Click any image to enlarge
The genuine originals and Reprint II printed from Die I have "secret marks", a scratch of color above the first "k" of "k.k." and a dot 2.5 mm SW of "G" and another 3 mm SE of "t" in the word "Gesellschaft". The "secret marks" have been removed from Reprint III, but a shadow remains. There are no "secret marks" on Reprint I or on the forgeries.
Austria, Danube Steam Navigation Company (DDSG) Genuine« BackApril 15, 1866, DDSG, Michel #1A, used, Genuine original, Odessa, Russia cancel(1.) Perf 12 original. (2.) Type 3 (scar at 9:00 o'clock at left anchor ring). (3.) Exp: APS cert. Plating Info: T. Balm. April 15, 1866, DDSG, Michel #1A, used, Genuine original, Calafat, Romania cancel(1.) Another perf 12 original. (2.) Type 3 (scar at 9:00 o'clock at the left anchor ring). (3.) Exp: T.Balm April 15, 1866, DDSG, Michel #1A, Genuine original, Lom Palaka, Bulgaria cancel(1.) Perf 12 original. (2.) Type 1 (slightly flat top on "c" of Dampfschiffahrt, also flat top on "s"). (3.) Exp: T.Balm April 15, 1866, DDSG, Michel #1A, used, Genuine original with a natural paper crease, Rustzuk, Bulgaria cancel(1.) Perf 12 original. (2.) Type 8 (hairline mark beneath thin line under "a" of Donau, also weak break in thin line under "Da" of Dampf. (3.) Exp: T.Balm 1878, DDSG, Reprint I(1.) Rough perf 9.5. (2.) Die II. All the "f's" have rounded tops. (3.) Exp: T.Balm 1880, DDSG, Reprint II, All mail service had ceased by 1880. This was printed for sale to collectors.(1.) Rough perf 9.5. (2.) Printed from the original Die I. (3.) Type 3 (scar at the left anchor ring). (4.) Secret marks still remain. (5.) Exp: T.Balm |
Austria, Danube Steam Navigation Company (DDSG) ForgeryDDSG, Forgery 1, per Hurt & Kelly(1.) Perf 12.5. (2.) No dot after the value. (3.) No shading in the anchors. (4.) "7" has a curly top and a round bottom. (5.) Exp: T.Balm |