PARAGUAY 1907-1908 PROVISIONAL OVERPRINTS

One of the most interesting issues of Paraguay is, I think, the provisional overprints of 1907-08. These issued provide a vast field of study and I suspect that many new discoveries will be made after a careful examination of these issues is performed.

In previous chapters, I have pretty much followed the Scott arrangement for the issues. However, I feel the Kneitschel order is vastly superior here and I shall be using his orderof issue for these provisionals.

The first stamp in the series, the 5c on 2c vermilion (Scott #129)(Kneitschel #146) was issued on June 15, 1907 in a quantity of 30,000 or 200,000. The sheet had 100 positions (10 x 10) and exists is two perforations, 11 1/2 & 11 1/2 x 12. The contemporary literature states that this value was in use only a few days.

I have recorded the following varieties in perf 11 1/2: "5" shifted to the left (pos #3); "s" of "centavos" inverted (pos #65); overprint inverted; ovpt invert w/5 to left; ovpt invert with s inverted; overprint double.

In perf 11 1/2 x 12 I note the following varieties: "5" shifted to left (pos 3); "s" of centavos inverted(pos 65); "5" omitted; overprint inverted, overprint double; overprint double one inverted.

Gibbons lists an overprint double, both inverted. I do not know which perf variety this belongs to. I have also recorded a small "c" in "centavos" (pos 41).

A complete sheet of 100 was reported in an auction lot in 1966 and again in 1977. This was part of a lot of sheets of VK #146 to 158 and the description stated that six of the sheets had been plated.

Juansilvano Godoi de Vargas in his Sobrecargados de Paraguay Años 1907-1908 lists the following additional varieties without stating which perforation they belong to:

Pos #5 - “5” broken at bottom; Pos #16 - Second “i” broken Pos #34 & 37 - “5” incomplete; Pos #45 - First “a” incomplete Pos #68 - Lower curve of “5” incomplete; Pos #70 - missing “5” Pos #81 - missing “5” (corrected)

The only other value issued in 1907 was the 5c on 2c olive green which was issued on Aug 12, 1907. I do not have any information on the quantity issued. As with the previous issue, there are two perforation varieties, 11 1/2 & 11 1/2 x 12.

In the perf 11 1/2 I note the following varieties: "5" shifted to left (pos #3); "s" of centavos inverted (pos #65); "5" omitted (pos #70); bars omitted (pos #73) - the latter variety was first reported in the philatelic press in March 1909; Overprinted inverted (according to a note in Gibbons Stamp Monthly 2 sheets of the invert were found.) All of the regular varieties are to be found on the inverted ovpts as well, i.e., "5" shifted to left, "s" inverted, "5" omitted, & bars omitted.

An addition variety, position unknown, is: “ili” raised.

In the perf 11 1/2 x 12, I note the following varieties: "5" shifted to left (pos #3); "s" of "centavos" inverted (Pos 65); “5" omitted (pos #70); bars omitted (pos #73); overprint double; overprint double, one diagonal.

I also record a small "c" in centavos but do not know which perf variety it is associated with.

The next three stamps - the Habilitado & bar - all have a constant variety in position #27, i.e., some letters displaced and the first "a" of Habilitado incomplete; position #18 shows the “l” broken at the base; pos #27 has “tado” very low; the first “a” of Habilitado is incomplete in position #30 and #50; the “H” is retouched in positions #44 and 53; the “H” is broken in position #63; and “t” has the top filled and the “d” incomplete in pos #70.

All three of these issues also exist in two perforations, 11 1/2 and 11 1/2 x 12. The sheet size is 100 (10 x 10). I do not have information on the quantities of each issued.

The 5c slate blue, was issued on Jan 28, 1908 and I record the following varieties:
Perf 11 1/2: bar missing (pos #32); inverted; double; double one inverted.

Perf 11 1/2 x 12: bar missing (pos 32); overprint diagonal 20o angle); overprint inverted.

The 5c deep blue was issued either on Jan 23, 1908 or Jan 25 1908, or Jan 27, 1908, in a sheet of 100 subjects. I record the following varieties of the perf 11 1/2: overprint inverted; overprint double one inverted.

Of the perf 11 1/2 x 12, I record: overprint inverted; overprint double; overprint double one inverted.

I have a record of a bars omitted variety but do not know anything about it.

The 5c greenish blue was issued on February 1st or February 12, 1908 in a sheet of 100 subjects.

In perf 11 1/2 I record on a double overprint variety, while in the perf 11 1/2 x 12, I record only the inverted overprint as a variety.

The next eight stamps have the four line “Habilitado/en/5/centavos” overprint on the official stamps of 1905-08. All these stamps show the following constant varieties in the bars beneath the word centavos -
- -
- - Positions #69,79,80,89,90 & 100
- -

- -
- - Position #70
---

top bar thick - Position #72 “s” incomplete - Position #68

bottom bar thin - Position #81 “s” inverted - Position #61

“H” incomplete - Position #86 small “c” - Position #41

5c on 10c bistre

The perf 11 ½ variety may not exist. To date I have not seen it reported.

The following varieties are known in the perf 11½ x 12: “s” of centavos inverted, ovpt double; small “c” in centavos.

This stamp was issued on March 23, 1908 and a full sheet of 100 (10x10) exists.

This stamp is known only in perf 11½. It was issued in March 1909 in a quantity of 50,000 of which a full sheet of 100 is known to exist.

I record the following varieties:
“s” of centavos inverted; lower bars broken & with blob of color (position #95); small “c” in centavos; overprint inverted; small “c” in centavos.

This stamp was issued in a quantity of 50,000 in April 1908. A complete sheet is known to exist. Apparently the only perforation variety is the 11½.

The following varieties are known:
“s” of centavos inverted; raised “c” in centavos (one copy reported); ovpt diagonal; ovpt diagonal, pair with and without overprint; small “c” in centavos.

This stamp is known only in perf 11½ and was issued on March 27, 1908 in a quantity of 50,000. A complete sheet of 100 (10x10) is known.

I record the following varieties: “s” of centavos inverted; pair, with and without overprint; inverted overprint; small “c” in centavos.

This stamp also appears to exist only in the perf 11½ variety. It was issued on March 28, 1908 in a quantity of 50,000 and a full sheet of 100 is known.

I record the following varieties: “s” of centavos inverted; lower bars broken and with a blob of color (pos #95); ovpt inverted; ovpt double; small “c” in centavos.

The variety noted as ovpt double, one inverted may only exist as a counterfeit.

This value was issued on March 9, 1908 in an unknown quantity. The sheet size is 10 x 10 and a complete sheet is known. Both perf 11½ and 11½ x 12 are known for this value.

The following variety is known for the perf 11½: “s” of centavos inverted

In perf 11½ x 12 the following varieties are known: “s” of centavos inverted; ovpt double; small “c” in centavos.

This value appears to exist only in the perf 11½ variety and was issued on March 17, 1908 in an unknown quantity. A complete sheet of 100 (10x10) is known.

The following varieties are known to me: “s” of centavos inverted; lower bars broken and with blob of color in them (pos. #95); ovpt double; ovpt double, both inverted; small “c” in centavos.

This value is known only perf 11½ and was issued on March 27, 1908 in a quantity of 50,000. A full sheet of 100 is known to exist. It has been reported that 30,000 copies of this value were purchased by a stamp dealer in Buenos Aires. If so, it would appear to be more common in the unused state.

I note the following varieties: “s” of centavos interted; lover bars broken and with blob of color (pos.. #95); small “c” in centavos.

All the inverted ovpt copies I have seen have been counterfeits.

This stamp is known only perf 11½. Issued in April 1908 in an unknown quantity. The sheet size was 100 (10 x 10) and an inverted overprint is the only variety I record.

Sr. Godoi de Vargas records the following repeated varieties:
Pos #41 - small “c” Pos #65 - “s” inverted
Pos #68 - “s” incomplete Pos #69, 79, 80, 89, 90, & 100 - six bars
Pos #70 - 5 bars Pos #72 - top bar normal, 2nd & 3rd thin
Pos #81 - bottom bar thin Pos #86 - “H” broken
Pos #99 - bottom bar ends in a chisel point
Pos #94 & 96 - bottom bar displaced to left
“Hab litado” - Pos unknown “Habili tado” - Pos unknown

This value exists only in perf 11½ and was issued on May 31, 1908 in a quantity of 54,400. The sheet is of 100 subjects (10x10).

I record the following varieties: “s” of centavos inverted; bottom bar under centavos shifted to left (pos. #94 & 96); ovpt double; small “c” in centavos.

We now move to the three line ovpt. - “Habilitado en/5/centavos” and on the next 13 stamps the following varieties are constant.

Small “c” in “centavos” - Position #41
Raised “c” in “centavos” - Position #42
All three bars parted - Positions #37,47,57, & 87
Top two bars parted - Position #8
Top bar parted - Position #77

Three line overprint on regular stamps

Sr. Godoi de Vargas records the following plate varieties on the next 5 stamps:

Pos #31 - middle bar thin Pos #41 - small “c”
Pos #65 - “s” inverted Pos #81 - bottom bar thin

Pos #8 - 5 bars Pos #9 - dropped “d”
Pos #19 - “a” short Pos #31 - “b” broken
Pos #37,47,57, & 87 - 6 bars (#87 also has 5 thin)
Pos #42 - raised “c” Pos #43 - “l” lowered a bit
Pos #45 - 5 incomplete Pos #50 - missing “5” on 5c on 1c & 5c on 2c
Pos #70 - color dot between “do” and “en” Pos #71 - “c” deformed
Pos #77 - top bar broken Pos #78 - “b” broken
Pos #86 - “H” broken
Unknown positions - “5” looks like “3”; dot of color above bars; top bar thin; “l” slightly out of line; “n” incomplete

This stamp is known in both perf 11½ and 11½ x 12. It was issued on July 7 or 8, 1908 in an unknown quantity. The sheet size is 100 (10x10).

In perf 11½ I record the following: “d” of Habilitado lowered; ovpt inverted; ovpt double; (Gibbons lists a “5” omitted).

In perf 11½ x 12 I record the same “d” lowered; ovpt inverted; & ovpt double. In addition, I have a cover with the “a” in centavos missing.

The Inverted ovpt was first noted in Sept 1908.

This value exists in both perf 11½ and 11½ x 12. It was issued on October 2, 1908 in an unknown quantity. The sheet size was 100.

In perf 11½ I record the following varieties: “d” of Habilitado lowered; “5” omitted; ovpt diagonal; ovpt inverted; ovpt double.

In perf 11½ x 12: “d” lowered; “5” omitted; ovpt inverted; ovpt double; ovpt double, one normal, one diagonal (reported Feb 1909); ovpt double, one diagonal, the other inverted. The inverted overprints were found and reported in 1908. Gibbons lists a double ovpt, one inverted but I know nothing about this. In the February 1909 issue of the Illustriertes Briefmarken Journal there is a note of a pair, one stamp with and one without an overprint. I can verify that this exists.

Issued on June 2, 1908 in an unknown quantity. It is known to exist in perf 11½ x 12 and may exist in perf 11½, but so far has not been reported.

I record the following varieties: “d” of Habilitado lowered; ovpt inverted; Ovpt inverted with “d” lowered; ovpt double one diagonal. The inverted ovpt was would and reported in 1908. Gibbons mentions a “5” omitted variety of which I know nothing.

Also issued on June 2, 1908 in an unknown quantity, this stamps exists only in perf 11½.

I record only the following varieties: “d” of Habilitado lowered; ovpt diagonal; ovpt inverted.

Another value issued on June 2, 1908 in an unknown quantity. This stamp exists both perf 11½ and 11½ x 12. The sheet size was 100.

For perf 11½ I record the following: “d” of Habilitado lowered; ovpt doubled (reported in Feb 1909); and ovpt double, one inverted.

For perf 11½ x 12, I record only the “d” of Habilitado variety.

The varieties shown for the regular stamps (right before the 5c on 1c) also are reported for the officials which follow.

This stamp, which was issued on May 12, 1908 in a quantity of 50,000 has only been reported in the perf 11½ x 12 variety, but may exist in perf 11½ as well.

The only variety is a double ovpt.

Issued on May 14 or 28, 1908 in a quantity of 50,000 this stamps exists in both perf 11½ and 11½ x 12.

In perf 11½ I show the following varieties: “5” missing; ovpt double.

In perf 11½ x 12, I record the same two varieties.

The double ovpt variety was first mentioned in the philatelic press in Oct. 1908.

This value, which was issued on May 22 or 31, 1908, must have been issued in a small, albeit unknown, quantity as it was reported to have been completely sold out within 2 hours of being offered!

The only perf known is 11½ and I record the following varieties: ovpt double, one diagonal; pair, one with normal ovpt, one with double ovpt, one diagonal. Gibbons notes a double ovpt also.

50,000 of this stamp were issued. It first appeared on May 31, or June 8, 1908 and exists both perf 11½ and 11½ x 12. The sheet size was 100.

In perf 11½ I record only the “5” omitted variety.

In perf 11½ x 12, I record the “5” omitted and “s” of centavos inverted varieties.

This stamp was issued on May 22, 1908 in an unknown quantity. It exists both perf 11½ (no varieties known) and 11½ x 12 of which only one variety - ovpt double, one diagonal - is known.

This stamp exists in perf 11½ x 12 and may exist perf 11½ but has not been confirmed in this latter perforation. It was issued on May 29, 1908 and I record the following varieties: “5” omitted; overprint inverted.

Issued on May 29, or on June 13, 1908 in an unknown quantity, this stamp exists in both perf 11½ and 11½ x 12 although no varieties are known in the latter perforation. In perf 11½ the only variety is a double overprint.

This value, which was issued on June 5, or 11, 1908 exists only in perf 11½ but on two shades of the basic stamp, ultramarine and dark ultramarine.

I record two varieties of the ovpt - inverted and partly printed on back of selvedge due to fold over. Gibbons notes a “5” omitted which I have not seen.

The next three stamps show the following constant varieties:

Small “c” in centavos - Position #41
Raised “c” in centavos - Position #42
‘l” of Habilitado dropped only a bit - Position #43
c entavos - Position #9
“5” missing top flag - Pos. #27, 37, 59
All three bars broken (looks like 6 bars) - Positions #37, 47, 57, 87
Top two bars broken - Position #8
Top bar broken - Position #77

The “Missing 5” variety does not exist although stamps can be found with only a part of the numeral printed.

Issued in October 1908 in a quantity of 9900. The perforation is 11½ and the sheet size is 100 (10x10).

The following varieties are known: I BILITADO (pos. #10); “l” of Habilitado dropped (pos. #29);.

Also issued in October 1908 in a quantity of 49,800, perf 11½. A sheet of 100 is known to exist. The following varieties are known: I BILITADO & no EN (pos.#10); “l” of Habilitado dropped (pos. #29); Ovpt Inverted; ovpt inverted, I BILITADO; ovpt inverted, “l” dropped. This inverted ovpt was reported in 1908/09 in the philatelic press.

Sr. Godoi de Vargas reports the following varieties:

Pos #8 - 5 bars Pos #41 - small “c”
Pos #42 - “c” raised Pos #43 - “l” lowered a bit
Pos #37, 47, 57, & 87 - six bars Pos #77 - top bar broken

Known in perf 11½ and 11½ x 12, this stamp was issued in June 1908 or on September 9, 1908 in a quantity of 50,000.

In perf 11½ the following varieties are known: “0” of 20 dropped (pos. #10); ovpt inverted; ovpt double.

No varieties have been reported for the perf 11½ x 12, nor is it known mint.

This stamp in perf 11½ was issued in June of 1908 in a quantity of either 2500 or 5000 depending on the publication listing the new issue.

The only variety known is an inverted overprint.

On this and the next four stamps, Sr. Godoi de Vargas shows the following varieties:

Pos #27 - “l” slightly lowered Pos #29 - dropped “l”
Pos #41 - small “c”
Unknown positions - 2nd & 3rd bars thin; top bar thin

Three line overprint on the regular issue of 1905-08

8,000 of this value were issued sometime in 1908. The stamp is known perf 11½ as well as perf 11½ x 12. The variety, ovpt inverted, is known on both perforation. In an auction there was a listing for an inverted ovpt with a thick “20” and “Habili ado.” Also I have recorded a “0” broken at top variety.

Sometime in 1908, 2000 of this stamp were issued, at least in perf 11½ x 12 and perhaps also in perf 11½ although this later has not been confirmed as yet. I do not record any varieties of this stamp.

2000 copies of this value were issued sometime in 1908 in perf 11½ as well as 11½ x 12. The only variety is an inverted ovpt. I have in my collection an inverted 20c on a normal 5c on 2c.

At an unknown date, either 1000 or 1500 of this value were issued. The perf 11½ x 12 is known to exist and the perf 11½ may exist, but has not been confirmed as yet. The only variety, first reported in the philatelic press in October 1908 is an inverted ovpt.

In 1908, date unknown but probably in June, 2000 or 2800 of this value were issued. The perf is 11½ and a block of 4 is the largest multiple I have recorded.

The following varieties are known: “l” of Habilitado dropped (pos. #27); inverted ovpt; double ovpt; small “c” in centavos (pos. 41).

Issued in July 1908 in a quantity of 4900, perf 11½. A sheet of 50 is known to exist.

The following varieties are known: “l” of Habilitado dropped (pos #27); “l” slightly lowered (pos #29); small “c” in centavos (pos #41); ovpt diagonal; pair, with and without ovpt (two blocks of 4 & block of 6 known); ovpt double.

The variety inverted “l” in Habilitado may well be a counterfeit.

Reported to have been issued in July 1908. 1000 were prepared but it has been reported that only 292 were sold. The sheet size was 50, the perf 11½. A block of 6 and two blocks of 4 are known. No varieties have been reported.

2300 were issued in July 1908. The perf is 11½ and the sheet size is 50. A block of 4 is the largest multiple I have recorded.

I also record the following varieties: “l” of Habilitado dropped (pos. #27); “l” slightly dropped (pos. #29); small “c” in centavos (pos #41); ovpt diagonal; and pair, with and without ovpt.

The issue date for this value is unknown but probably was in June 1908 . The quantity issued was either 2800 or 5000 depending on the source reporting the issue. I show three blocks of 4 existing, one of which has the variety inverted ovpt. In an auction catalog, there is a mention of a thick “20” and HABILI ADO variety, but I know nothing about this.

All stamps of this issue with Ovpt “A” are known with the first “A” of Habilitado incomplete (position #2, 4, 15 & 25). “l” broken at base - position #6; “d” broken at base by tail - Position #8; and “b” broken - Position #18.

Habilitado UN CENTAVO 1908

(and bar)

“A” “B” “C”

Issued in February 1908 in a quantity of either 2700 or 40,000. It is known in perf 11½ and perf 12. The sheet size is 25.

In perf 11½ I record a double; double, one inverted; and a vertical ovpt.

In perf 12, I record only the double, one inverted variety.

The double ovpt was reported for the first time in February 1909.

Gibbons lists a triple opvt, two inverted.

This value, issued in July 1908, is known only in perf 12. Either 5000 or 7500 were issued and the only variety I have recorded is the one listed in Gibbons as “bar omitted.”

Issued in October 1908 in perf 11½ as well as perf 12. The total issue for all varieties is 41,000. The sheet is of 25 subjects, position #19 being the “CETTAVO” variety.

In perf 11½ as well as 12 Cettavo is the only variety.

Issued in October 1908 in perf 11½ and perf 12. The total issue for all varieties is 45,000. The sheet is of 25.

The variety “Cettavo” variety is known only in the perf 11½.

Issued in May 1909 in perf 11½ and perf 12. No varieties have been reported. A sheet of 25 is known to exist. This is a very scarce stamp.

Issued in 1908 in perf 11½ and perf 12. No varieties have been reported. This is a very rare stamp.

Issued in May 1909, quantity unknown. The sheet size is 25.

In perf 11½ the following varieties are known: “Cettavo”; value ovpt double, one inverted and diagonal; same with “Cettavo”; value ovpt triple, two inverted and diagonal; date double, one diagonal; same with “cettavo”; pair, one normal, one with date double, one diagonal.

In perf 12, the following are known: “Cettavo”; date inverted; date double, one diagonal; pair, one normal, one double with one diagonal.

The following varieties are known in perf 11½: “Cettavo”; ovpt A double; ovpt A double, “Cettavo”; ovpt B double; ovpt B double with “Cettavo” double; ovpt C double, one inverted; pair with and without ovpt C.

In perf 12 I record the following: “Cettavo”; Ovpt A double; Ovpt A double with “Cettavo”; value ovpt double; value ovpt double with “Cettavo” double; date ovpt inverted; date ovpt inverted with “Cettavo”; date ovpt double; date ovpt double with “Centtavo”; date ovpt double, one inverted.

I also record a perf 12 with ovpt B missing.

In perf 11½ ,I record the following varieties: “Cettavo”; ovpt B double; ovpt B double with Cettavo; ovpt B triple, two diagonal and inverted; ovpt C double, one diagonal; ovpt C double, one diagonal with Cettavo; pair, one normal the other with ovpt C double, one diagonal.

In perf 12, I record: “Cettavo”; ovpt C inverted; ovpt C double, one diagonal, ovpt C double; ovpt C double with “Cettavo”; ovpt C double, one inverted.

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