Apsit
Latvia
map
stamps
Latvia map stamps - perforations, 1 of 3
Delivery records for the first 4,750 sheets of Latvian map stamps show that 1,874, almost 40%, were perforated. There were 11,956 sheets in all. We do not know how many of the other 7,206 sheets were perforated.
Most catalogues list the perforated quantity of this issue as 1,125,968. This is incorrect, and simply the amount left from the total issued, 2,725,968, after subtracting an estimated 1,600,000 imperforate.
All perforations are 11.5, some sheets with large holes and some with regular-sized holes. The large holes may be from the 1,874 perforated sheets delivered before the government evacutated to Liepāja at the beginning of January 1919. And the regular holes from the 7,206 sheets received when the government returned to Riga in May 1919. More research may make this clear.
Large perforation holes
Sheets and blocks with large perforation holes come apart along the perforations very easily. The holes are too large for good stability.
M17 Kurszany, block of 4, large perforation holes; stamps upside-down with respect to map; 72dpi jpeg @80%.
N18 Janiszki, block of 4, large perforation holes, rough perforations; stamps upside-down with respect to map; 72dpi jpeg @80%.
Regular perforation holes
Q17 Ponedele, block of 4, regular perforation holes; stamps upside-down with respect to map; 72dpi jpeg @80%.
Postmaster roulettes
Hofmann's Latvia Handbook of Philately and Postal History, The Stamps, Ruble Period 1918-1922 [p.23] reports map stamps rouletted 11 at the Bauska post office. If you have an example, please send a scan or photocopy.
Hofmann [p.23] reports 5 kap map stamps rouletted 11 at the Palanga post office. This is probably in error for 5 kap stamps on lined paper rouletted 11 at Palanga, which are not listed. The Handbook does list the 10 and 15 kap sun stamps on lined paper rouletted 11 at Palanga, which are less common than the 5 kap.
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Updated Thu, 2002-08-15 .
Copyright ©2000, 2001, 2002, Bill Apsit.
