Liechtenstein-Spezial 2013/2014

Note: This is a translation of pages 5-17 of Michel Liechtenstein-

Spezial 2013/2014 catalog using translation software by the non-

German speaking owner of this website for my personal use.

Therefore, please be aware of the following:

The owner of this website assumes no responsibility for the

accuracy of the translation;

If you wish to collaborate to improve the accuracy of this translation,

please use the Contact tab to let me know. I will sincerely appreciate

your help as a fellow Liechtenstein collector.

Definitions

"Postage franking is the physical application and presence of postage stamps, or any

other markings recognized and accepted by the postal system providing service, which

indicate the payment of sufficient fees for the class of service which the item of mail is to

be or had been afforded.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franking

Se-tenant stamps or labels are printed from the same plate and sheet and adjoin one

another, unsevered in a strip or block. They differ from each other by design, color,

denomination or overprint. They may have a continuous design. The word "se-tenant"

translates from French as meaning "joined together" or "holding together".

There are differing ways of preparing a se-tenant sheet. One can have stamps of one

design on half of the sheet and the second design on the other half. In this case, the

only se-tenants would be in the center where the two halves meet. A more frequent set-

up is to have pairs of differing stamps throughout the sheet. Sometimes when two

different designs appear on a single pane, the stamps are arranged like a

checkerboard, with the different designs alternating in each row and column horizontally

and vertically. One can have a triptych, or a tête-bêche format (head to toe). Stamp

booklets often contain se-tenant stamps or labels.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Se-tenant_(philately)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overprinthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triptych_(philately)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C3%AAte-b%C3%AAchehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Se-tenant_(philately)

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Structure and Content

The MICHEL Liechtenstein-Spezial 2013/2014 catalogue includes all postage stamps

that have been approved, ordered and issued to the individual post offices in

Liechtenstein.

In addition, the catalog contains detailed sections on postal notes pre-dating the use of

stamps in Liechtenstein, stamps and postal stationery of Austria and Switzerland before

the issuance of Liechtenstein stamps (precursor or vorläufer) and then concurrently with

Liechtenstein stamps (transition or mitläufer). Other sections are dedicated to

Liechtenstein postal stationery, airmail, military post office, cancellations and postal

forms. A section on coins and emergency bank notes (currency) of Liechtenstein

completes the catalog.

At the beginning of individual sections are general comments pertaining to that section.

Therefore, it is advisable to pay attention also to these introductory notes

The index is inserted at the end of the catalogue provides a great help in the discovery

of various areas or stamps.

Organization of the Stamp Types

Within a country, regular postage stamps, including special delivery and airmail stamps

are listed without any special heading and numbered in chronological order. Then,

each of the following types (i.e. special postal use or function) of stamps are listed

under their own heading and (chronological) numbering:

Page Types

21 Austrian/Swiss Forerunner/Transition

82 Liechtenstein regular (including airmail, semi-postal)

288 Vending machine stamps (Automatenmarken),

289 Official stamps (Dientsmarken);

296 Postal Official stamps (Franco-Zettel);

297 Postage due stamps (Portomarken),

300 Special Messenger (Gemeinde Botenpost)

MICHEL Numbering

The stamps are numbered chronologically within their types. Late entries are added as

required within its year of issue. Where necessary, summary tables or notes in italics

(italic) are inserted for late additions. Main types may be inserted in exceptional cases,

and the numbers of the previous stamps will be amended by adding the letters A, B, C,

etc. before the number. The Michel numbers in this catalog are printed in blue and

boldface. Zumstein catalog numbers are printed in black as is customary in previous

Liechtenstein LBK catalogs.

Within a collection area, certain stamp types receive their own chronological numbering

preceded by the letters (-combinations) to distinguish them from the normal issues.

The most important are:

D = Official (Dienstmarken)

H-BI. = Sheet booklets

Hz = Centerpiece printed

K = Tête-bêche (from Booklets [-sheet])

KZ = Tête-bêche with gutter (from Booklets [-sheet])

MH = Stamp booklets

MHB = Stamp booklet panes

P = Postage due

S = Vertically se-tenant printing (from Stamp booklets [-sheet])

SZ = Vertically se-tenant printing with gutter (from Booklets [-sheet])

SZd = Vertically se-tenant printing (from Counter sheet)

W = Horizontally -tenant printing (from Stamp booklets [-sheet])

WZ = Horizontally se-tenant printing with gutter (from Booklets [-sheet])

WZd = Horizontally se-tenant printing (from Counter sheet)

General Varieties

A, B, C, D, E ... First letters of the Alphabet in upper case after the Michel catalog

number indicate perforation varieties.

a, b, c, d, e … First letters of the Alphabet in lower case after the Michel catalog

number indicate important color varieties.

... V, W, X, Y, Z Last letters of the Alphabet in upper case after the Michel catalog

number indicate watermark varieties.

... v, w, x, y, z Last letters of the Alphabet in lower case after the Michel catalog

number indicate paper and gum varieties.

I, II, III, IV, V ... Roman numerals after the Michel catalog number indicate printing

styles and type varieties.

L = Blank field in stamp size (e.g blank “stamps” at the end of roll of coil

stamps, see MI 290 or 486)

P = Pressure plate or smooth Probed

R = Roll stamps (for machine dispensing) or pressure of rollers

W = Rotary printing

Zf = Label in stamp size (i.e. stamp or label not-for-postage in sheet)

ZS = Vertical gutter pair

ZW = Horizontal gutter pair

Special Varieties

DD = Double (picture) print or double overprint

DK = Double overprint, one inverted

F = Incorrect color

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G = Printed on the gum side

K = Tête-bêche or inverted overprint

Pa = Repaired (web) paper

U = Imperforate (e.g. Uo, etc., see list of abbreviations)

I, II, III, IV, V, ... Roman numerals at the end of MICHEL number indicate plate error

varieties.

A stamp that is printed but not released for any reason is identified only by Roman

numerals, including:

I 1917 15H Prince Johann II, not issued

II 1921 3Fr Landscape, not issued

III – V 1980 Olympic Set, recalled

The variety designations appended to the Michel number will vary from issue to issue,

since the distributions are chosen in the cataloging as it can be shown most clearly.

Variety names are always mentioned last. For example, Michel 58XAaDD where:

58 = main number;

X = watermark variation;

A = perforation variation;

a = color variation;

DD = double print variation.

Denominations

The denominations of the stamps are indicated numerically. The denomination names

are abbreviated uniformly throughout the area regardless of how it is indicated on the

stamps in question. Denominations not explicitly shown on the stamps are noted in

parenthesis. Overprinted values are shown in boldface type. For Liechtenstein

postage, the abbreviations are

Austrian Administration (1850 - 1898)

Kr = Kreuzer

G = Gulden

Austrian Administration (1899 - 1921)

H = Heller

K = Kronen

Swiss Administration (1921 - Present)

Rp = Rappen

Fr = Franc

Stamp Images

Stamps are, unless stated otherwise, depicted in ½ size. Overprints are sometimes in

original size, while blocks are depicted in various reductions. The scaling (reduction) of

blocks varies as the sizes of the blocks are not uniform. For varieties (particularly plate

errors), the magnification is chosen such that the special features can be readily

identified.

Catalog pictures should not be used as reference material for study.

Stamp Image Descriptions

The image descriptions are as informative as possible, however, they can and will not

replace a dictionary.

In philately, a reference to the "right" or "left" of image is always with respect to the

viewer of the stamp. This applies even when it is contrary to the actual facts. For

example, an error on the “left” eye is respect to you, the viewer, even though the error is

on the “right” eye of the image.

Stamp Image Reference

Each stamp image is explicitly referenced to its description by a (1 to 3) letter identifier

adjacent to the image which is repeated in the column adjacent to the price column.

Price Columns

In this catalogue, the prices are provided in both euros (blue) as well as in Swiss francs

(black). Prices have been converted at the rate of about 1.25 Swiss francs = 1 Euro.

Deviation from the exact exchange rate result from rounding. (It is not clear which

currency reflects the market price and which is derived via the exchange rate.)

The prices quoted in the MICHEL-special catalogs are, from the left column to the right

column: unused (not cancelled) and hinged indicated by the symbol *; unused without

gum indicated by (*) if applicable, mint (postfrisch) indicated by **; used (cancelled)

indicated by and finally cover (envelop) indicated by .. In special cases,

additional price columns are inserted such as for units. They are identified by the

characters that are elaborated on in the list of abbreviations. In addition, the valuation

bases for unused stamps are specified in the preliminary text of each country.

A listing in italics means that the supporting documents are not sufficient for an

unambiguous pricing.

The following “ -, - " in the price column indicates market price is not available for this

stamp because evaluation documents are not available (e.g. 1960 Olympic set). This

does not necessarily mean the stamp is very expensive.

If neither, “ -, - " nor a price assigned, there is no such stamp or it has not been

submitted.

Price Quotations

All prices are based on retail selling prices and, unless otherwise noted, for stamps in

perfect quality. Please remember for catalog prices up to 5- € contain a very high

percentage for the service of commerce. In the case of a sale, this percentage is not

redeemed. Prices for sets of stamps are, unless otherwise noted, calculated according

to the lowest prices of the individual stamps. Individual stamps of sets can be more

expensive than the listing in the catalog, and set prices can be lower than the sum of

the individual prices. Price movements up and down are a function of supply and

demand. Since the MICHEL catalog can only consider the market situation at the time

of printing, serious price changes after the editorial deadline will be displayed in the

monthly MICHEL-Rundschau.

The basis for the determination of price quotations includes documents of the Stamp

coarse and retail trade, working drafts of collectors as well as study groups at home and

abroad.

Cover Prices

The prices for covers ( ) are valid only for letters affixed with the correct postage as

per the current postal rates, or with additional postage due if the postage affixed is

insufficient, and transported by the postal system,

Multiple franking resulting in excess postage may realize a small discount on the cover

price up to a maximum of 10% of a correctly franked cover. Higher denomination (value)

stamps resulting in excess postage may realize a premium but not more than 15% over

the most expensive cancelled stamp (except very rare stamps). Set covers. are valued.

I. Before 1875 through Joining the UPU (1 July 1875)

Prices are generally valid for single franking, exceptions are specified.

A cover with multiple, multicolored -, mixed and/or international franking (the countries

of the German-Austrian postal Association are not considered international) tend to be

much more expensive.

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A cover with excess postage may result in a small price discount.

II. From Joining the UPU until about 1900

Generally, prices are for single franking, unless otherwise specified. For multiple and

multi-color franking, premiums may be justified for rare franking. For mixed franking,

premiums may be justified (depending on the rarity and/or time period). For excess

franking, premiums up to a maximum of 10% are justifiable.

III. From 1900 until about 1920

The prices for single, multiple, multi-colored and mixed frankings are generally the

determined according to general cover rules.

IV. From 1920 until 1995, “Unlimited” Validity

Unless otherwise specified, the prices for single, multi-colored and mixed franking, are

more expensive than the most common values. More specialized franking are more

expensive, especially for unusual levels of postal rates (services).

V. Stamps after 1995, Limited Validity

No cover prices are provided for stamps issued in 1996 to present. The following rules

may be applied to determine cover prices: at least 0.40 euros or about 20% premiums

over -price, but no more than **-price, if **-price is more than €0.40.

First Day Cover (FDC)

The FDC price valuations apply to any type of mail bearing the first date of issue

cancellation, without regard to the amount of postage necessary. (interpretation: a

complete set of stamps would be affixed to an envelope to receive the first day of issue

cancellation as a set even though the total face value of the set would exceed the

postage required.)

Starting about 1959, mail was rarely sent on the first day of issue with the sole purpose

of receiving the FDC. (Interpretation: about this time, special envelopes with the

stamp(s) affixed and bearing the first day of issue cancellation were sold by the post

offices to collectors for revenue, i.e. “collector covers”.)

The FDC price is lower than the cover price and applies only to non-mailed, collector

covers.

Preservation of the Stamps

To evaluate the overall quality of a stamp, the insightful philatelist will always consider

the condition of the stamp by evaluating all aspects of its raw materials (paper, ink,

gum) vis-à-vis the time it was produced as well as the impact of exterior influences

including its treatment in the Post Office (perforation, cancellation etc). You may

require, for example, no full punctures or perforations such as sliced brands that

produced virtually no margins or with very small spaces no full-edge pieces, for

breaking bad paper types.

Unless otherwise stated for each issue, the perforation must be universally complete for

perforated stamps, and may not touch the stamp image. Mint quality requires

completely untouched or pristine gum. Mint hinged stamps must have only one clean

small hinge, and cancelled stamps must have a clean and as readable as possible,

cancellation. However, it is necessary to consider time, and place, related differences

in the quality of the stamp color.

All stamps lacking the aforementioned quality characteristics, depending on the degree

of preservation may require discounts in price. Above average, rarely seen examples,

command higher prices.

Repairs have the purpose of stopping further deterioration of a damaged, yet

collectable stamp. Repaired stamps are worthy of collection if the conservation is

performed according to the philatelic guidelines, and if the purpose of the repair is not a

fraudulent change the catalogue number (e.g. incorrectly inserted centerpieces).

Because the loss of the value varies according to the degree of embellishment or

improvement, recognized Auditors should be consulted in doubt arises.

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Stamp Technical and Important Philatelic Terms from A to Z

Varieties

Printing errors, misprints, plate errors, etc. are, of course, unavoidable even when

printing stamps. Refer to the MICHEL-Variety Guide for detailed descriptions and

illustrations. Varieties are cataloged according to the principles laid down therein.

Overprint Errors

Application of overprints can produce a huge number of varieties: incorrect overprint for

a particular stamp, or incorrect color; incomplete prints (pair with and without print);

setup or plate errors in printing; inverted print and lateral, multiple images and printing

on the back, and much more.

Double Prints

The real double print is caused by passing the sheet of paper through the printing press

twice, the thus the stamp image is seen twice.

In modern rotary printing presses that print up to ten colors at once, the paper is fed

from rolls and not (individual) sheets and therefore does not pass through the machine

(over print rollers) twice. As a result, double printing is impossible. Double prints are

excluded for all stamps of this generation, for earlier stamps in the cylinder printing as

well as all raster, intaglio and combined stamps.

Only in sheet fed printing does the so-called double or multiple image occur. This

provides the genuine dual or multiple pressure similar to rotary printing, but for a

completely different cause. The seemingly existing second print image in rotary printing

occurs when the blankets stretch, and no longer secured tightly, form a bulge which

flutters and transfers a ghost image. It is a very similar appearance to the Schmitz

pressure. Only stamps printed before 1991 with a significantly offset second image are

recognized as a double prints. Since 1992, they are no longer recognized as double

prints and no longer re-recorded in the MICHEL catalog, since it is simply a pressure

variation.

Color Misprint

If a stamp or parts thereof are printed in the wrong color or wrong colored paper, is

called color misprint.

Glued Web

This variety is created by bonding together of the end of one paper roll with the

beginning of the next, or by bonding a torn paper web during the printing process.

Inverted Image

This variety occurs if a stamp picture is printed from several (two or more) plates and

one was installed upside down.

Printed on Gum Side

This variety occurs when the already gummed sheet or web of paper is loaded

incorrectly in the printing press (i.e. paper upside down).

Plate Errors

These are damages that occur on printing plate already during the replication of the die

image, or due to wear during printing. These errors may occur over all editions or larger

partial editions invariably. These are listed as plate errors only if after official

confirmation that it is really is a plate error and not just a printing mistake (e,g, mis-

handling of the plate, contamination, etc.). As part of the confirmation, the error must be

clearly visible to a normally sighted person without a magnifying glass or similar aid.

Watermark Variations

If a stamp is printed on watermarked paper not intended for this stamp, this is a

watermark variation. Also, accidentally incorrect positions of the watermark are

recognized as watermark varieties.

Perforation Variations

If the perforation machine fails completely or partially to perforate an entire sheet row,

this is a perforation variety. Due to the risk of counterfeiting, such items should only be

collected in pairs or as border pieces.

Overprints

Stamps are overprinted for different reasons:

Change the stamp’s function or purpose (e.g. use a postage stamp for official service or

postage due), change its value (surcharge) or currency system, change the occasion or

assignment a new area of use.

The bracketed (---) number before the price column is the catalog number of the original

stamp, and the lowercase letters before the original stamp’s price column refer to the

appropriate illustration. The capital letters following the bracketed (---) number are the

abbreviation of overprint’s color. If no capital letter is present, then the overprint color

is black.

Whitener

Chemicals may be added to the pulp to make the paper white and thus make the colors

bright. These stamps appear bluish under the UV lamp. A catalogue entry must be

avoided.

Sheet Position (Field)

Under normal conditions employing sheet-fed printing, a printed sheet consists of

several (usually four) retail (i.e. to be sold at the postal counter) sheets.

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The header description for each stamp (or stamp set) in the MICHEL-

Switzerland/Liechtenstein special catalog includes the following information (from left to

right):

First day of issue

The “subject”

The stamp designer or designers (name)

The printing process or processes

The printer

The sheet dimensions (n x m)

Plate numbers if applicable

Perforation

Concerning the sheet dimensions, the first number (n) indicates the number of stamps

horizontally, and the second number (m) indicates the number of stamps vertically.

The basis for the philatelic numeration is independent of margin labels, the normal

stamp image. The philatelist counts in horizontal direction from left to right, deviating

from the postal counting method (from top to bottom).

Printer Indication

Letters, numbers, or other characters are located on the edge of the sheet which

indicate the responsible printer (individual) or the printer company.

Test Print

To ensure the printing machine (system) is functioning properly, test prints are made

prior to and possibly during production.

Printing Methods

The basic printing processes include: high pressure (printing, flexographic printing,

embossing), indirect pressure (letter set), flat-bed printing (lithographic printing, offset

printing, printing), Gravure printing (intaglio, photogravure) and screen printing.

Quite often you can find combinations of two different printing methods.

(Figure)

Typographic Printing

Typography or Book Printing (Abbreviated Bdr.)

The typography form has raised (printing) and deeper (non-printing) surfaces. The

raised printingsurfaces are uniformly inked, then pressed with relatively large pressure

against the paper. This has the following distinguishing result:

Pinch edges on fonts and lines;

Color areas appear rough under the magnifying glass;

Embossing slightly visible from rear (gum side).

Embossment (Abbreviated Prägedr.)

In embossment, the paper is pressed between two mating plates: one on which the

stamp image is raised and those surfaces are uniformly inked, and the other on which

the stamp image is in relief (indented). During printing, the paper is pressed between

the two plates under high pressure and thus the image is transferred to the paper.

The embossment nearly always employed in combination with other printing processes.

Distinguishing feature:

Front-page positive, back negative relief.

Indirect high-pressure

Letterset (Abbreviated Ldr.)

Letterset printing process, also known as Dry Offset or Indirect Relief requires 3

principle plates (or cylinders):

1. the image plate (or cylinder) has the positive image which receives the ink;

2. The offset or blanket plate (or cylinder) which is covered with (usually) a rubber

blanket which receives an inked negative image from the image plate;

3. Impression plate (or cylinder) which presses the sheet (or web) paper against the

offset plate to produce the final positive image.

Distinguishing features are the same as offset printing.

Planographic Printing

With planographic printing, printing and non-printing surfaces are nearly flat. The

printing surfaces are prepared so that they repel water and thereby accept the oily ink,

while the non-printing surfaces are water-friendly and repel the ink. This contrast

between oil and water is based the essence of the flat printing process. The more it is

possible to increase this contrast, the easier and better the design of the later printing.

Light pressure (Abbreviated in the catalog Lichtdr.)

This printing form for the light pressure (also Phototypie) consists of a glass plate

coated with a chromium layer of gelatin, which is illuminated under a half-tone negative.

The gelatin hardens proportionately the intensity of the illumination. The coated plate is

then dampened, and a relief on the plate is formed. The unexposed areas repel ink, the

exposed areas accept the ink.

Characteristic of the light pressure is absorbing visible under the microscope. Wrinkled

grain, which replaced the grid, in the enlargement is a blurred image.

(Figure)

Lithographic printing (Abbreviated in the catalog Stdr.)

The lithographic printing process, or simply lithography, is the oldest flat printing

process It is no longer used for the printing of postage stamps. Limestone or slate, on

which the drawings manually or photo lithography, reversed, transmitted in both cases

serve as a print medium. The printing is made directly from the stone on the paper, as

is so in contrast to offset a direct printing process. For lithographic printing, following

distinguishing features arise:

fuzzy, in the Lines often interrupted

Page 10

images matte, soft contours clearly colors (paint thinner)

Offset printing (Abbreviated in the catalog ODR.)

Flexible metal plates are used as substrate, which are clamped to the pressure cylinder. The pressure via blanket cylinder onto the paper. Offset printing is an indirect printing process, drawing on the plate must be the right way. Half-tones must be raster zed. The grid simulated by different sized dots in front of various hues. Bright image areas (bright tones) are formed of small dots, dark large. Because the offset makes no great demands on the quality of the paper and allows a very fast operation, it displaced in mass circulation, especially in the multi-color printing, book printing. Distinguishing features: Color evenly dyed clean, not squashed, not frayed edges back no embossing visible through tonal gradation up rasterization grid points vary greatly but with equal color intensity.

(Figure) Gravure

In gravure printing, the ink is transferred over inking in the low-lying parts of the image,

wherein the adhesive on the surface of the cylinder color is removed by a wiper

(squeegee). The paper web takes the ink from the depressions of the printing cylinder.

(Figure)

Intaglio (Abbreviated in the catalog StTdr.)

In the engraving - the oldest technique of gravure printing - the drawing with a stylus in

a copper plate is engraved in the engraving in a steel plate.

After hardening the plate that was transmitted deepened this brand image on a piece of

steel (Molette). While the brand image is marked relief. From the hardened Molette is

transmitted on the printing cylinder (soft) coated with a layer of copper which is

hardened by chrome plating. The image appears engrossed on the pressure cylinder

and flip-flopped.

During the printing process, the viscous paint is absorbed by the damp absorbent paper

pressed on and dries easily raised up. By the contraction of the drying paper often

measurable size of brand image differences.

The scraping technique - called mezzotint - uses the Gravierstahles and brings

additional small depressions in the plate; This was the first technique with halftone

reproduction.

The intaglio printing process is preferred for brand images that requires careful

preparation of each image detail; because of its expensiveness it is usually for the

higher denominations in question, but also provides the best possible protection against

counterfeiting for mailing. The recognition features are: color relief order as noticeable;

Drawing consists of fine lines and dots; Color surfaces are closely adjacent

and / or intersecting lines made clear, detail-rich brand image.

Photogravure (Abbreviated in the catalog RaTdr.)

The photogravure is called also etching gravure or squeegee gravure. In contrast to the

StTdr., the drawing is transferred to photographic ways on a copper plate. The oldest

form of etching gravure printing is the photogravure or gravure photo.

Before applying the negative drawing using pigment paper an asphalt or resin dust layer

as grain pattern is melted the copper plate. Etched through the pigment paper through

the plate in several steps, as a result, Wells formed.

The Commonly used today photogravure is an evolution of the photogravure. Here is

Transferred in two stages of the grid and the drawing by exposure to the pigment paper.

This is being developed on the printing cylinder. During the subsequent offer etching

Caused the wells.

The actual printing process is same for photo gravure and photogravure: the wells are

filled with fluid color, superfluous paint is stripped off using squeegee. The color is

absorbed by the paper pressed on and dries up in contrast to the StTdr level.

Because the paper is not as humid as in the StTdr., Size differences of the brand image

are barely detectable.

Detection Characteristics of grid gravure printing: saw-tooth effect in lines, fonts, and

image edges. Grid points in about equal with common color weakening to the middle of

the grid point; Brand image large tonal range is the magnification blur high color

intensity Possible, pearly expression in many places (colors flow structure).

Halftone gravure process (shortened in the catalog RaTdr.)

The halftone gravure process is called also photogravure process or gravure. In

contrast to the StTdr., the drawing is transferred to photographic ways on a copper

plate. The oldest form of the photogravure process is the Heliogravüre or

Photogravure.

Before bringing up the negative design by means of pigment paper the copper plate an

asphalt or a resin deaf layer is melted as grain screen. By the pigment paper through

the plate in several steps is corroded, thus recesses form.

The today common halftone gravure process is an advancement of the Heliogravure.

Here the design becomes by exposure on the pigment paper transferring in two

processing steps of the rasters and. This is developed on the pneumatic cylinder. With

the follow-corroded the recesses develop.

The actual printing process is the same for photogravure and rotogravure (halftone-, or

helio-): the wells are filled with fluid color, superfluous paint is stripped off using

squeegee. The color is absorbed by the paper pressed on and dries up in contrast to

the StTdr level.

Because the paper is not as humid as in the StTdr., size differences of the brand image

are barely detectable.

Detection characteristics of grid gravure printing: saw-tooth effect in lines, fonts, and

image edges. Grid points in about equal with common color weakening to the middle of

the grid point; Brand image large tonal range is the magnification blur high color

intensity possible, pearly expression in many places (colors flow structure).

Page 11

Cancellation

The cancellation is usually performed via inked stamps, pen or colored pencil, or more

rarely via print, punching, paper cutting, service seal or similar measures. Postal use is

indicated with postmark cancellation (contrary to the fiscal, fiscal use).

Rare cancellations. Rare cancellations deviate in form and/or color or for other

reasons and often command very high price premiums depending upon rarity,

particularly with older issues.

Philatelic cancellations. Cancellations for philatelic purposes are made by Postal

authorities with unchanged or special, specially designated stamps. Partly printed,

special stamps were also used during or after the course time. Both types are indicated

in the MICHEL catalog with the symbol .

Counterfeit cancellations. Counterfeit cancellations are those made fraudulently by

unauthorized third parties in order to increase the value of an otherwise unused cheaper

stamp. The occurrence of false stamps is noted in the catalog with the character.

Falsified cancellations. Falsified cancellations are those made after later in time by

private or unauthorized personnel with otherwise real, but backdated (modified) stamp.

The phrase "without recourse" means the seller cannot attest to the authenticity of the

stamp and/or cancellation and thus shall not be liable (i.e. caveat emptor).

First Day Sheet (ETB)

A First Day Sheet (ETB) is issued and distributed by the Post Office with the new

stamp(s) affixed and including scene description(s) and technical information. Private

ETBs are not catalogued.

Essay

The Post Office (authority) may solicit conceptual ideas for stamps from various sources

to confirm aspects including the design, printing, color, etc. If these submissions are not

released to the marketplace, they are called essays.

Counterfeits/Counterfeiting

There are various types of counterfeits:

1. Forgeries to the detriment of collectors and dealers.

It may be total or partial forgery, for example, false regulating, altered or deleted

perforation, false cancellation, false overprint, chemical modification of the paper or ink,

false or falsified gum, (mechanical) alteration using incorrect pieces , etc. Additionally,

chemically or mechanically removed overprints, cancellations, etc.

2. Counterfeit to the detriment of the post.

Counterfeits used for mailing purposes.

3. Counterfeits as war measures.

Counterfeits manufactured by warring States to injure the opponent(s) are war measure

counterfeits. A distinction is made as follows: war postal forgeries, which are copies

(duplicates) of the originals, and propaganda forgeries which are redrawn copies of the

original.

Facsimile (aka Cinderella)

Imitation of rare stamps produced by private enterprise, which deviate in color, paper

and/or printing process from the original.

Field Determination

The determination of the field may be important for finding catalogued types or plate

errors. (Locations is important.) Field 27 means, by way of example, for a sheet layout

of 10 x 5 stamps, the stamp you are looking for is the 7th from the left in the third row

from the top.

Fluorescence, phosphorescence

To facilitate postal automation, stamp paper is mixed with chemical compounds, rarely

printed later. These fluorescent materials glow under the test light to yellowish to

greenish, phosphorescent glow after switching off the lamp breaks soon after.

Differences of fluorescent or phosphorescent are noted in the MICHEL catalogs only in

exceptional cases

Postal Stationary

Postal Stationary including envelopes, letter cards, postcards are printed with stamps or

revenue stamps , for pre-paid postal use. All complete things are postage stamps such

as stamps. If there are official complete things with (in-printed) picture-same revenue

stamp, the indication (?) is inserted according to the color information of the appropriate

brand.

Gum

As a rule, sheets of paper and webs are gummed prior to printing for technical reasons,

sometimes by hand with a brush. Some classic cut stamps were gummed after printing,

Page 12

and, occasionally, issued without gum.

The main constituents were initially animal glues, then for quite some time herbal

substances such. as dextrin or gum Arabic, (such. as PVA) are finally synthetic (plastic)

such as polyvinyl acetate (PVA). Structure and appearance can be very different:

(Sucked dry gum) smooth, cracked, granular, striated, broking, matt or glossy, white,

yellowish, brownish, reddish, bluish or almost invisible (clear). When also occurring so-

called savings gum circular sites were to save raw materials, not rubberized.

(Figure)

There are stamps made with gum containing sulfuric acid, which threatens to damage

the stamps quickly. It is best to remove the gum from these stamps immediately. Even

with older stamps, the condition makes it necessary to replace the gum (dangerous

chemicals or fracture).

Gum ribbing is the breaking of gum after drying by rolling. Breaking is done in different

directions (horizontal or vertical Fluting) and counteracts the curling of paper as the gum

dries.

Today, original gum plays an important role in the assessment of the stamp’s quality It

is discussed elsewhere ("unused").

House Order Number (HAN)

When produced by plate printing, sheets were previously numbered at the bottom. All

orders issued to the printer were numbered consecutively using these numbers.

Kehrdruck (tete-beche)

Under Kehrdrucken the philatelist understands horizontal or vertical pairs related as

seen from the brand image of isolated standing on the head, directly or through

intermediate webs. In MICHEL catalog of labeling K and KZ is applied for. Most

Kehrdrucke come from Bookletpane sheets.

Sheetlet

Small sheets, i.e. sheetlets, are defined in MICHEL as those that have, at most, ten

stamps.

Literature

The ability to expose the virtually inexhaustible, constantly complementary sources of

information of the philatelic literature collectors and dealers, is limited only on a few

central specialist libraries. The Philatelic Library, Rosenheimer Street 5, 81667 Munich,

and the Philatelic Library Hamburg e. V., Castle Street 12, 22041 Hamburg make their

extensive book and journal holdings in its reading rooms, but also in the remote rental

available. From the Philatelic Library of Munich, BdPh Club members can borrow

directly. All other persons within the framework of national and international lending

books or photocopies received through a public library.

Punched Holes

Officially punched holes usually change the character of the stamp or restrict their

use. A “cross” punched in selected 1935/37 Swiss postage stamps designated them for

official use.

Only those stamps with official punched holes are cataloged in the MICHEL catalogs.

Unofficial punched holes in the form of letters or symbols are designed to protect

against theft and unauthorized use by third parties usually applied by private bodies that

hold a large stamp inventory. Official digits identify isolated on the stamps kept by a

post forms also Einlochung as protection against theft.

Waste

Waste refers to stamps that are unusable and marked for destruction before issued to

the post counters. They are intended for the destruction for many reasons including

incomplete printing, material or perforation errors or other reasons. Such pieces are

sometimes found illegally in trade, but philatelic worthless.

Stamp Position in Sheets

Usually the plates are spaced with uniform gaps in between. The width of the gaps

generally leave sufficient space for implementing the method of separation (roulette or

perforation). However, if the width of the gap Is insufficient such that the perforation

encroaches into the stamp image, and one speaks of bad centering. With cut stamps

located to close together in the sheet, easily affected edges represent the perfect

average quality on average.

Stamps on letter

All pieces of mail franked with postage stamps, which were handled in the normal way

through the post, will receive the catalog symbol ( ) if it is to properly, according to

the applicable postage rates prepaid need post is contrary to collectors letters, passed

the post to the carriage for collecting purposes.

Page 13

Especially with older issues, airmail letters properly carried are often worth many times

that of the stamps alone. The price for a letter varies between the price of the cancelled

stamp(s) and the catalog price, depending on the size and significance of the letter

piece. Letters, which do not contain information other than the complete stamp will be

only slightly more expensive than the cancelled stamp. Whereas, for example, a letter

front page completely preserved, the catalog price can come pretty close. A review of

letter pieces must therefore always be made individually.

Affixed (first day), often on special envelopes produced for this purpose specially by

the postal authorities or by private parties or cards, use some postal administrations on

the first day of use new postage stamps issues.

"First Day Covers" (FDC) in the MICHEL catalog refers to all documents that are

postmarked on the first day of issue for the stamps affixed to the document, but not to

lose stamps. It does not matter whether the documents have a special FDC postmark or

the “normal” cancellation of any post office.

From about 1959, FDC bearing “normal” post office cancellation with the first day of

issue are rare (this marks the beginning of special cachet FDCs primarily of interest to

collectors but used for postal purposes). The FDC price is lower than the - price

and applies only to cachet or collector FDC’s. Letters for postal conveyance bearing the

cancelled with first day of issue date are at least as much as the . - price.

Special cancellations which have a relationship to the postage stamps, on which they

are installed, are only valued if the cancellation is one of the ordinary Postmark has

significantly different value.

Stamp colors

The different hues are a technically function of the stamp printing. In particular, different

hues are observed if the printing takes place in several editions. Such differences in

color are considered only if they can be assigned different editions and/or with them to

price discrepancies are connected.

Color names. The color designations are mainly determined by the Ostwald's color

theory. invented names, such as chamois, cream colors or composite names such as

brick red, cornflower blue, light blue, water blue, spring green, sea green, etc., were

used in earlier times to extend the color name palette. To avoid false associations,

such inaccurate data will be omitted.

The MICHEL-Guides have been Indispensable as a guide to determine the stamp

colors since the beginning of the 1980s.

Most of the color information in this catalog refers to the MICHEL-Color Guide from 37th

edition.

With multi-colored stamps, the color of the frame is listed first followed by the color of

the centerpiece. If a stamp has more than two colors, it is listed as "multicolor" in the

MICHEL catalog.

Maximum Card

For Maximum Cards, the subject, cancellation (design) and the illustration should (not

manufactured specifically for this purpose) map as possible, "maximum" Upper tuning.

Only official maximum cards are included in MICHEL catalogs, even if they do not meet

the criteria and definitions of relevant collector associations.

Reprints

Reprints are commissioned by the State using modified or reconditioned plates, but only

after the term-of-use of the original issue has expired. Counterfeits are reprints that

were not produced with the permission of the State.

New Edition

New issues of postage stamps for postal use, which differ from the original first editions

by any feature(s), are called new editions. They are cataloged and numbered according

to these differences as subspecies.

New Print

"New prints" are postage stamps produced for the government postal administration

using unaltered (original) printing blocks or plates, after the term-of-use of the original

issue has expired. New prints are indicated by the symbol ND. Because they are

difficult to distinguish from the original, is in MICHEL catalog intentionally mostly apart

from the slightly misleading indication of the distinguishing features. New Prints are

often collected for study purposes, to specialists they are indispensable. New Prints

that are not produced (or on behalf of) the relevant national postal administration are

designated "Private Reprint".

The designation “new print” is for falsifications, fantasy printings, not to use reproduction

or such a thing.

Page 14

Postage Stamp Paper

Paper for printing stamps are selected to meet specific quality and technical

requirements, and often special safeguards against counterfeiting (e.g. silk thread,

watermark). Of course, paper of lesser quality may used in times of economic distress.

Paper used include glossy and art paper, machine-smooth, satin-finish (smooth),

painted (chalk) papers with and without fibers. Other characteristics might include thin,

thick, cardboard-like, translucent, rough, striped or ribbed/ corrugated paper.

With colored paper, the paper pulp contains the coloring material (dye). With tinted

paper, the dye only on the surface.

Today, paper used for postage stamps may include fluorescent (the emitted light has a

longer wavelength, and therefore lower energy, than the absorbed radiation) or

phosphorescent (the emitted light has the same wavelength as the absorbed radiation,

and is emitted at a lower intensity, typically, after the light source is removed)

chemicals mixed with or applied to the paper. The treated paper will glow when

exposed with an ultraviolet (UV) light (fluorescence), or shortly after exposure to UV

light (Phosphorescence). A UV lamp is indispensable here. The collector should be

able to recognize paper treated with optical brighteners which appear bluish under a

white lamp. This is not identified in the Michel catalog.

The reference to paper variety is made in the catalog if it is associated with a specific

issue or edition.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wavelengthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wavelength

Proof

Proofs are printed for review and acceptance of the design and/or colors prior to

production. Typically it refers to the final printing for review and acceptance prior to

production.

Tests and Examination

The best protection against acquiring false or inferior stamps is to purchase the

stamp(s) in the specialty store. In cases of doubt, consultation with one expert should

be performed.

Examination. Experts are recognized by the top collectors and dealers to examine

stamps and cancellations in accordance with uniform guidelines that Philatelist should

know. Test procedures and test directory are available in the catalog appendix.

Retouching

Subsequent engravings or repairs to a whole plate or individual images are often made

by an engraver to achieve a better effect, eliminate errors in the original engraving, or

repair damage due to wear and tear resulting from production use.

Fonts

The number of fonts employed on stamps is so great that will only the most important

groups will be discussed here. The most frequently used font is Antigua, which

emerged from the Roman capital font, and its various subspecies, e.g. Mediaeval

(linear Antiqua), Egyptienne (serif Antigua), and Sans Serif or block letters (without

serifs, i.e. without the final strokes on the head and/or foot of the letter = writing this

introduction). A secondary form is Italics (italics), which imitates an ancient Roman,

handwritten cursive document. Other frequently occurring fonts are Script fonts (e.g.

English cursive), and especially in older stamps the Blackletter fonts such as Fraktur

Gothic and Schwabacher. In addition, one occasionally finds non-Latin fonts such as

Cyrillic. All these fonts appear in a variety of sizes (pitch or degrees) and varities (lean

to fat, narrow to wide, etc.).

Specimen

The imprint or stamp SPECIMEN (MUSTER) on original stamps indicates that these

stamps serve as official introduction of the stamp design to the postal staff, most often

used for revision of the relevant issue. The SPECIMEN stamp is intended to prevent

any use of these stamps for mailing purposes. Specimen stamps are not always

cheaper than the same stamps without overprint Specialty collectors pay special

attention to SPECIMENs as their quantity is usually low.

Separation types

The three most frequently occurring postage stamp separation types are cut, pierced

and perforated. In the MICHEL catalog, the abbreviations are: for the cut ; for pierced

; and for the perforated is gez.

Cut

Initially, the stamp sheets were produced often without separation assistance, so that

the stamps had to be cut out with the scissors. Later this was done mostly in times of

need or for collector’s purposes.

In philately, only such marks are known as cut, issued officially and regularly without

puncture or perforation.

Accidentally not toothed brands are known as imperforate (U) and cataloged as a

variety.

Pierced

Soon, efforts were made to find support for the cutting out of the stamps of the sheet

using fine knife the paper between the rows brand was partially cut, so that paper bonds

stood still between each pass. The most common piercing types are line, point, zigzag,

saw-tooth and sheet punctures, isolated colored background.

(Figure)

Page 15 Accidentally not pierced tags are called unpierced (U) and cataloged as a variety.

Due to the method of production brings the tearing process with that of the boundary

condition at the pierced stamps the same claims can not be made as to serrated. The

separation will always be messy and inaccurate.

In times of need, especially after the Second World War, individual punctures were

made in large numbers, which are not cataloged in contrast to the postmaster

separations incurred at lower departments.

Perforated

The most common separation method today is the perforation. The three (3) production

perforation methods are line, comb or harrow (sheet).

With line perforation, perforation is done in one, then the other direction. The

perforation holes at the corners of each stamp are often not concentric. Different stamp

sizes arise with line perforation because the perforated guides are not always set at the

same spacing.

(Figure)

With comb perforation, width and height of the sheet row perforations are set, and the

whole sheet is perforated in a single pass through the perforation machine. The

perforations at the corners of each stamp are concentric.

In simple comb perforation, all stamps of a horizontal row on three sides (up or down

and left and right) are perforated. At the cross comb perforation, the crest is H-shaped,

so that in a single operation a horizontal row and half the stamp’s left and right vertical

rows are perforated.

(Figure)

With double ridge and double cross comb perforation, 2 horizontal rows are perforated

at the same time.

(Figure)

Number of perforations. The numeric designation for perforations is the number of

holes per 2 cm, e.g. perforated 12 means 12 perforation holes over 2 cm. For mixed

perforations orthogonal (2) sides, the first number is the width (horizontal) and the

second is the height (vertical). For example, for a stamp perforated “14½:15”, the

horizontal side of the stamp is perforated 14½ (holes per 2cm), and the vertical side is

perforated 15 (holes per 2 cm).

With mixed perforations, i.e. different perforations on at least three sides, the

perforations are listed as follows: the first is the top, then the right side, then the bottom

and finally the left side. The use of a hyphen, e.g. 9-11, indicates the stamps can be

found with perforations varying from 9 to 11 (per stamp).

Accurate determine of the perforation is possible only with the help of a reliable

perforation gauge which should be owned by every collector.

When using a perforation gauge, the tips of the perforations must match the vertical

division lines from left to right. The perforation specifications used in this catalogue

were determined using the MICHEL perforation gauge. Of course, even the most

expensive perforation gauge, variations are possible and cannot replace checking.

The MICHEL Perfoscope is relatively new on the market. This computer software

recommended by the Federation of philatelic Examiner (BPP) allows an exact

perforation measurement of sheet parts, blocks or stamps on letter and others.

Perforation goodness. If the spacing (dimenstions) from the stamp image to the

perforation is the same on all four sides, then the stamp is well centered. Poor

centering may result from inaccurate insertion of sheet during perforation, or incorrect

spacing of the perforation teeth.

Imperfect perforation may be a result the paper’s texture or other variations, e.g. too

soft, woolly or thick) making one perforation impossible.

lf the centering is so poor that the perforation encroaches on the stamp image on one or

more sides, it is considered “badly centered”.

Fullly or partially unperforated stamps are listed as varieties.

Unused

The designations for uncanceled stamps are:

** indicates a gummed postage stamps in the condition in which it was issued at the

post office.

For some, especially older ones, the stamp gum had to be removed because it would

destroy the stamps due to its composition. Beware of imitations of the gums

(regummed)!

* indicates a postage stamp that has a hinge affixed, or had a hinge affixed which has

been removed. These are preferable in any case to "mint-made" stamps. Caution,

words such as "unused without hinge with gum" are often euphemisms for regummed

stamps!

Page 16

(*) indicates unused postage stamps issued without gum are have had their gum

removed are indicated by (*).

Watermark

Watermarks are created by pressing forms into the paper pulp before it is completely

dry. Watermarks may be single or multiple images, standing or lying (optionally, facing

left or right), rising and falling, standing on the head (inverted) and laterally reversed

(mirror). The watermark image may be repeated on each stamp or across several

stamps. Sheet watermarks may be located the edge or border of the sheet, or cover

the entire stamp sheet.

The watermarks are abbreviated in the MICHEL catalogs Wz. The watermarks listed

are reproduced as viewed from the rear of the stamp. Absence of Wz indicates the

stamps are printed on paper without a watermark.

The watermark may be seen when one views the stamp from the rear when obliquely

illuminated by a light source. If this method fails, there are two possibilities. The

conventional approach uses Benzene and the watermark detector available in any

specialty store. Here is the stamp to be examined is placed with the image side on the

black plate and a few drops of chemically pure (very important!) Benzene sprinkled on

the stamp. For a stamp printed on coated paper, it may be required to leave the

stamps for several minutes in benzene until the watermark is visible. Benzene sensitive

stamps may, however, not be so examined. The gum is not harmed generally by

Benzene. The second approach, a very good way, is to use a device that operates on

optical-electrical base under pressure and without any chemical additives. For a stamp

on an envelope, the watermark can be seen on the stamp incident light and lateral

approach sometimes at an angle.

Contingencies

The following anomalies should be not confused with the cataloged varieties:

Reverse image on the rear or gum side (“Setoff” error);

Detached color (StTdr.);

Print mutilation;

Incomplete stamp image;

Printing anomalies due to foreign material on plate or printing heads (Butzenauflage)

and other printing defects;

Double or multiple image printing;

Color bubbles, streaks and Verklecksungen;

Paper folds or creases;

Mis-registration;

Ghost images due to web flutter (Schmitz prints)

Poorly centered stamps

Page 17

Abbreviations and Symbols

Abbreviations of the printing process: BDR = letterpress Hfdr. = Heiltfoliendruck ODR. = Offset PDR = embossing RaTdr. = Photogravure Stdr. = lithographic printing StTdr = intaglio (steel or copper engraving

Abbreviations of color names:

bl. = blue

Bräunl ' = brownish

dkl ' = dark-

gelbl ' = yellow

grünl ' = green

lebh’ = lebhaft-

or. = orange

rötl ' = reddish black

Schw. = Black

schwärzl ' = blackish

ultram. = Ultramarine

vio. = violet

mfg. = Multicolored

Other acronyms and abbreviation sign:

Plates, types, and types of separation:

PI = plate

T = type

signed = toothed

K = comb perforation

KS = box perforation

L = line perforation

(?) Perforation = richtungsvertauscht

(?) = pierced

(?) = cut

U = imperforate

UI = left imperforate

Ur = right imperforate

Uo = top imperforate

Uu = bottom imperforate

Us = Vertical imperforate

Uw = horizontal imperforate

Udr = three-sided imperforate

Uzw = double-sided imperforate.

UMs = horizontal pair, mid = imperforate

UMw = vertical pair, mid = imperforate

Watermark:

owz = no watermark (name only in special cases)

Wz = watermark

Gum

(*) = unused without Gum or Gum part

* = unused with original Gum (hinged)

* = unused with original Gum (never hinged)

o.G. = without Gum

Cancellations:

(?) = rendered valueless with postmarks

= Spring-type devaluation (handschriftl. Entw.)

0 = fiscal depreciation

= Cancellations for philatelic purposes

= Hole devaluation

= other special cancellation (E.g. DDR)

= output-related cancellation

0 = date stamp

Counterfeiting:

= Fakes (counterfeits of part of) occurring to the detriment of the

Collector)

= Forging stamps occurring, stamp verification required

= Forgeries harming the post

Letters et. al.

= Brand on demand letter, post card, package card or printed

matter, in flight post brand on airmail letter or card

= Mark on letter piece

FDC = FDC

Miscellaneous:

AK = announcement Board

BG = loops

BI. = Block

BR I/u = arc margin left/down

DD = double print double printing

DPra = double stamping

DDD = triple print, triple print

DK = double printing of one upside

DKV = pressure indication

DV = printing note

DZ = Drucker(EI)Zeichen

EB = memory sheet

ETB = first day sheet

ERG. = Complement

F = misprint, wrong color, or misuse

F-BI. = Foil sheet

F BG foil bow =

FStr = strips

FZ = flight post approval

G = printed on the rubber side

GB = full size sheets

HAN = order number

H-BI. = Booklet sheet

Hz = Hertz

K = sweeping pressure, standing head print

kb = none known

klb. = sheetlet

KZ = sweeping pressure pair with intermediate webbing

L = empty or adhering signed field with ARC edge printing

M = preferred pressure (Ministers block)

MH = booklets

MHB brand booklet arch =

MiNr. = MICHEL numbers

MK = maximum card

NA = new edition

ND = official reprint

Nachdr. (N) = reprint

Neudr. (N) = private reprint

OR = upper edge

P = plate printing (sheetfed) or proof

PA = on glued paper Web

Paper fl. = fluorescent paper

Ph paper. = phosphorescent paper

PF = disk error

PH = phase pressure

PL.-No. = plate number

POL = pole-hole punch

R = roller or roller brand

RWZ = number of rows value

S = special print or black print

s = see

SD = black

SP = specimen

SZ = vertical pressure together with intermediate webbing

T = Edition of part of

V template or test pressure =

W = rolling pressure (printing) or waagr. Compressed

WZ = horizontal pressure together with intermediate webbing

ZD = compressed

ZF = decorative box

ZS = (perpendicular) intermediate bridge pair

ZNr. = Zumstein number

FV = (horizontal) intermediate bridge pair

= Design

= There are postal stationery with image-same value stamp

= Keyword

= Mark appears under the UV lamp.

= Block of four

= no price approach possible

= Flight post brand

Other abbreviations are in the cataloging line declared.

.