The 1887 Definitive Series: A New Constant Flaw

by A. C. M. (Jos) Oostvogels

The variety (position I6) found in the lettering surrounding the central portrait of the King is well known. Recently I came across two examples of a similar but less prominent flaw at a 2 o'clock position consisting of two small white lines crossing the inner white oval, see top left stamp on block at left, also detail picture below.  I have found this variety on the 2 Atts and the 12 Atts values.

With the same flaw occuring on two different values, it seems highly probable that it is a regular flaw which may well be present on other values.

The example found on a block of four (sakserm 56, Frajola/Ostlie 49c) from which Mike Roberts has been able to deduce the probable position is B5, F7, G8 or I1.

Are there any members possessing complete sheets of the 1887 definitive series or their surcharges? I would ask them to examine their sheets for this flaw and let Mike Roberts or Del Smith have any information about this matter.

(This article first appeared in Thai Times, December 2001)