BMA overprint on Straits Settlements stamps: Die I and Die II
It has been quite a while since my last entry. Now that I have a new scanner, let's resume! A little deeper than the very surface of stamp collecting, are knowing the different printing dies used (if any) during printing. A die can be of rubber, but in the case of postage stamps they are usually metal or softened steel with the image of what is going to appear on the stamp engraved onto it. In the stamps of 1937-1941 (ISC 260 to ISC 280, Straits Settlements ), as well as the subsequent B.M.A (British Military Administration) overprint of 1945 (ISC 1 to 18, BMA, Straits Settlements ) one very noticeable feature is the bicolored denominations: 1937-1941 Straits Settlements KGVI Definitives, 25c - Dull purple & scarlet 30c - Dull purple & yellow-orange 40c - Scarlet & dull purple $1 - Black & red on blue paper $2 - Green & scarlet $5 - Green & red on emerald paper 1945 Straits Settlements KGVI Definitives, overprinted B.M.A MALAYA 25c - Dull purple& scar