Page 101 - Standing Display

HORSE VIEWS FROM DIGITAL MICROSCOPY

Clear Rose-Pink Intermediate red-brown design Blank filling & background

In the experience of the exhibitor, the rose – pink is the least common, even though it has the

best printing. The red-browns are the most common and generally are of the intermediate
printing in which the edges are rarely distinct and seem blurred. The third state with the blank
horse is generally better defined and almost as common as the second state. If we are to classify

as dies then it is clear that there are three dies and the above micrographs would be regarded
as identifying Die I, II and III in the order from left to right

This very unusual pair from a 1901 document show a grossly
overinked red at top and a pale brown-pink example probably a
result of underinking

Really amazing is that they are a pair and explaining the

phenomenon is difficult. Digital micrographs help but do not
resolve the problem.

The horse’s head is barely
detectable in the scan of the

overinked example (at right),
whereas the horse is clearly
seen in the underinked pale

brown (below). This pale
brown horse shows better
detail than in any of the

examples discussed above..

Details of a properly engraved
horse are clear. This 1901
usage may be from a late

attempt to improve the stamp.
As such it may be indicative of
an experimental Die IV.
However, since a new design
was issued 1899-1900, it may

have been abandoned.

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