myStampJourney

In 1971, a set of Butterfly themed stamps were issued in each state replacing the use of the former Orchids definitive stamps.  These stamps were initially printed by Bradbury Wilkinson, and designed by Victor Whiteley. Later on, a change in printing contract in 1977 meant that subsequent prints were handled by Harrisons and Sons Limited, for a limited period. Differences are subtle, however, distinguishing them is manageable since both Bradbury Wilkinson and Harrison had different printing approaches.  At times, the color of the right column is a giveaway, which in the case for the 2c and 5c denomination, Harrison and Sons print has a light blue colored column instead of white.  Harrison and Sons on the left, Bradbury Wilkinson on the right. Harrison and Sons on the left, Bradbury Wilkinson on the right. As for the 10c denomination, another noticeable feature is that the black veins seen on the wings of the butterfly of the Harrison and Sons print were more prominent. Harrison and Son

Happy Chinese New Year everyone! Although this year's festive season would be celebrated quite differently considering that the pandemic is still around, I hope everyone out there adheres to the standard operating procedures set. After all, it is always a priority to keep all our loved ones safe.  Celebrating the Year of the Ox this year, I thought it would be great to showcase the main character itself portrayed in North Borneo stamps, which first appeared in the 1909 definitives in both denominations of 8 cents and 18 cents; inclusively, an 20 cents overprint in red of the latter.  1909-1922 ISC147 8c Lake  1909-1922 ISC151 18c Blue-green (Left) 1909 ISC153 20c on 18c  (Right) 1925-1928 ISC251 20c on 18c  (Left) 1945 ISC284 1c Green & red-brown (Mid) 1947 ISC299 1c Green & red-brown (Right) 1941 ISC282 1c Green & red-brown ovpt 'WAR TAX' 1950 ISC324 5c Violet  1954 ISC340 Reddish-violet 1961 ISC360 Brown & grey-green 1961 ISC365 Emerald & yellow-brown