Colors
The colors I use to describe these stamps are based on those listed in various catalogs as well as my own subjective interpretations. Keep in mind that you may see colors differently that I do. For example, you may feel that a stamp listed as "dull green" is more of a "gray green". Therefore, stamps in colors not listed on this site may not actually be a unique varieties. On the other hand, there are numerous color varieties associated with these issues. If you feel you have a copy of a stamp that is of a different color than I have listed, please let me know.
Papers
Some of the Viet Minh overprints were applied to existing stocks of Indo-china stamps. Other stamps were printed by the Viet Minh from original printing plates. Some stamps were printed on paper imported from France. Due to paper shortages, others were printed on locally made paper.
The various papers used for these stamps are difficult to classify. Tropical climate, sunlight, foreign substances such as cigarette smoke, and the passage of time can all change their appearance. Therefore, it is somewhat wishful thinking that one can accurately differentiate between a paper that was yellowish when a stamp was printed and one that has yellowed with age.
Still, there are instances where I attempt to indicate what I believe to be significant paper types. For example, differences between a thin white paper and a thicker buff paper have been noted. Please keep in mind that these listings are based only on stamps I have actually handled and that the paper types listed represent my personal opinion and interpretation.
Throughout the listings, I attempt to differentiate between different basic paper types as they appear when held to a bright light. Most of these issues fall under the broad categories of "mesh paper" and "mottled paper". Some stamps are easier to classify than others.
As used in this guide, the term "mesh" refers to paper containing rows of closely spaced ovals or "pills". Most of the Viet Minh issues are on mesh paper containing pills that are longer than they are wide. When these pills are arranged so that they lay end-to-end across a stamp from side to side, I refer to the paper as horizontal mesh. When the pills lay from top to bottom, I refer to the paper as vertical mesh.
Other paper used for these stamps has a somewhat mottled or parchment-like appearance. Some of these papers exhibit a slight mesh but it is much more subtle than that of the mesh paper described above.
return to top
Contact Information: To offer corrections, share information or offer feedback, please contact me at
.
Copyright Information: All articles and catalog information, including catalog numbers, are copyrighted by their respective authors and publishers, and are used here for educational, cross-reference purposes only. This web site should not be construed as a competing catalog product.
All other information ©1999-2007 Andrew Crenshaw unless otherwise indicated. Permission is granted to print and distribute original content on these pages for educational purposes so long as the content is not changed (including this notice) and no income is derived from their distribution. All other rights reserved.