and WWII, and then the Independence movement, modern day Indonesia was formed.

The Dutch East India Companies possessions were nationalized in 1800 as the Dutch East Indies. Products from the Dutch Indies that made the Netherlands a colonial power included nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and the introduced coffee, tea, cacao, tobacco, rubber and sugar.  The Capital was Batavia (Jakarta), and the population was 60 million in 1930, 240,000 of them European.

Stamps were issued in 1864.

1902 1/2c on 2c yellow brown & 2 1/2c on 3c violet

Surcharged on 1883-90 Numeral of Value stamps

Big Blue Picture

Big Blue '97, on eight pages, has 174 stamp spaces for regular, semipostal, air post, and postage due categories. The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has 361 major stamp descriptions. Coverage by Big Blue is 48%.

The Dutch Indies stamps themselves have a classic elegant design with the three Numeral issues, and the many variations of the Queen Wihelmina issues. There are quite a few overprints/surcharges which I find fascinating. The prices are quite inexpensive, with the exception the 1883-90 Numeral Scott 21 5c green valued north of $25. But no "Most Expensive" candidates for the list.

What about BB's coverage? I'll let you be the judge. ;-)

Using an affordability comb of <$5, I found an additional 121 stamps that are not found in BB. Let's take a closer look...
1) Issue is in BB, but leaves the series early..
1870-88 King William III( 4 stamps), 1908 overprinted "Butten Bezeit"(12 stamps), 1908 overprinted "JAVA" (13 stamps), 1933-37 Rice Field Scene/Queen Wihelmina (8 stamps), and 1913-39 Postage due (5 stamps).

2) Issue not in BB
1938-40 Rice Field Scene/Queen Wihelmina (16 stamps), 1915-32 semipostals (13 stamps), 1928 air post (4 stamps), 1882-88, and  1892-95 postage dues (12 stamps)

3) Stamp category left out of Big Blue
Official stamps: 1911 issue year (22 stamps)

Carving out some room for these extra stamps would appear to be a good idea. ;-) One would want to especially save space for the Official stamps, as they are commonly  found in collections.

Curve balls in the Dutch Indies section? Well, yes...

The 1933-37 Rice Field Scene/Queen Wihelmina issue (Scott 164-188) can be problematic. First and foremost, water soluble ink was used for this issue, and if the stamp is immersed in water, the design can disappear! I have a pic on this blog of that! Other stamps/issues for the Dutch Indies that use water soluble ink include the 1933 Scott 16 12 1/2c deep orange "Prince William I", and the entire 1938-40 Scott 200-225 Rice Field Scene/Queen Wihelmina re-issue!

Now BB does not give room for the 1938-40 Rice Field Scene/Queen Wihelmina re-issue, but it "looks" identical in appearance to the 1933-37 issue. How to tell the difference? The 1938-40 issue is watermarked (202-Circles). Just turn over the stamp, and one will usually see little circle watermarks. The 1933-37 issue is unwatermarked. Perforations are also different (mostly) between the issues. The 1933-37 Scott 164-182 have a horizontal 11 1/2 perforations; while the 1938-40 Scott 200-216 have a horizontal 12 1/2 perforations.

A challenge is offered by the Dutch Indies 1882-88 postage dues. Although this issue is not in BB, five stamps are under $1 in value. There are four ( I,II,III,IV) different engraving types to examine! I scan the stamp with high detail (1200 dpi), and then "examine" the enlarged stamp on the computer monitor. Makes it fun! I include a pic of a Type III stamp on the blog.

Additionals..... ( <$1-$2+)
Regular (60 stamps)
1870-88 King William III (Perf)
12,13,14,15,
Note: BB leaves series too early

1906 Queen Wilhelmina
61

1908 (1901-08 stamps overprinted "Butten Bezeit")
(horizontal)
65,68,69,
(vertical)
71,72,73,74,75,76,77,78,79,
Note: BB leaves series too early

(1908) (1901-08 stamps overprinted "JAVA")
(horizontal)
83,85,86,87,
(vertical)
89,90,91,92,93,94,95,96,97,
Note: BB leaves series too early

1912-32
114A,124,135,136,

1923 Queen Wihelmina
154,155,

1933-37 Rice Field Scene/Queen Wihelmina  (unwmk)
180,181,182,183,184,185,186,188,
Note:  Scott 180-182 Perf 11 1/2 X 12 1/2, Scott 183-188 Perf 12 1/2
Note: water soluble ink: Do not immerse in water.

1938-40 Rice Field Scene/Queen Wihelmina  (wmk 202-circles)
200,201,202,203,205,206,207,208,210,211,212,213,215,216,218,221,
Note: Virtually identical in appearance to series above (1933-37), but not in BB by date!
Note: Scott 200-216 Perf 12 1/2 X 12; Scott 218-221 Perf 12 1/2
Note: water soluble ink: Do not immerse in water.
Note: Differentiate by watermark and/or perf.

Semi-postal (13 stamps)
1915-32
B1,B2,B4,B5,B6,B8,B9,B10,B12,B13,B14,B15,
Note: AS BB begins with the 1933 issue, none of these semipostal issues are covered.

1940
B48

Air Post (7 stamps)
1928
C1,C2,C3,C4,
Note: Issue not in BB

1930-32
(choices not taken in checklist)
C11,C12,C17,

1933
C18

Postage Due (19 stamps)
1882-88
J7,J8,J9,J10,J11,J12,J13,J14,J15,
Note: Issue not in BB
Note: Found in four (I,II,III,IV) types! See Scott. I illustrate Type III on the blog.

1892-95
J16,J17,J18,
Note: Found in three (I,II,III,) types. See Scott.
Note: Issue not in BB

1913-39 (Value in color of stamp)
J34,J35,J37,J38,J39,
Note: BB leaves series too early

1937-40
J40,J42,

Official stamps (22 stamps)
Note: No Official stamps in BB!

1911 (regular issues of 1883-1909 overprinted "DIENST.")
O1,O2,O3,O4,O5,O6,O7,O8,O9,O10,O11,O12,O13,O14,O15,O16,O17,O19,

1911 ( regular issues of 1892-1894 overprinted with a "D" surrounded by a black circle)
O21,O23,O24,O26,

1933-37 Rice field scene: Printed with water soluble Ink

Can you spot the stamps that were immersed in water?

Big Blue Checklist
1870-88 King William III (Perf)
3($2+) or 4, 5($2+),8($2+),9(<$1),10,11,($1+ eN)
Note: There are minor number "small holes" perforation varieties at higher catalogue value.
eN= except noted

1883-90 Numeral of Value
17,18*,19,20,21*($20+),22,(<$1 eN)
*Note 18 2c "red brown" in BB is "brown" in Scott
*Note 21 5c green is highest price stamp in BB for the Dutch Indies.

1892-94 Queen Wilhelmina
23(<$1),24*($5+),25,26,27,28,29,($1+ eN)
*Note 24 actually is a '97 issue

1889-1900 Queen Wilhelmina ( Netherlands stamp issue, surcharged)
31,32,33,34,35,36,(<$1)

1902 Numeral of value (New design: solid background behind number)
38,39,40,41*,42($1+),44,(<$1 eN)
*Note 41 2 1/2c "blue green" in BB is "green" in Scott

1902-08 surcharged
46,47,(<$1)

(1902-08) Queen Wilhelmina
48,49,50,51,52($1+),(<$1 eN)

1902-08 (Continued)
53,54,55,56,57,(<$1)

1905 surcharged "10 cent"
58($1+)
Note: A diagonal surcharge, not horizontal as printed in BB

1906 Queen Wilhelmina
59(<$1)

1908-09 ("Type of 1901" -actually 1902 Numeral)
43($5+),45(<$1)

1908 (1901-08 stamps overprinted "Butten Bezeit")
Three blank spaces(horizontal): suggest 63,64,66,(<$1)
Blank space (vertical): suggest 70(<$1)

(1908) (1901-08 stamps overprinted "JAVA")
Three blank spaces(horizontal): suggest 81,82,84,(<$1)
Blank space(vertical): suggest 88(<$1)

(1912-23) Re-designed Numeral (white background behind number)
101,102,(<$1)

1912-23 Re-designed Numeral (continued)
103,106,105,107,109,112,(<$1)
113,115*,116,(<$1)
*Note 115 7 1/2c "drab" in BB is "bister" in Scott.

(1912-23) Queen Wihelmina
117,118,119,121,(<$1)
122,123,125,126,127,128,130,(<$1)

1912-14 Queen Wihelmina
131,132,133,134*,(<$1)
*Note 134 1g "gold brown" in BB is "brown" in Scott

1918 surcharged
138,139,(<$1)

1921-31 surcharged
144,145,146,158,(<$1)

1921-22 surcharged
147,148,149*,(<$1)
*Note 149 60c on 1g "gold brown" in BB is 'brown" in Scott

1917 surcharged
137(<$1)

1923 Queen Wihelmina
151,152,153,(<$1)

1933 Prince William I
163(<$1)
Note: First printing was in water soluble ink, and will disappear when put in water.

1928-30 (Numeral type of 1912-14)
104,108,110,111($2+),114*,(<$1 eN)
(Queen Wihelmina)
120,129,(<$1)
*Note 114 is 5c chalky blue; beware of similar 114A ultra, a '40 issue.

1933-37 Rice Field Scene (unwmk, Perf 11 1/2 X 12 1/2)
164,165,166,167,168,169,(<$1)
170,171,172,(<$1)
( Queen Wihelmina)
173,175,176,(<$1)
177,178,(<$1)
Note: Do not immerse this series in water! Water soluble ink, and the design will disappear!
Note: Virtually identical 1938-40 Scott 200-225 issue that is NOT in BB! The 1938-40 series is watermarked (201-circles), and is Perf 12 1/2 X 12 for Scott 200-216; Perf 12 1/2 for Scott 218-225.
Differentiate by watermark and /or Perf! The 1938-40 issue is also with water soluble ink!

1934 (air post stamps surcharged)
189,190,191,(<$1)

1938 Queen Wihelmina
196,197,198,199,(<$1)

Semi-postal
1933 Woman and Lotus
B16,B17($1+),B18,B19($1+),(<$1 eN)

1934
B20(<$1)

1935
B21($1+),B22($2+),B23,B24($2+),(<$1 eN)

1937
B30($1+),B31(<$1)

1936
B25,B26($1+),B27($1+),B28,B29($1+),(<$1 eN)

1937-39
B37,B38,B39,B40,B41,(<$1)
B42,B32,B33,B34,B35,B36($1+),B44,(<$1 eN)
B43,B45,B46,B47,(<$1)

1938
B36A,B36B,(<$1)

Air Post
1928
C6,C7,C8,C9,(<$1)
Blank space: suggest C10(<$1)

1931
C14(<$1),C15($2+)
Two blank spaces: Suggest C16($2+) and second space? C11or C12 or C13 or C17,*!
*Note: Three stamp series (C14-16), so all used up!
Suggest any horizontal air mail stamp for the space: 1930-32 surcharge C11,C12,(<$1); 1931 C13($10+); 1932 surcharge C17(<$1)

Postage Due
1913-39 (Value in color of stamp)
J25,J26,J27,J28, (three blank spaces),J33,(<$1)
Three blank spaces: suggest J29,J30,J31,J32,(<$1)
Note: color in BB for this issue is "light red" Also the labeled color in the 1947 Scott catalogue.
But the 2011 Scott has color "salmon". !
Note: There is a minor number '41 issue with thick white paper, Numerals slightly larger at a higher catalogue value.

1882-88 Postage Due 5c: Comes in four engraving types

32 loops; "T" of "Betalen" is slightly to left of a loop

Top branch of first "E" of "Betalen" shorter than lower branch

Therefore Type III   ;-)
Update Note: This stamp is lilac, not carmine - therefore Surinam, not Dutch Indies.
In addition, the cancel is from Surinam - see comment section.

Kinds of Blue
The '97 and '69 editions are identical. The '47 and '41 editions are identical.

The '47 and '41 editions have two more (blank) spaces available for the 1870-88 issue.
Choose two: 12($2+),13(<$1),14($2+),15($1+)

The '97 and '69 editions have an extra space for the 1928 Air post issue.
C10(<$1)

The '97 and '69 editions have three extra spaces for the 1931 air post issue.
C15($2+),C16($2+), and C11/C12/C13/C17 choice(<$1-$10+)

Red surcharged 1921-22  40c on 50c green "Queen Wilhelmina"

Many overprinted/surcharged Dutch Indies stamps exist

Big Blue Bottom Line.
Very enjoyable stamp issues. IMHO, there should be better coverage by Big Blue of these nice stamps.

Note: Map appears to be in the public domain.

If you enjoyed this blog, or have something to say, I would like to hear from you in the Comment section!

Dominican Republic

1914 Scott 1867-189 "Juan Pablo Duarte"

Quick History

Note: Update Blog Post: 1902 "Center Inverted" Issue

The Dominican republic shares the island La Hispaniola with Haiti, and is located in the Caribbean Sea. The Capital is Santo Domingo, and the population was 1,800,000 in 1942. Christopher Columbus reached the island in 1492, and Santo Domingo became the first European settlement in the Americas. The Dominican Republic has seen three centuries of Spanish rule, brief French rule, brief Haitian rule, "Independence" in 1821, another "Dominican War of Independence" in 1844, brief Spanish rule, U.S. occupation 1916-1924, the dictatorship of Trujillo Molina until 1961, a 1965 civil war, and finally a move toward a representative democracy. Stamps were first issued in 1865.

1900 1/4c dark blue "Map of Hispaniola"

Map stamp land grab: compare with borders today

Big Blue Picture
Big Blue '97, on 12 spread out pages, has 182 regular, 20 air post, 1 special delivery, 4 postage due, 1 insured letter, 10 official, and 4 postal tax stamps, for a total of  222 stamp spaces.
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has 474 major stamp descriptions. Coverage is 47%.

Big Blue's coverage is fairly good, but I did find 95 affordable (<$1-$2+) stamps that could be added by the BB collector. Since BB '97 spreads the BOB issues out to six pages, adding more Air Post (14 stamps), Postage Due ( 5 stamps), Insured Letter (7 stamps), and Official (14 stamps) issues might be a good use of space.

Comments...
A) Dominican Republic stamps in BB are quite inexpensive; the most I can recall for a required stamp was $7+.

B) The various "Coat of Arms" issues (1859-1927), comprising 59 stamps in BB, at times differ only slightly in design between issues. So pay attention. ;-)

C) The overprinted by year "Coat of Arms" issues (1915,1916,1917,1919,1920,1921) are an interesting lot. (Parenthetically, this was also the time (1916-1924) that the U.S. was occupying the Country.) Unfortunately, BB only gives possible room to the 1915,1920, and 1921 overprinted year issues. So one will need to set up a separate space for the others.

D) Surcharged issues are given short shrift for space. The 1883 and 1904-06  surcharged issues can provide 20 additional stamps for the BB collector.

E) Would you like an inverted stamp in your collection, but the 24c Jenny is a bit much? How about the 1902  Scott 144a-146a, 148a-150a "400th anniversary of Santo Domingo" stamp issue? The 1c,2c,.5c,12c,20c, & 50c all exist inverted at a cost of $2+! ;-)

F) Pay attention to history. Note the 1900 Map of Hispaniola, and the rather generous borders on the  Dominican Republic stamp?  The reality is the borders were ill defined until 1935.

More importantly, note the cult for the President and Dictator Rafael Trujillo.  The 1930s issues are replete  with self aggrandizement. The stamps are large and gaudy. He renamed the oldest city in the Americas, Santo Domingo, for himself : Ciudad Trujillo.

Additionals..... (<$1-$2+)
1880-81 "Coat of Arms"
41,42,43,44,50,51,52,

1883 surcharged (series not in BB)
54,57,58,59,60,71,74,75,76,

1899-1900 "Columbus mausoleum" fund raising issue
109

1900 Map of Hispaniola
116,117,118,119,

1904-06 surcharged and/or overprinted issues
153,154,157,158,161,163,165,167,169,170,171,

1914 "Juan Pablo Duarte"
191,192,193,

1915 (Types of 1911-13 redrawn; overprinted "1915" in red)
207


1920-27* (Type of 1915 overprinted various dates)
*Note: BB's date requirements leave out the 1916,1917, and 1919 overprinted stamps!

OUT
209("1916") 1/2c violet & black
213("1917") 1/2c red lilac & black
210("1916") 1c green & black
215("1917") 2c olive green & black
219("1919") 2c olive green & black
216("1917") 5c magenta & black

1928
245,246,

1931
264,265,

1932 red cross ( not in BB)
265B,265C,265D,

1933
273,274,

1935-36
317


Air post stamps
1928-34
(Map of Hispaniola)
C3,C4,C5,C7,C8,C9,
(1928-34)
C15,C16,C17,

1935-37
C28,C29,C31,

1938-40
C38,C39,

Special Delivery
1920
E1

Postage due
1913-22
J9,J10,J11,J12,J13,

Insured Letter
1935-40
G1,G2,G3,G4,G5,G6,G7,
Also G9,G10,G11,G12 issued 1941-45, but in the Scott Classic catalogue.


Official stamps
1902
O4

1909-12 (not in BB)
O5,O6,O7,O8,O9,

1928
O13,O14,

1937-40
O19,O20,O21,

1937-40
O19,O20,O21,
(O21A-O25 are '41 issues)

Postal Tax Air Post stamps
RAC5,RAC8,

Overprinted 1915-21 "Coat of Arms" issues

Big Blue has room for the '15,'20, & '21 year stamps

Big Blue Checklist
1879 "Coat of Arms"
32 or 33, 34 or 35, ($1+)

1880-81 "Coat of Arms"
36 or 45, 37 or 46, 38 or 47, 39 or 48, 40 or 49, (<$1)
Note: 1880 Scott 36-40 rouletted; 1881 Scott 45-49 network covering stamp

1880-91 "Coat of Arms" (Actually 1885-91)
88,89,90,91,92,(<$1)
Note: This series and the next are quite similar in appearance.

1885 "Coat of Arms" (Actually 1895-97)
96 or a, 97 or a, 98 or a, 99 or a($1+), (<$1 eN)
Note: 1895 Scott 96-99 horizontal perf 12 1/2; 1897 Scott 96a-99a horizontal perf 14.
eN=except noted

1899-1900 "Columbus mausoleum" fund raising issue
103,100($2+),102,"blank space", 104($1+),(<$1 eN)
Note: For the one horizontal Blank space above,  suggest 110 or 110A

1900 Map of Hispaniola
111,112,113,114,115,(<$1)

1901 "Coat of Arms"
120,123,126,129,132,(<$1)
Blank space: suggest 135

1902 400th anniv. of Santo Domingo
144,145,146,147,148,(<$1)

1902(continued)
149,150,(<$1)
Note: Scott 144a-150a ($2+) are minor number varieties with center inverted . I would like some. ;-)

1905  "Coat of Arms" (Type of 1901)
121,124,127,130($1+),(<$1 eN)
Blank space: suggest 133($1+)

1906-10  "Coat of Arms" (Type of 1901)
122 or 172, 125 or 173, 128 or 174, 131 or 175, 134 or 176, (<$1)
Blank space: suggest 137($2+)
Note: Scott 172-176 wmk 116 crosses and circles

1911-13 "Coat of Arms" new design
178,179,180,181,182,183($5+),(<$1 eN)
Blank space: suggest 184 or 185 ($2+)

1914 "Juan Pablo Duarte"
186,187,188,189,190,(<$1)

1927
238

1915 (Types of 1911-13 redrawn; overprinted "1915" in red)
200,201,202 or 203, 204,205,206,(<$1)

1920-27* (Type of 1915 overprinted various dates)
*Note: BB's date requirements leave out the 1916,1917, and 1919 overprinted stamps!
IN
220("1920") 1/2 c lilac rose & black (<$1)
221("1920")  or 227("1921") 1c yellow green & black (<$1)
222("1920") or 228("1921") 2c olive green & black  (<$1)
223("1920") 5c deep rose & black (<$1)
224("1920") 10c blue & black (<$1)

OUT
209("1916") 1/2c violet & black (<$1)
213("1917") 1/2c red lilac & black (<$1)
210("1916") 1c green & black (<$1)
215("1917") 2c olive green & black (<$1)
219("1919") 2c olive green & black (<$1)
216("1917") 5c magenta & black (<$1)

1920-27 (actually 1922) (1915 type first redrawing without date overprint)
230,231,232,(<$1)
Note: These stamps, on the same line as the overprinted date "1920"-"1921" stamp spaces above, belong here. Do not put the overprinted stamps in these spaces.

1922-27 (second redrawing without date overprint)
233,234,235,236($2+) or 236A($1+),(<$1 eN)
Note: pay attention to differences in first and second redrawing

1927
239,240,(<$1)

1928
241,242,243,244,(<$1)

1929
249,250,251,252,253,(<$1)

1930
254,255,256,257,258($1+),(<$1 eN)

1931
260,261,262,263,(<$1)

1933
266,267,268,269,270,(<$1)
271,272,286,287,288,<$1)

1933 (actually 1932)
278,279,(<$1)

1934
289,290,291,(<$1)

1934-35
292,293,294,(<$1)
295,296,297($1+),298($1+),(<$1 eN)

1936
304,305,(<$1)

1937
329(<$1)

1935-36
299,300,301,302,(<$1)
306,307,308,(<$1)
309($1+),310,311,312,(<$1 eN)
313,314,315,316,(<$1)
Blank space: suggest 318 or 320 ($5+)

1937
323,324,325($1+)(<$1 eN)

1940
365(<$1)

1937
326,327,328($2+),(<$1 eN)

1938 (actually 1937)
330,331,(<$1)

1938
332,333,334,335,(<$1)
336,337,338,339,(<$1)

1938(continued)
340,341,(<$1)

1939
346,347,348,(<$1)

1939 (continued)
349,350,(<$1)

1940
356,357,(<$1)

1939
342,343,344,(<$1)

1939 (continued)
345(<$1)

1940
362,363,(<$1)

1940
351,352,353,354,(<$1)

(1940)
358,359,360,361,(<$1)

Air post stamps
1928-34
C18(<$1)
C1 or C2 or C6 ($1+-<$1) Map of Hispaniola
C19(<$1)
C10 or C11 or C12 (<$1-$2+)
C13(<$1)
C14(<$2+)

1935-37
C20,C21,C22,C23,(<$1)
C24($1+),C25,C26,C27($1+),(<$1 eN)

1938-40
C32,C34,C33,(<$1)
C35,C36,C37,(<$1)

Special Delivery
1937
E2($2+) or E3($1+)
Note: BB '97 provides this one stamp space its own page. ;-)

Postage Due
1901-13
J1 or J5,J2 or J6,J3,J4 or J8($2+), (<$1 eN)
Note: all "olive gray", 1901 Scott J1-J4; 1909 Scott J5-J8 wmk 116 crosses and circles.
Note: 1913 & 1922 Scott J9-J13 "ineligible", as "olive green" color.

Insured Letter
1940
G8(<$1)
Note: lonely, all by itself on BB's '97 page, even though  Scott has seven others quite inexpensive. ;-)

Official stamps
1902 (unwmk)
O1,O2,O3, (<$1)
Note: not in BB, and only differs subtly in design, is 1909-12 Scott O5-O9 wmk 116

1928
O10,O11,O12,(<$1)

1937-40
O15,O16.(<$1)
Two blank spaces: suggest O17 & O18*(<$1)
*Note: O18 is '39 issue, and slightly different design.

Postal Tax stamp
1930
RA1 or RA5,RA2 or RA6,(<$1)
RA3 or RA7,RA4 or RA8,(<$1)
Note RA1-RA4 perf 12: RA5-RA8 Imperf

1880 Scott 36 1c green rouletted

Kinds of Blue
The '97 and '69 are identical in content except the '97 spreads out to 5 pages for BOB what the '69 has on one page.

The '47 and '41 are identical in content.

The '69 and '97 have these stamp spaces available, which are not found in the '47 and '41 editions.
1880-91 "Coat of Arms" (Actually 1885-91)
92(<$1) 20c dark brown

1899-1900 "Columbus mausoleum" fund raising issue
Blank space(horizontal): suggest 110 or 110A(<$1)

The'47 and '41 have these stamp spaces available, which are not found in the '69 and '97 editions.
1900 Map of Hispanola
116(<$1) 10c orange

Air Post
1935-37
C29 ($1+) 50c dark brown

1940
C38(<$1) 25c bright red lilac & red violet

1937 3c violet "President Trujillo and Obelisk"

One year anniversary for "Ciudad Trujillo" (Santo Domingo)

Big Blue Bottom Line
Inexpensive, interesting and frightening (Trujillo).

Note: Map appears to be in the public domain.

Note: Prices are roughly binned; check the Scott catalogue for actual prices.

If you enjoyed this post, or something to share, please add a comment below!

Dominica

1909 Scott 40 3p violet/yellow/chalky paper

"Roseau, Capital of Dominica"

The Roseaus had 5 separate issues between 1903-1921

Found with ordinary/chalky paper, and three different watermarks!

Quick History

Note Update: Dominica 1938-47- a closer look

Dominica was "discovered" on a Sunday in 1493 by Christopher Columbus; hence the name. The island is found between Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Lesser Antilles region of the Caribbean Sea. A British colony since 1805, a Crown Colony since 1896, this mountainous, volcanic, and poor country has an undeveloped natural beauty.  The Capital is  Roseau, and the population was 53,000 in 1942. Finally,The Commonwealth of Dominica became independent in 1978.

1888 Scott 21 2 1/2p ultramarine

The Queen Victoria issues can be found with Colonial watermark 1 or 2

Big Blue Picture
Big Blue '97 on three pages has 48 stamp spaces. The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue, beginning with the Queen Victoria issue of 1874, has 112 major stamp descriptions. Coverage by Big Blue is 43%.

The Dominican issues are quite attractive, with a large number of pictorials. Big Blue generally has a nice representative collection. I did find 5 Victorians, 8 Roseau pictorials, and 2 more pictorials that are inexpensive (<$5), and could be added by the Big Blue collector.

All peaches and cream? Well no... ;-)
A) Big Blue leaves out all ( save one-Scott 40) of the Chalky Paper Roseau issues. About 10 of them are reasonably priced. BB has spaces for the 1903 Roseau issue, the 1908-09 Roseau issue, and the 1921 Roseau issue: Total 9 stamp spaces. But BB leaves out (by dates and color specifications) the 1906-07  wmk 1 C.P. issue, and the 1907-20 wmk 3 C.P. issue. You will need to pay attention to the paper: ordinary vs chalky.

A1) Continuing with the Roseaus... The "1903" issue can be particularly tricky. The 1/2 p (illust) argues for the 1903 Scott 25($2+) 1/2p "gray green". (wmk 1). Now, there IS a 1906-07 Scott 25a($10+) chalky paper stamp, and a 1907 Scott 35($2+)(wmk3) chalky paper stamp available. If you expanded the dates to "1903-1907", then you could include the other stamps. Your choice. BTW, BB does offer a space for a 1/2p "green" for the 1908-22 issues. Put the right color in the correct space.
The same dilemma goes for the blank space; where 1903 Scott 26($1+) 1p carmine & black is the logical choice.  There are 1906-07 26a($5+) and a 1907 36(<$1) (wmk 3) chalky paper varieties available if you change the dates.

B) Get out the watermarking tray! All four colonial watermarks are present. In particular, the Roseau issue comes in wmk 1,wmk 3, and wmk 4. Then the Victorians come in wmk 1 & wmk 2. The later issues come in wmk 4, so not an identification problem there. Generally, the Colonial watermarks are fairly easy to identify. About half of the time, simply turning over the stamp on a dark surface will be enough to identify the watermark. I enjoy the activity and find it rewarding; hope you do too!

Additionals....(<$5)
1877-79 Queen Victoria (wmk 1)
5,7,

1883-88 Queen Victoria (wmk 2)
16,19,20,

1903 Roseau, Capital of Dominica (wmk 1)
27,29,

1907-20 Roseau, Capital of Dominica (wmk 3) Chalky Paper
35,36,43,44,

1921 Roseau, Capital of Dominica (wmk 4)
57,61,

1923-33 Seal of the Colony & George V
80,

1938 King George VI & Pictorials
103,

1923-33 Scott 76 6p red violet & black

"Seal of the Colony & George V"

Big Blue Checklist
1883-88 Queen Victoria (wmk 2)
17,18*,21,($2+)
Blank space: suggest 22($2+)
*Note 18 is 1p violet for this illustrated space. 1874 Scott 1($50+) & 1877-79 Scott 5($2+) 1p violet ( wmk 1) is ruled out for dates. Scott 19($2+) 1p deep carmine is a '89 issue, and is R/O for date.

1903 Roseau, Capital of Dominica (wmk 1)
25*($2+) 1/2p gray green
Blank space: suggest 26* ($1+) 1p carmine & black
*Note 25 :R/O? for dates is 1906-07 25a($10+) (Chalky Paper), and 1907-20 35($2+)(C.P.)(wmk3)
Your choice!
*Note 26: R/O? for dates is 1906-07 26a($5+)(C.P.), and 1907-20 36(<$1) (C.P.) (wmk 3)
Your choice!

1908-22 Roseau, Capital of Dominica (Types of 1903-07)
1/2p green: 50 or 56 ($2+)
1p scarlet: 51*(<$1)
1 1/2p orange: 58($2+)
2p gray: 52 or 59 ($2+)
2 1/2p ultramarine: 53($5+) or 60($2+)
(1908-22 next row)
3p violet/yellow: 40*($2+)
1 1/2p on 2 1/2p orange: 55($2+)
 Note: stamp spaces include 1908-09 Scott 50-53 (wmk 3), and 1921 Scott 56-60 (wmk 4)
*Note 51: Scott 57 1p rose red ($2+) R/O for color.
*Note 40: is chalky paper, wmk 3. Also regular paper minor number varieties exist.

1923-33 Seal of the Colony & George V (wmk 4) Chalky Paper
65,66,(<$1-$2+)

1923-33 Seal of the Colony & George V (continued)
67($1+),68,69,70,71($2+)(<$1 eN)
72,73,74($1+),75,($2+ eN)
Blank space: suggest 76 or 77($2+)

1935 Silver Jubilee
90.91,92,93,(<$1-$2+)

1937 Coronation
94,95,96,(<$1)

1938 King George VI & Pictorials
97,98,99,(<$1)
100,101($2+),102,104,(<$1 eN)
106($1+),108*($5+),109($5+)
*Note 108 is "vermilion & black" in BB, while "scarlet vermilion & black" in Scott.

1940 King George VI
111(<$1)

War Tax stamps
1916-18
MR1,MR2($2+),MR3,(<$1 eN)
MR4($2+),MR5(<$1)

1938 5sh dark brown & blue

"Layou River" 

Kinds of Blue
The '97,'69,'47, and '41 editions are identical in content.

1918 MR2 1/2p green 

"War Tax" overprint

Big Blue Bottom Line
Quite attractive Pictorials in the British Colonial design for this more obscure than most Caribbean island.

Pay attention to the  "Roseau, Capital of Dominica" design Pictorials, as Big Blue leaves out about 10 reasonably priced 1906-07 (wmk 1) and 1907-1920 (wmk 3) Chalky Paper varieties. You may find them in collections.

Speaking of watermarks, Dominica has all four of the Colonial watermarks represented. Might be a good time to sharpen one's abilities. Generally speaking, I find the colonial watermarks fairly easy to differentiate. Often, just turning over the stamp on a dark surface is all that is required!

Note: Map appears to be in the public domain.

Note: Prices are roughly binned; for specific pricing, consult a Scott catalogue

Note: If you have comments, I would love to hear from you!

Diego Suarez

1890 15c black "Symbolical of Union of France and Madagascar"

This expensive issue is not in Big Blue

Quick History

Diego Suarez is located on the northern tip of Madagascar, and has a natural bay. France desired the harbor for a coaling station for steamboats. The territory, later known as Antsiranana, was ceded to France after the invasion in 1883 of Madagascar (First Franco-Hova War). The French also acquired the island of Nossi-Be as a protectorate.
From 1885-1996, Diego Suarez (named after Diogo Soares, a Portuguese explorer) was a French protectorate and colony. The administration of the colony was given to Madagascar in 1896. Stamps were issued from 1890-1894.

La Guerre Madagascar

Big Blue Picture
Big Blue '97, on two lines of one page, has eight stamps spaces for the French "Navigation & Commerce" issues of 1892 & 1894. The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has 63 major stamp descriptions for regular and postage due issues beginning in 1890. Coverage by Big Blue is 13%.

Big Blue begins with the 1892 issue, but there are 24 stamps issued prior to that date.  Some issues (The 1890 Symbolical of Union of France and Madagascar issue-see blog image) appear interesting, but expensive ($90+-$200+). Others are overprinted or surcharged, but the least expensive is $10+. The 1891-92 thirteen postage due stamps are no less than $30+. The 1892 and 1894 issues , which are represented in Big Blue, do have six additional stamps in the $5+ category, but none less. Long story short: I see no additional affordable stamps(<$5). ;-)

Big Blue Checklist
1892 "Navigation & Commerce" , Inscribed "Diego-Suarez & Dependances"
25,26,27,28($5+),($2+ eN)
eN=except noted

1894 "Navigation & Commerce" , Inscribed "Diego-Suarez"
38($1+),39,40,41,($2+ eN)

1892 Scott 25 1c black/blue "Navigation And Commerce"

Impint: "Diego-Suarez et Dependences"

Kinds of Blue
The '97,'69,'47 and '41 editions are all identical.
For the '69, Diego Suarez is found after Cuba.
For the '41 & '47, Diego Suarez is found after Cyprus.

1887 Diego Suarez & Harbor

Big Blue Bottom Line
I didn't know where Diego Suarez was located. Did you? ;-)

Note: Map, images and stamp image appear to be in the public domain.

Note: Prices are roughly binned; for actual prices, consult a Scott catalogue.

Comments welcomed!

Denmark

1875-79 20o rose & gray & 25o gray & green, & 1902-04 50o brown & violet

These issues can vary by normal or inverted frame, watermarks, and perforations

Quick History

Note Update: Denmark "Royal Emblems" Issues 1851-1863: a closer look

Denmark is a Scandinavian country with close language ties to Sweden and Norway. A constitutional monarchy since 1849, the Kingdom of Denmark consists of Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. The country is on the Jutland peninsula, and borders the Baltic and North Sea, while Germany borders to the south. The population was 4,000,000 in 1942, and the Capital is Copenhagen.

Denmark's stamp issues are quite popular in North America, as there are many Danish descendants here. The nicely engraved and designed classic era stamps are an attraction too.

Danish stamp history: The first two issues in 1851 had the burelage printed from a copper plate, giving a slight relief to the network. Subsequent classical issues had the burelage typographed. "Burelage" are fine lines printed over the paper background to prevent counterfeiting, or to  prevent reuse of the stamp.

1864-68 Scott 13 4s red 

"Royal Emblems"

Big Blue Picture
Big Blue '97, on nine pages, has 206 stamp spaces. The 2011 Scott Specialized Classic catalogue has 399 major stamp descriptions. Coverage by Big Blue is 52%.

Big Blue has a surfeit of pages for Denmark. The last five pages is "filled" with 8 semi-postal, 6 air post, 4 postage due, 4 official, and 8 newspaper spaces for a total of 30 stamp spaces. I found 40 more stamps for the last five pages; and a total of 76 additional stamps (<$5) that could be added by the BB collector. Lots of room, so no problem there. ;-)

But we have more interesting discussion items for Denmark then that.

A) Some countries can fill stamp pages in BB without crossing the "most expensive threshold.  Not Denmark. ;-)
Here is the Denmark list...

1851 Royal Emblems Imperf
2 4rs brown ($40+)

1853-57 (dotting in spandrels) Imperf
3 2s blue ($60+)

1864-65 Royal Emblems Perf 13
11 2s blue ($30+)

1870-79 Numerals

32* or 32a  25o gray & green ($40+)
33* or 33b  50o brown & violet ($30+)
34* or 34b  100o gray & orange ($60+)

1905-06 King Christian IX
68 50o dull violet ($100)


Air Post
1925-26 airplane & plowman
C3 25o scarlet (($40+)!

There are several others that come close to the $35 inclusion threshold.

B) There are eleven spaces in BB for the 1870-79 Numeral stamps. For each of these stamp spaces, one can find a normal or inverted frame candidate. ( I have an image of both frame types elsewhere on the blog.) Then there are a number of color variations for these stamps, adding to the possibilities. But we have seen this before as BB often telescopes several choices into one space: fair enough. What is disconcerting is by setting the "date" parameters to 1870-79, BB excludes the 1895-1901 and the 1902-04 Numeral re-issues. A number of these stamps are less expensive than the choices in BB. Many BB albums will have a healthy dose of 1895-1901, and 1902-04 stamps in these spaces for the good reason that they are more common and less expensive.

So a choice for BB collectors. ;-) Adhere strictly to the date requirements, fill the spaces with the (generally) more expensive 1870-79 issue, and put any "orphan" 1895-1901 and 1902-04 issues on supplemental pages.  OR change BB's dates to "1870-1901" or "1870-1904", and welcome the later issues into Big Blue.

If you do decide to keep the 1895-1901 and 1902-1904 out of BB's pages, there is a simple way to identify them. They all are perforation 13, while the 1870-79 issue is 14X 13 1/2. Now, if you elect to keep them in, then one will need to look at watermarks to separate the 1895-1901 issue (wmk 112- rounder Crown) from the 1902-04 issue (wmk 113-more narrow Crown).

In the Checklist, I list all the 1895-01 and 1902-04 stamps for you, so you can decide what to do with them.

C) There is a similar problem for the 1882-85 "Arms" issue. The subsequent 1895-01 and 1902-04 issues are left out of BB. If you wish to include these inexpensive choices, change the inclusive dates in Big Blue to 1882-1901, or 1882-1904.

D) Among the sea of thirty stamp spaces headed by the date "1913-22", and marked in the first space by a King Christian X illustration, are two puzzling stamp description spaces. The space just to the right of the King Christian stamp cut is for a "5o dark brown". Then down the row is a "10o green". I filled most of the 30 spaces with my copies of the various King Christian X denomination stamps, but I could not find stamps for those two spaces. I opened the catalogue the next day, and my eyes wandered up the page where ..Mon Dieu!, there were the stamp descriptions in the  re-engraved Numerals stamp section; Scott 89 & 94! I wonder how many BB collectors have been baffled by this? Big Blue gives no clue.

E) The Caravel's (Ship design) were issued in 1927, and then again in 1933-34 (Type I), and 1933-40 (Type II). The 1927 issue is straightforward, but the re-engraved varieties have two types. Type II has one column of squares between the sail and left frame edge, while Type I has two columns. Big Blue mostly favors the 1933-40 Type II issues, giving all ten of them a possible space choice, while only giving one firm choice to the seven Type I issue stamps. As the engraving differences are clear at a glance, one might want to find supplementary room for the Type I's. Illustrated on this blog are the engraving differences.

Finally, the illustrated stamp cut in the first space for the 1933-40 Caravel's is bizarre; a wildly out of place 1875-79 Scott 26 4o slate & blue! I first became aware of this printing error from Bob Skinner's "Filling Spaces" blog. One can imagine the confusion this illustration cut has caused since at least the '69 edition. Ignore, and put in a 238A 15o deep red, the first stamp of the redrawn Type II issues.

Additionals... ( 76 stamps) (<$1 -$2+)

Regular issues (36)
1870-79 Numerals
Remember, for the 1870-79 Numerals, there are Inverted Frame/color variations that can be added by the BB collector. See BB Checklist.

1895-1901 Numerals
Entire issue (Scott 41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50,51,52,) is R/O by BB for dates, unless one changes BB's date restrictions. Even with expansion, Scott 43,45,48 are left out.

1902-04 Numerals
Entire issue (6 stamps) is R/O by BB for dates, unless one changes BB's date restrictions. Otherwise 43a,45a,48a can be added.

1913-34
85,90,91,93,95,105,109,117,119, 176,182,183,184,185,187,189,190,232,233,234,235,

Semi-postal (1)
1939 Queen Alexandrine
B9

Late Fee stamps (5)
1923
I1

1926-31
I2,I3,

1934
L4,L5,
Comment: The Late Fee stamps are not in BB, and are very inexpensive.


Postage Due (21)
1921 overprinted
J1,J2,J3,J6,J7,

1921-30 typographed
J10,J12,J16,J18,J19,J20,J21,

1921-30 engraved
J25,J26,J27,J30,J32,J33,J34,J37,J38,

Official stamps (9)
O7,O8,O9B,O15,O16,O17,O18,O19,O22,

Newspaper(4)
P8,P13,P19,P20

Four varieties of the 4o slate & blue

Inverted frame, normal fame 1895-1901; Inverted frame, normal frame 1875-79
Compare the left upper frame vertical arabesque branching

The horizontal perforations are 13 for the 1895-1901; while 14 for the 1875-79

Big Blue Checklist

1851 Royal Emblems Imperf
2 4rs brown ($40+)

1853-57 (dotting in spandrels) Imperf
3 2s blue ($60+)
4 4s brown ($10+)

1858-62 (wavy lines in spandrels) Imperf
7 4s yellow brown ($5+)
Note: 1863 Scott 9($10+) excluded by BB for date

1864-65 Royal Emblems Perf 13
11 2s blue ($30+)
13 4s red ($5+)

1870-79  Numerals wmk 112 (rounder crown) Perf 14 X 13 1/2
16 2s gray & ultra ($20+)
25* or 25c 3o "blue & gray" in BB, gray blue & gray in Scott ($10+)
18 4s gray & carmine ($10+)
26* or 26e 4o slate & blue (<$1)
28* or 28c  8o slate & carmine (<$1)
29* or 29c  12o slate & dull lake ($2+)

(next row)
30* or 30b  16o slate & brown ($2+)
31 or 31b 20o rose & gray ($30+)
32* or 32a  25o gray & green ($40+)
33* or 33b  50o brown & violet ($30+)
34* or 34b  100o gray & orange ($60+)
Note: minor numbers listed above are inverted frame varieties
Note: minor numbers exist also for different colors

*Note: 1895-1901 Scott Perf 13, wmk 112 issue stamps, and  1902-04 Perf 13, wmk 113 (wider crown) issue stamps are ruled out by BB for dates! Specifically...

41 3o blue & gray ($5+); 1895-01 issue, wmk 112, perf 13
41c 3o blue& gray ($2+); 1902-04 issue wmk 113, perf 13
42 4o slate & blue (<$1); 1895-01 issue, wmk 112, perf 13
42b 4o slate & blue ($10+); 1902-04 issue, wmk 113, perf 13
44 8o slate & carmine (<$1); 1895-01 issue; wmk 112, perf 13
44d 8o slate & carmine ($400+)!; 1902-04 issue, wmk 113, perf 13
46 12o slate & dull lake ($2+); 1895-01 issue,wmk 112, perf 13
(next row)
47 16o slate & brown ($2+); 1895-01 issue; wmk 112, perf 13
50 25o gray & green ($10+); 1895-01 issue; wmk 112,perf 13
50b 25o gray & green ($2+); 1902-04 issue; wmk 113, perf 13
51 50o brown & violet ($20+); 1895-01 issue,wmk 112,perf 13
51b 50o brown & violet ($20+); 1902-04 issue, wmk 113, perf 13
52* 100o slate & orange ($30+); 1895-01 issue,wmk 112, perf 13
52b* 100o slate & orange ($10+); 1902-04 issue,wmk 113,perf 13
*Note on 52 & 52b: not an exact color match; BB wants gray & orange
Note: The 1895-01 issue stamps almost all exist as minor number inverted frame varieties for about the same price. The 1902-04 inverted frame varieties catalogue for a much higher valuation.

Comment: If you wish to include these stamps in BB's spaces, change the inclusion dates in BB to 1870-1901, or 1870-1904. Because of cost, may be a good idea!

1882-85 "Arms" wmk 112 (rounder crown) Perf 14 X 13 1/2
35*($100+) or 38($2+) 5o green
39 10o carmine ($2+)
37($70+) or 40 ($5+) 20o blue
*Note 35: space is illustrated in BB with small numerals in corners which would argue for 35, a $100 stamp. But the date range is 1882-85; so 38, a larger corner numeral variety, and a $2+ stamp, is allowed.
Note: 1882 Scott 35,37 are small numerals in corners; while 1884-88 Scott 38-40 are large numerals.
Note: Again BB leaves out re-issues. Specifically...
1895-01 wmk 112 perf 13
43 5o green (<$1)
45 10o rose carmine ((<$1)
48 20o blue ($5+)

1902-04 wnk 113 perf 13
43a 5o green (<$1)
45a 10o rose carmine (<$1)
48a 20o blue ($2+)
Comment: If you wish to include these inexpensive choices, change the inclusive dates in Big Blue to 1882-1901, or 1882-1904. Be aware that the 10o rose carmine for these later issues does not match BB's "carmine" specification

1901-02 "Arms"
53 1o orange (<$1)
54 15o lilac (<$1)
49 24o brown ($5+)

1904 surcharged
55($2+),56($5+)

1905-17 large numerals
57* 1o orange(<$1)
58 or 86 2o carmine (<$1)
59 or 87 3o gray (<$1)
60 or 88 (Illust): 4o dull blue or blue ((<$1)
61* 5o deep green (<$1)
62 10o deep rose (<$1)
63 15o lilac ($1+)
64 20o dark blue(<$1)
*Note 57: 85 1o(<$1) is deep orange, so R/O by color
*Note 61: 1930 Scott 90(<$1) light green R/O for date & color

1905-06 King Christian IX
70,65 or 71,66($2+),67($5+),68*($100+),69($10+),(<$1 eN)
*Note: 68 50o dull violet ($100) !
eN=except noted

1907-12 King Frederik VIII
72,73,74*,75($1+),76*($5+),77($5+),78($5+) (<$1 eN)
*Note 74 is "bright blue" in BB, indigo in Scott
*Note 76 is "orange" in BB, deep orange in Scott

1913-22 King Christian X (and two large Numerals*)
97,89*,98($2+),99($5+),100,94*,101($5+), 102,(<$1 eN)
103,104,108,106,107($5+),110**($20+),111($2+),112($1+),(<$1 eN)
114($5+),116($2+),118($1+),120($2+),121($1+),122,123a***($10+),124,(<$1 eN)
*Note 89 & 94 are 5o dark brown & 10o green large Numeral stamps respectively in a sea of Christian V stamps! I wonder how many BB collectors have been baffled by this? Big Blue gives no clue. In fact, the Christian V "1o" illustration cut is just to the left of the "5o dark brown" description. So now you know. ;-)
**Note 110 is 27o vermilion & black ($20+)
***Note 123a is 60o brown & ultra($10+), rather than 123 60o brown & blue ($2+). BB specifies the now minor number color.

1913-22 King Christian X
125,126($20+),127,132*($1+),128,133($5+)($2+ eN)
*Note: 132 Illust of 1k: put yellow brown 1k there; 128 is 1k brown & blue.

1920-21 Roskilde Cathedral
158($2+),160($10+)

1920-26 surcharge
162,161,163($2+),181,($1+ eN)

1920-21 castles
156,159,157,(<$1)

1924 Christian X,Christian IV, etc
164,168,172,165,169,173,166,170,($5+)

1924 (continued)
174,167,171,175,($5+)

1926
178,179,180($1+),(<$1 eN)

1927-33 Caravel (solid background)
192,193($2+),194,195,196($1+),197,(<$1 eN)

1930 Christian X
210,211,(<$1-$2+)

1930 Christian X (continued)
212,213,214,215($5+),216($1+),217($1+),218($2+),219($1+),(<$1 eN)

1935 Hans Christian Andersen "fairy tales"
246,247($1+),248,249,250($1+),251,(<$1 eN)

1936 Church Reformation anniversary
252,253($1+),254,255,256($1+),(<$1 eN)

1937-38
262,264,265,266($1+),259,261($2+),(<$1 eN)
258,260,(<$1)

1933-40 large Numerals (redrawn)
220,221,222,223,224,224C,225,(<$1)
226A,226,227,227A,228,229,230*,(<$1)
*Note 230 10c violet in Scott is "purple" in BB

1933-40 (1927 Caravel redrawn) Type I & Type II
238A*,238B,238C,238D,238E,233*($20+),(<$1 eN)
238F or 236,238G,238H or 237,238I or 238,238J,(<$1)
Note: 1933-34 Scott 236-8 is Type I: two columns of squares between sail & left frame line.
1933-40 Scott 238A-238J is Type II:  one column of squares.
*Note: BB's biggest printing blunder so far: a 1875-79 Scott 26 4o slate & blue illust cut placed at the beginning of the redrawn 1933-40 caravel stamp spaces. Ignore, and put in a 238A 15o deep red, the first stamp of the redrawn Type II issues.
*Note 233 is Type I 25o blue for $25+; only firm choice for Type I in BB.

1934-41 King Christian X
239,240,240A*,241,242,243($2+),(<$1 eN)
*Note 240A is a '41 issue!

1937-40 overprinted
257,263,($1+-$2+)

(stamps of 1937-40 surcharged)
244,267,268,245,269,270,271,272,(<$1)

Semi-postal stamps
1929 Crown & Staff of Aesculapius
B3($2+),B4($5+),B5 25o deep blue ($20+)

1937 H. Hannssen, statesman, Fund
B6,B7($2+),B8($2+),(<$1 eN)

1939 Queen Alexandrine
B10,B11,(<$1)

Air Post
1925-26 airplane & plowman
C1 10o yellow green ($20+)
C3 25o scarlet (($40+)!

1934 towers of Copenhagen
C6(<$1),C7,C8,($2+ eN)
Blank space: suggest C9($2+)

Postage Due
1921 typographed
J9,J11,J15,J17,(<$1)

Official stamps
1902-20
4o illustration"(4o "blue"*) : O13,($2+) or O18($30+)
Three blank spaces*: suggest O11($1+),O12($1+),O14(<$1)
*Note blank spaces: For blank spaces, these stamps are eligible because of BB date criteria: 1899-02 O9A;1902-06 O11.O12,O13,O14,O15; 1914-23 O16,O17,O18,O19,O21,O23,O24. Here, the 1914-23 issues are limited to year 1920 issue or earlier.
*Note 4o illustration: 1899 O9B($2+) 4o blue ruled out for date; 1875 O7($2+) 4o greenish blue ruled out for date.


Newspaper stamps
1907-17
P1($2+) or P11($2+)
P2($10+) or P12($10+)
P3($1+)
P14($2+)
(next row)
P4($2+) or P15($2+)
P5($1+) or P16($2+)
P17($2+)
P6($1+) or P18($150+)!
Note: 1907 Scott P1-P6 wmk 113, Perf 13 (narrow crown); 1914-15 Scott P11-P18 wmk 114( multiple crosses), perf 14X14 1/2

In a sea of 1913-22 "King Christian X" (28 stamps)

There is room for a 5o dark brown & a 10o green wavy line Numerals

Don't be afraid to put them there!

Kinds of Blue
The '97 and '69 editions are identical in content, except the 5 page layout in the '69 has been stretched to 9 pages in the '97.

Huge difference, though, between the '97/'69 and '47/'41 editions.
Missing from the '47/'41 editions are the 1933-40 definitives/overprints; 40 stamps & one whole page!
Specifically, the ...

1933-40 large Numerals (redrawn)
220,221,222,223,224,224C,225,(<$1)
226A,226,227,227A,228,229,230,(<$1)
(Only exception: 229 10o light brown space is on the preceding page of the '47/'41)


1933-40 (1927 Caravel redrawn) Type I & Type II
238A,238B,238C,238D,238E,238F,(<$1)
236,238G,238H or 237,238I or 238,238J,(<$1)


1934-41 King Christian X
239,240,240A,241,242,243($2+),(<$1 eN)


1937-40 overprinted
257,263,($1+-$2+)


(stamps of 1937-40 surcharged)
244,267,268,245,269,270,271,272,(<$1)

Fortunately, these large omissions were rectified by the '69 edition.

The Caravel's: 1933-40, 1933-34, & 1927 issues

Type II: one column of squares between sail and left frame; Type I: two columns

The 1927 issue has no columns (solid color)

Big Blue Bottom Line
Definitely a challenge, especially the 1870-1904 Numerals with their perforation, watermark,color,and frame variations. You know what? I like it. ;-)

Note: stamp prices are loosely binned. For specific valuations, consult a Scott catelogue

Note: If you enjoyed this blog, or can add to the discussion, or have constructive criticism, please post your comments below. Thanks!

Danzig

1920 Scott 7 50pf purple & black/buff

Danzig overprinted "Germania"

Quick History

Update Note: Danzig 1924-32 Scenes of the Free State Issue

What to do with Danzig? After WWI, the League of Nations made Danzig a "Free City", separated from Germany and the newly reconstituted Poland. But Poland was able to use the port on the Baltic Sea ( now Gdansk).  However, as Danzig was 95% ethnic German, it remained a separate City-State. The Capital naturally was Danzig, and the population was 400,000 in 1939.

In the beginning, German stamps of 1906-20 were overprinted.  But by 1921 Danzig had their own designs. This persisted until 1939, when Germany seized Danzig, and added it to the Reich. After WWII, the city and port became part of Poland.

1920 Scott 25 1m on 30pf orange & black/buff

Note the gray burelage, the thin wavy lines

Big Blue Picture
Big Blue '97, on nine pages, has spaces for 150 regular, 28 semi-postal, 28 air post, 27 postage due, and 27 official stamps, for a total of 260 stamp spaces. The 2011 Scott Classic specialized catalogue has 431 major stamp descriptions. Coverage by Big Blue is 60%.

Big Blue has very nice coverage of Danzig, although naturally as a "representative album", it doesn't offer all the affordable choices. I found 57 stamps that could be added by the Big Blue collector; details in the "additionals" section below.

Comments...
A) There are some interesting printing techniques used on some Danzig stamps to prevent reuse. No doubt carried over from the German stamps that were overprinted for Danzig, the 1920 surcharged issue has the one Mark and higher values printed with a fine lines, called "burelage", on the paper.  The major Scott numbers 25-28 are printed with gray burelage with points up. At a more costly catalogue price, Scott lists minor numbers for gray burelage with points down, violet burelage with points up or down, and burelage omitted. I show a scanned image of a burelaged stamp on this blog.

Then many of the 1921-23 stamp issues (Including the overprinted Official stamps), that are one Mark or higher denominations for that issue have a faint gray network- like a spider web- printed on the paper. I show a scanned image of a faint gray network stamp on this blog.

B) Even though Scott does not apparently recognize them, there are many shades of color in the stamps of the 1921-23 "Arms" issue. I ended up with about 15 extra stamps I retained in the album because of the color differences.

C) Fun with watermarking. A number of the stamp spaces have two eligible candidates based on different watermarks.

D) No expensive stamps in BB for Danzig. I can't recall even one stamp valued over $10.

E) Many bicolored/ overprinted/surcharged stamps. Danzig stamps are really gorgeous!

F) A slight goof on BB's part. Under Officials, BB specifies the "1000m brn & red" stamp, and provides a vertically orientated space. But the stamp that fits- O41-is horizontal!
Fortunately, the space is at the end of a row, and the stamp is not very wide, so squeeze it in!

Additionals....(<$1-$2+)
Regular (30)
12,14,15,23,36,78,94,95,104,105,123,124,125,126,159,161,162,164,
176,183,190,192,200,201,203,204,212,226,229,230,

Issues under German administration (11)
(This stamp issue is not in BB; if you are interested in WWII history, get them!)
1939 stamps of Danzig surcharged
241,242,243,244,245,246,247,249,250,251,252,

Postage Due (5)
J23,J24,J25,J40,J42,

Official stamps (11)
O28,O29,O34,O35,O38,O39,O40,O42,O44,O46,O48,

1923 Scott 143 10mil m orange "Coat of Arms"

The surcharge clearly demonstrates the inflationary crisis

Big Blue Checklist
1920 (German stamps of 1906-20 overprinted in black)
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,(<$1)
8,9,10,11($2+),(<$1 eN)
eN=except noted

1920 surcharged
19,20,21,22,25,26,27,28,(<$1-$1+)
Note: Scott 25-28, the 1 mark and higher values are printed with fine gray lines, called "burelage", on the paper. This is to prevent cleaning and reuse of the stamp. There are minor Scott numbers for violet burelage, points up, points down, and burelage omitted.

(1920) overprinted "Danzig" in blue or carmine.
34,37,38,39,42($2+),45,46($2+),(<$1 eN)

1921 Hanseatic trading ship
49,50,51 or 59*,52($2+) or 60*, 53 or 61*($5+), (<$1 eN)
54,55($2+),56,57,58($2+), ($1+ eN)
*Note: 59-61 are perf 14, while the rest are serrate roulette 13 1/2.

1921 surcharge
62(<$1)

1921-23 "Arms"
63,64,65,66,67,68,(<$1)

1921-23 "Arms"
69,70,71,81,72,82,(<$1)
73,74,83,84,75($2+),85,86,(<$1 eN)
76($5+),87,88 or 99*,89 or 100*,90,91,92 or 102*, 93 or 103*, (<$1 eN)
77 or 77a*,79 or 79b*,80 or 80b*,($1+)
*Note: 99-103 wmk 109 (webbing); the rest are wmk 108 (honeycomb)
*Note: 77a,79b,80b, are wmk 108 sideways
Note: 1 mark and above valuations for this issue have a faint gray network-like a spider web- printed on the paper; presumably again to prevent reuse. I show a scanned image of a faint gray network stamp on this blog.

(1922) "Arms" surcharged
97,96,98,(<$1)

1923 "Coat of Arms"
106,107,108,113,114,115,(<$1)
109,110,111,112($1+) (<$1 eN)
Note: 113-115 is without gray network, the rest have the network

1923 "Coat of Arms"
117,118,119,120,127,121,(<$1)
129,131,132,133,134,135,(<$1)
Note: some Scott numbers have gray network paper, some don't. But I will not comment more about this unless it is an identification concern.

(1923) surcharge
137,138,139($5+),140,141,142($2+),(<$1 eN)
144,145,146,147,148,149,(<$1)
150,151,152,143,(<$1)
153,154,155,156,157,158,160($1+),(<$1 eN)

1924-39 "Coat of Arms"
170,173*,175,177,179,181,184($1+),187**($5+) or 232($2+), (<$1 eN)
168 or 225(<$1),171,172 or 227($2+),173c* or 228(<$1),178,180,182,186 or 231($2+), ($1+ eN)
Note: Scott 225,227,228,231,232 are wmk 237(swastikas); the others are wmk 109(webbing)
*Note: 173 is 10pf green/yelsh; BB states only "green". Then 173c is blue grn/yelsh, & 228 is blue grn; BB only states "blue green"..
**Note: 187 is 50pf blue & red in Scott; BB's space says "deep blue & red"; 232 is brt blue & red in Scott.
You choose.

1936-37
218,216,217,219,220,(<$1-$1+)

1924-36 surcharged
211(<$1)
Two blank spaces: suggest 213($1+) & 214(<$1).

1938 Schopenhauer
222,223,224,($1+-$2+)

1938
229($1+)

1939
234,235,236,237($1+),(<$1 eN)
238,239,240,(<$1)

Semi-Postal
1921 St George and Dragon
B1,B2,B3,(<$1-$1+)

1923 Aged Pensioner
B4,B5,(<$1)

1929 Neptune Fountain
B6,B7,B8($5+),($1+ eN)

1935 (surtax for winter welfare)
B13($1+)

1935 (surtax for winter welfare)
B12,B14,(<$1-$2+)

1936 (surtax for winter welfare)
B15,B16,B17,($1+-$2+)
B18,B19,($2+)

1937
B20,B21,($2+)

1937 (surtax for winter welfare)
B23,B24,B25,B26,B27,($2+-$5+)

1938 ships
B28,B29,B30,B31,B32,($1+-$2+)

Air Post
1920 surcharged
C1,C2,C3,($1+)

1921-23 plane over Danzig
C4 or C10,C5 or C11,C6 or C12,C7 or C13, (<$1)
C14(<$1)
Note: C4-C7 wmk 108(honeycomb); C10-C13 wmk 109(webbing)

1921-23 Plane over Danzig
C8($1+) or C15,C9($1+) or C16, C17,(<$1 eN)
C18,C19,C20*,C21,(<$1)
Note: C8-C9 wmk 108(honeycomb); C15-C20 wmk 109(webbing)
Note: C17-C21 has gray network: also minor numbers exist for network omitted.
*Note: 250m dark brown in Scott: "brown" in BB

(1923) post horn & air planes
C22,C23,C24,C25,(<$1)
Note: C24,C25, surcharged

1924 Plane over Danzig 
C26,C27,C28,C29,($2+)

1935-39 airplanes
C36(<$1) or C42, C37 or C43($2+), C38 or C44, C39($5+) or C45($2+), C40($2+), ($1+ eN)
Note C36-C40 wmk 109(webbing): C42-C45 wmk 237(swastikas)

Postage Due
1921-23 Danzig coat of arms
J1,J2,J3,J4,J5,J6,J15,J7,(<$1)
J8 or J16($2+),J9,J10 or J17,J11 or J18,J12 or J19,J13 or J20($1+),J21,J14 or J22,(<$1 eN)
Note: J1-J14 wmk 108(honeycomb); J15-22 wmk 109(webbing)

(1923) surcharged
J26,J27,J28,J29,(<$1)

1923-28
J30(<$1),J31(<$1) or J43*($1+),J32($1+),J33($1+),J34 or J44*, J35 or J45*($5+),J36,($2+ eN)
Note: J30-J35 wmk 110(octagons); J43-J45 wmk 237(swastikas)
*Note: J43-J45 not date eligible in BB since 1938-39 issue, unless change BB's dates.

Official stamps
1921-23 regular issues of 1921-22 overprinted "D M"
O1,O2,O3,O4,O5,O6,O7,(<$1)
O8,O9,O10,O11,O12,O14,O15($1+),(<$1 eN)
O16,O17,O19,O20($1+),O22,O23 or O30,O24 or O31,(<$1 eN)
O25,O26 or O32,O27 or O33,O36*,O37*,O41**,(<$1)
Note: O1-O27 wmk 108; O30-O41 wmk 109
*Note O36 is 50m pale blue-BB's choice; no space for O34 50m pale blue & red
*Note O37 is 100m dark green-BB's choice; no space for O35 100m dark green & red
**Note: "1000m brn & red" space in BB is vertically oriented: but the stamp O41 is horizontal!
Fortunately, the space is at the end of a row, and the stamp is not very wide, so squeeze it in!

1921-22 Official 80pf green & 1m orange & carmine

The stamp on the right has a faint gray (spider) network on the paper.

Kinds of Blue
The '97,'69,'47, and '41 editions are all identical in content.

1920 Scott C1 40pf on 40pf 

Blue surcharge & black overprint

Big Blue Bottom Line  
Very good ..but not perfect coverage, and great designs. Danzig is a good example of why I love classic (inexpensive) stamps.

Note: Maps appear to be in the public domain.

Note: Stamp prices are binned into broad categories. For specific prices, consult a Scott catalogue.

Note: If you enjoyed this blog, or have something to share, or can contribute some constructive criticism, please post in the comment section. Thanks!

                                                                                                                                         
1930 Polish map showing Gdansk (Danzig) as a port on the Baltic Sea

Closeup map of Freistaat Danzig

Danish West Indies

1874-78 Scott 7 4c brown & dull blue "Numerals"

Normal frame: pay attention to the arabesques in the left upper corner

Quick History
The U.S. bought these Islands for 25 million dollars from Denmark in 1917, becoming the U.S. Virgin Islands. But prior, these islands (St. Thomas, St. John, Santa Cruz) in the West Indies east of Puerto Rico were a Danish Colony. The population was 27,000 in 1911, and the Capital was Charlotte Amalie.

There were British post offices in the DWI from 1849-1879 with cancelled stamps from Great Britain known: all really too expensive for BB collector consideration. The Danish issues proper began in 1856. Since letter writers from the DWI never numbered more than in the hundreds, genuine used copies are generally more expensive than mint copies.

1874-79 Scott 6e 3c blue & carmine "Numerals"

Inverted Frame: compare arabesques to normal frame

Big Blue Picture
Big Blue '97, on two pages, has 37 stamp spaces ( 31 regular, 6 postage due). The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has 66 major number descriptions. Coverage by BB is 56%.

Nice selection by Big Blue, and I found NO additional stamps ( cutoff $5) to suggest for the Big Blue collector. That of course means the price of DWI stamps are dear. There are 25 stamps between $1+-$10. There are 12 stamps over $10+; 5 of them at or over $25. None however climb into the "most expensive" list.

Comments...
A) The 1873-79 Numeral issue is quite complex. There are many minor numbers for normal frame/inverted frame,color variations, and paper thickness. It would behoove the BB collector to be able to identify and separate the normal frame and inverted frame varieties. I include image examples in this blog of both varieties.

Also, there is an "orphan" issue of  "1873 types", 1896-01 Scott 16-20, for which Big Blue does not provide space. Several of the stamps (1c,3c,4c,) are less expensive than Big Blue's designated choices for the 1873-79 issue. There are perforation, color, and normal/inverted frame differences between the issues as outlined in the checklist, as well as Scott.

B) The "1902 surcharge on Numeral stamps issue" was apparently needed as the DWI used up the 2c and 8c values, and had to surcharge some 3c and 10c stamps. BB only gives room for one half of the varieties.
The 2c on 3c stamp with the "c" type surcharge is illustrated, leaving out the "d" type surcharge. Then the 8c on 10c with the "d" type surcharge is illustrated, leaving out the "c" type surcharge. Since they are rather expensive stamps ($10+-$20+), if one has the non chosen type surcharge available, putting it in anyway ( with the proper notation) is pragmatic.

C) Single color 1c, 2c,5c, & 8c "Coat of Arms" stamps in the correct color for the denomination were issued  1900-03 to satisfy the UPU requirements.

D) The stamps themselves are wonderfully engraved and/or typographed, while the postage dues are lithographed. The classic art of stamp making and design was very much alive in Denmark.

Additionals....
None

1905 Scott 35 40b red & gray Typographed 

King Christian IX

Big Blue Checklist
1873-79 Numerals ( Perf 14X13 1/2)
Scott 5: (illust) (1c green & brown red) ($20+)
Scott 6 or 6e*: 3c blue and carmine ($20+ or $10+)
Scott 7: 4c brown & dull blue ($10+)
Scott 8: 5c green & gray ($20+)
Scott 10: 10c blue & brown ($20+)
Note: minor numbers for color variations, normal frame/inverted frame, paper: see Scott for details.
*Note: 6e is inverted frame type.
Note: 1896-1901 Scott 16-20 "Type of 1873" has Perf 13. They also have somewhat different color combination, may have inverted frames, and sometimes are less expensive ( Scott 16 1c($10+), 17 3c($10+), 18 4c ($10+), ). BB excludes them by Date.

1900-03 "Coat of Arms"
21($2+),29($5+),
Two blank spaces: suggest 22($10+) & 30 ($20+)

1902 surcharge on Numeral stamps
24* ($10+) (illust: "c" surcharge)
28* ($10+) (illust. "d' surcharge)
*Note: 24 illust excludes 27($10+), a "d" surcharge
*Note: 28 illust excludes 25($20+), a "c" surcharge

1905 King Christian IX
31,32,33,34,($2+-$5+)
Blank space: suggest 35($5+)

1908 King Frederik VIII
43,44,45($2+),46*(20+),47,49($5+),50($5+), ($1+ eN)
*Note: 46 is 20b green & blue
eN= except noted

1915-17  Christian X
51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,($2+)

Postage Due
1902 Royal Cipher "Christian 9 Rex"
J1,J2,J3,($2+-$10+)

1905-13 Numeral of value
J6,J7,J8,($2+-$5+)

1908 Scott 50 50b yellow & brown 

Frederik VIII

Frame Typographed, Center Engraved

Kinds of Blue
The '97,'69,'47 & '41 editions are all the same in content.

1915 Scott 54 20b green & blue 

Christian X

Big Blue Bottom Line
Big Blue has a very nice selection indeed of the DWI issues.  Be aware of the learning curve for the 1873-79 Numerals.

Note: Map appears to be in the public domain.

Note: If you enjoyed this post, or have a comment to share, or have some constructive criticism, please use the comment section below. Thanks!

Note: Stamp prices are binned into broad categories. For specific valuations, consult a Scott catalogue.