The Fueang Stamp
A Rare StampToday, very few Fueang have survived n the collectors’ market. It is to be assumed that most were destroyed with the rest of the Solot stock after the great sale. Perhaps, as few as 4 are traded per annum. Based on our collections and the transaction rate, including this sheet of 80 that Mr. Prasert Tongbua and I have been unable to locate, we estimate the total stock of this stamp not to exceed 300 (based on a transaction rate of 5% per year). Few collectors have more than one if any at all. Most of this stock is in good condition. Some paper degradation, as expected, has occurred. In addition to the stamp trade and collector stocks, a very large quantity of Fueang stamps is still held today at the treasury (Dr. Pipat Choovoravech (2003)). The Thai government recently considered releasing them but was convinced by stamp dealers and collectors alike to reconsider this move which would result in a devaluation of this limited stock.
Color Shades of the FueangThe Fueang was printed on thick woven and unwatermarked paper. There are five shades of this stamp: Deep Vermilion, Pale Vermilion, Pink, Orange and Pale Orange. The pale shades are even rarer and more valuable. Having said that, all shades are rare.
The pale shades are more valuable. Having said that, all shades are extremely rare. |
Stamp Size and DimensionsAs the fifth stamp in this series, the Fueang was worth 8 atts. The dimensions of the stamp are 25 x 30 mm, similar to the Salung. Aside from the Solot, the Fueang is perhaps the most exciting stamp in this series owing to four factors: its backstory, its rarity, its color shades and its perforations.
PerforationThis stamp was perforated by a single-line machine. The full sheet contains 80 stamps. Strangely enough, the printer's proof of the Fueang is perforated at 12, which is quite different from the regular stamps.
Thanks to the evidence provided by a collector in possession of a large quantity of Fueang stamps, it was possible to analyze perforation variance. Surprisingly, there are three perforation rates for this stamp, notably, 14.5, 15 and 15.5. (See below)
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Check your Fueang Proof is Real:
The Paper:
This should be a little yellowed with age. Waterlow Victorian proof paper is thin also, not thick.
Overprint:
Many proofs have the “Waterlow and Sons Ltd Specimen” overprint, but not all.
The Ink:
This should look like oil paint, not printer ink.
Features:
Use the photos below to compare.
Peace of Mind:
Final check. Get P.A.T. to certify it if you have any doubts
This should be a little yellowed with age. Waterlow Victorian proof paper is thin also, not thick.
Overprint:
Many proofs have the “Waterlow and Sons Ltd Specimen” overprint, but not all.
The Ink:
This should look like oil paint, not printer ink.
Features:
Use the photos below to compare.
Peace of Mind:
Final check. Get P.A.T. to certify it if you have any doubts