So although a genuine is not in the realm of many collectors, some forgeries have appeared and it is truly a classic stamp of beauty.
Peter Winter 1980's forgery
Probably another Winter forgery with more shading and removed from a fake cover.
Needs no explanation - very crude forgery
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| Genuine Lady M. from a certified auction |
The stamp was issued to prepay mail carried by the steamer LADY MCLEOD for voyage between Port of Spain and San Fernando.
The ship, named after the wife of the Governor of Trinidad, was built at Govan by Robert Napier, being completed on 2 September 1845.
She was a 67-ton paddle steamer, just over 109ft in length, and was built for John Lamont,
Her first captain was David Bryce. Bryce became her second owner in December 1845.
Her third owners, in 1851, were five Trinidad merchants.
She foundered in 1854 off Vistabella Point near San Fernando and was abandoned.
The ship’s bell was salvaged and is now in the office of the Town Clerk, San Fernando.
Although this issue did not emanate from an official source, the Lady McLeod is the first adhesive stamp issued in a British Colony. The ‘POST OFFICE’ Mauritius was issued some six months later.
The colors of the original vary from a dark blue to light blue.
The pen cancel in a cross was the usual method used but apparently some at a piece torn off. I am not aware if they were chewed off like early Afghanistan stamps.
The stamp was lithographed but given the fine details, some believe the original die was engraved.
A recent census shows
24 Unused
23 Used
39 on covers
Some of the unused are not in great shape so the selling prices vary a lot.
Some early auction examples sold for under $500
A recent auction for a very nice copy sold for $52,000
Forgeries
Well detailed but lacks the heavier background shading of the original
Winter used this forgery on covers which were is main area of production.
He also offers them in bogus red.
This has appeared on auctions with the same destination but stamps in different positions and cancels.
