MexiMail

General Category => Classic Stamps 1856 - 1900 => Gothics and Provisionals => Topic started by: James Ford on July 17, 2017, 02:53:31 PM

Title: Gothic Mexico Cuatro Reales Block of 4 Scott 39
Post by: James Ford on July 17, 2017, 02:53:31 PM

Hi Folks,

I just ran across this listing on eBay for a block of 4 Scott 39 Mexico 1867 Gothic Cuatro Reales, which I found amusing:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MEXICO-4-REALES-BLOCK-OF-4-MEXICO-OVP-USED-VF-/391841112227?hash=item5b3b8ce0a3:g:CfsAAOSwVJhZWTYY (http://www.ebay.com/itm/MEXICO-4-REALES-BLOCK-OF-4-MEXICO-OVP-USED-VF-/391841112227?hash=item5b3b8ce0a3:g:CfsAAOSwVJhZWTYY)

Someone went to a lot of trouble to make this block of (what I think are) unauthorized reprints look like the real thing. The crystal clear cancels, Scz 821 - Tay MX1/36, and overprints were applied with obvious care. I think the Gothic overprints, in particular, are very well done. Not too long ago, I might have bought this rascal. (Thanks Marc, Bubba, Tad... Mepsi.)

What do you suppose this would be worth if it were authentic?  Is there even a block of 39's known to exist?

James

Title: Re: Gothic Mexico Cuatro Reales Block of 4 Scott 39
Post by: Martin "Spuff" Spufford on July 17, 2017, 03:35:46 PM

I believe it is even doubtful if a single genuine on white paper exists. many believe all are faked/bleached or on reprints.
spuff

Title: Re: Gothic Mexico Cuatro Reales Block of 4 Scott 39
Post by: James Ford on July 17, 2017, 05:38:06 PM

That's a good point Spuff.  Marc says the one in the Scott Catalog is bogus.

But, David Pietsch's article "The 1867-68 Provisional Issue of the Hidalgos" says that about 180 were sold and less than 10 are known.  He shows an image of one with a Mepsi Cert (#16278).   Unfortunately the image is too low a resolution to make out much of the details.

It would be nice if someone would post an image (or a link to an image) of an authentic #39 at a high enough resolution to really see what a real one looks like. Presumably, it is is simply a #4 with a valid Gothic overprint.  Anyone, anyone...

James

Title: Re: Gothic Mexico Cuatro Reales Block of 4 Scott 39
Post by: Martin "Spuff" Spufford on July 17, 2017, 07:10:35 PM

I remember Doug Stout showing me a study he did on the true and false "MEXICO"s in Gothic script many years ago.

I do not know what happened to that work.
Does anyone have it?
spuff

Title: Re: Gothic Mexico Cuatro Reales Block of 4 Scott 39
Post by: Manuel Iglesias on July 17, 2017, 09:36:48 PM

This block is a REPRINT with forged cancellations and overprints.The paper on 1856 reprints is too white, too thick, too smooth, too opaque and less transparent to the point of not being able to see the design of the stamp from the back like in this case.Too my recollection only 48 4R red were overprinted with Gothic Mexico and only 1 or 2 exist.
Best regards,
Manuel.

Title: Re: Gothic Mexico Cuatro Reales Block of 4 Scott 39
Post by: Fernando P-M on July 18, 2017, 08:16:15 AM

Back in 1988 we at LA FILATELIA MEXICANA sold at auction an authentic #39 which was classified as a #4 by the owner. We sent it to MEPSI and got a green Cert. #11569. Unfortunately the cert. went with the stamp. I have a photocopy of which I can provide a high resolution scan to anyone. Please send me a message to fernandopema@gmail.com and I will gladly comply. Best regards.