Monday, December 11, 2023

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