Shades of North Borneo stamps of 1954-1957

As listed on ISC, there are several notable shades for some denominations (well, there are just 6 to be honest). Since I do not own any specialized catalogues for North Borneo, I guess the references listed on ISC would do just for now. 

An overview of all the listed shades


1 cent Red-brown (left) and Lake-brown (right)

The 1 cent Red-brown (listed as ISC336) appears with a reddish to rosy-looking sky while the Lake-brown (listed as ISC336a) has a flat brown look. The foliage in the foreground of ISC336a appears brighter. Generally, the features of both Mount Kinabalu and its foreground are more visible. 

3 cents Green (left) and Deep Green (right)

The 3 cents Deep Green (listed as ISC338a) appears more intense compared to the 3 cents Green (ISC338). ISC338 definitely looks grainier while ISc338 appears to have a smoother look - compare the portraits of Queen Elizabeth II. In person, it is fairly easy to distinguish between the two. 


15 cents Bright blue (left) and Pale blue (right)

The 15 cents Bright blue (listed as ISC343) appears more intense compared to the 15 cents Pale blue (ISC343a) - compare portraits of Queen Elizabeth II. Ignore the two strands of white hair/thread, must have been my cat's. 


20 cents Brown (left) and Sepia-Brown (right)

Sepia-brown (ISC344a) appears lighter than Brown (ISC344) - differences well seen by comparing the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. 

50 cents Rose-carmine (left) and Rose (right)

Rose-carmine (ISC346) appears on a lighter shade, perhaps with a more pinkish tone while Rose (ISC346a) will have a more intense color. I find distinguishing between shades are tough for the 50 cents but I think it is possible by comparing the intensity of the foliage in the lower portion of the stamp. 

2 Dollars Deep green (left) and Grey green (right)

Pretty obvious and easy to tell apart. Deep green (ISC348) appears to be more intense compared to Grey green (ISC348a).

How do actually tell apart? The easiest way is to compare a number of stamps of the same denominations and look for any difference in shades. The more stamps available, definitely the better. I did not pay much attention to shades prior to this and it is only after collecting stamps of the German Empire that I began to pay attention to shades. 

Shades are pretty normal and it would still be considered within the normal shade range unless it is drastically different. Hence, it raises some questions - am I seeing the right shades? Or are the shades I am seeing just too subtle, the 'in-betweens' and out there exists deeper or more intense shades? 

To answer those questions, I will have to continue collecting and comparing. Till then, no answer that I have is definite. 


Note on stamps:

1. North Borneo 1954 ISC336 1 cent red brown & ISC336a brown 'Mount Kinabalu' 
Wmk. Multi Script CA
P. 14.5 x 13.5 

2. North Borneo 1954 ISC338 3 cents green & ISC338a deep green 'Coconut Grove'
Wmk. Multi Script CA
P. 14.5 x 13.5 

3. North Borneo 1954 ISC343 15 cents bright blue & ISC343a pale blue 'Native Prahu at Sandakan'
Wmk. Multi Script CA
P. 14.5 x 13.5 

4. North Borneo 1954 ISC344 20 cents brown & ISC344a sepia-brown 'Bajau Chief' 
Wmk. Multi Script CA
P. 14.5 x 13.5 

5. North Borneo 1954 ISC346 50 cents rose-carmine & ISC346a rose 'Clock Tower at Jesselton'
Wmk. Multi Script CA
P. 14.5 x 13.5

6. North Borneo 1954 ISC348 2 Dollars deep green & ISC348a grey green 'Murut with Blowpipe'
Wmk. Multi Script CA
P. 14.5 x 13.5 

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