Western Australia - Swan Issues

Genuine Imperforates

1d Die Proof

Perforated Issues

The following is apparently a set of proofs (unconfirmed)

Forgeries

 Forgeries of Western Australia were made by: the Spiro Brothers (1864-1880), Francois Fournier (1904-1917), Peter Winter (1986-1987), Torres (1874), Harold Treherne (1902), Georg Zechmeyer and Oneglia (1923).

Harold Treherne (Brighton Forger)

He is said to have worked for a group called the "Syndicate". He was tasked with acquiring commercially viable dies of several countries. He modified them where needed and applied fake canccls.

All have a misshapen ‘G’ of postage, thin lower bar in the second ‘E’ of ‘WESTERN’, eagle-beak and no leg for the Swan.

Spiro Forgeries

The "W" of "WESTERN" has very pointed bottoms in this forgery.

Furthermore the "E" and the "S" are quite thin compared to the genuine stamps and the "U" of "AUSTRALIA" is quite blunt. Note also the typical cancels on these forgeries.

The "W" of "WESTERN" has pointed bottoms in this forgery. 

The "E" and the "S" are quite thin compared to the genuine stamps.

The "U" of "AUSTRALIA" is quite blunt. 

As well we have the typical cancels on these forgeries.

Panelli/Oneglia Forgeries

These were sold by Panelli but probably made by Oneglia

- The letters are thicker than the genuine stamps particularly the side ones

- The head is angled more downwards

- The beak is longer

- The foot is more distinct

- The corner elements are shaped differently

- The background has a distinct web outline

Torres Forgeries

- The odd cancels of Torres are evident as seen on many other countries

- The G has a flat back

- The beak is very short

- The U has a flatter bottom

- The crossbars in the A's are placed higher

Fournier Forgeries

There is no indication that Fournier made his own forgeries.

He sold forgeries from at least 3 different sources

 

Here are full sheets from Spiro?

Odd forgeries

These  are from unknown sources

- C instead of G

- White head with distinct eye

- Odd corner elements

- Dark water under swan

- Thick letters

A very crude design with no redeeming features

This is apparently a Samuel Taylor but I have no further proof. It does not appear on any of his known forgeries.

Georg Zechmeyer transfer