DOIG'S ETHIOPIA STAMP CATALOGUE

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Negous Teferi Handstamp

1928, October 7
To commemorate the crowining of Ras Tafari Makonnen as Negus (King).
Rubber handstamp by the Ethiopian Post Office on 1928 Definitive issue.
Scott: 175-179. Stanly Gibbons: 233-237. Michel: 116-120. Yvert: 166-170.
236
 

 

1/8 m Violet handstamp
a. Red handstamp
b. Invert (violet, red)
d. Double, one invert (violet)
e. Vertical, crown right (violet, red)
3,000

 

 

237
 
 
 
 

 

½  m Red handstamp
a. Violet handstamp
b. Invert (red)
c. Double
d. Double, one invert (red)
e. Vertical, crown right (red)
f. Vertical, crown left (red)
g. Pair, one handstamp missing
3,000

 
 
 
 

 

238
 
 

 

2 m Red handstamp
a. Violet handstamp
b. Invert (red, violet, purple)
c. Double (violet, purple)
e. Vertical, crown right (red)
f. Pair, one handstamp missing
3,000

 
 

 

239
 
 
 

 

8 m Black handstamp
a. Red handstamp
b. Violet handstamp
c. Blue handstamp
d. Invert (black)
e. Vertical, crown right (blue, black)
f. Pair, one handstamp missing (red)
3,000

 
 

 

240
 

 

2 t Violet handstamp
a. Red handstamp
b. Invert (violet)
c. Double (violet)
e. Pair, one handstamp missing (red)
3,000

 

 

Notes:
1. 3,000 sets originally issued. Postally used stamps and covers command a premium. CTO and fake cancels are not common.
2. This set was reprinted in 1931 for the remainder sal to Thomas Clifffe. Reprints were done from the genuine handstamp and are not distinguishable from the origianl issue.
3. Varieties are not common and appear to be as much errors as philatelic. Color trials and errors are found on travelled covers.
4. Colors of original handstamps vary with dark red, purple, and violet brown shades.
5. The entire set is known handstamped SPECIMEN.
6. FORGER B used the original handstamp (or a close forgery) to produce many "errors." The handstamp is deteriorated and the impressions in dark, fuzzy ink. Inverts, doubles, etc. were prepared for all values in red, violet, and blue ink. Genuine errors should be from a clean handstamp.

Forgery

This forgery was probably made between 1928 and 1931 while the set was still rare. The stamps are not known cancelled.
Genuine: Cross to right of top center of crown. Amharic all clear with center colon (:) showing. Inscriptions strongly curved.
Forgery: Cross centered directly over the top center of crown. Amharic partially missing in center with colon ususally missing. Inscriptions less curved, almost straight.
236F 1/8 m Violet handstamp 
a. Red handstamp
b. Invert (violet)
 
237F ½  m Red handstamp
a. Violet handstamp
 
238F 2 m Red handstamp
a. Violet handstamp
b. Vertical, crown left (red)
 
239F 8 m Black handstamp
a. Violet handstamp
b. Red handstamp
 
240F 2 t Violet handstamp
a. Red handstamp
 

                    Last update: September 10, 2000