Tristan Da Cunha Locals

 This article is not the normal "forgery" blog but it provides some interesting postal history and information on currently available stamps.

The so-called “potato essays” were based on designs for local souvenir stamps created by Allan Crawford (1912-2007) in 1946.

Nine designs were produced. The 1d design featuring a penguin was printed by Hortors Ltd. of Johannesburg, South Africa, in sheets of 35.

20,000 sheets were produced of the 1d but not issued. The stamps essentially were sold to collectors as souvenirs and to raise funds for future  printings.

The designation "Potato Stamp" was based on islanders and sailors during World War II buying their "Tristan Times" for potatoes and cigarettes. So the 1d was designated a value of 4 large potatoes.

The original 1d is rare and commands a substantial value.

A genuine rare 1d - Note the double frame line of the original stamps

This block signed by Crawford was sold in an auction for $400

Apparently in 1962 permission from Crawford was granted to produce souvenir sheets of the 1d and the 9 designs.

These can probably be considered as "reprints"

Several changes were made from the original designs

Reprint of the 1d signed by Crawford from a forum member

2nd reprint sheet produced

Several changes from the original essays were made;

1. The 2d was originally a depiction of King George VI sitting at a desk but permission to represent a Royal family member was never requested.

2. A 9d stamp was added 

3. The high value 2/6 was removed

This is the series I acquired

It appears they are cutouts from the reprint sheet as modern reproductions were not prevalent at that time and the paper has an aged appearance to it.

Modern Reproductions

These can be found lithographed and may be a product from Taiwan

The colors are deep and the lines thick. They reflect the original essays not the reprints shown above

Bear in mind only the 1d perfed was originally distributed so any other perfed stamps are obvious reproductions with no value.

They have different perforations and the 1d has no double frame.

Reproduction