Early Ottoman Stamp Issues ...
Duloz Stamps 1865-1882
By Iqbal Nanjee
Duloz Stamps of Ottoman Empire have been printed between 1865
and 1882. The patterns of the stamps were prepared by a crafter
called “Mr. Duloz”, hence these stamps were called after the
crafter’s name “Duloz”. These stamps are known as the Star and
Crescent Design and were issued after the Tughra issue of 1863.
These coloured stamps were overprinted with the word “Posta-iDevlet-i Osmaniye“, means “Postes of Ottoman State”.
Seven different facial values were used for the stamps in this
period. The design of the 10pa, 20pa, 50pa, 1pi, and 2pi are similar
except the numerals (i). Similarly, the designs of the 5pi and 25pi
are alike and had different frame (ii) as compared to the other
values. The shade of 25pi is much rarer then the other values.
(i)
(ii)
The printing of Postage due, 1868-72, were different as compared to ordinary stamps. These stamps had
fixed shades of brown with brick-red & brown or black-brown borders, shades of which were used on
overprints.
From 1865 to 1867, the printing of the Duloz were done at the Poitevin Printing House, Paris. Later from
1868, these dies were used for printing in the Ministry of Finance Printing House, Istanbul. The exception
is made for the dies of 50paras produced in Istanbul. In late 1874 another printing house, H.Mehendizian,
was used since the previous press was too busy to handle the printing, till 1875. The final printings of
Duloz were done between 1876 to 1882, at Dette Publique printing.
The Duloz stamps were issued from 1865 to 1876, although two values were overprinted for use in
1881–1882, and continued to be used for some time as the subsequent Empire issue was not valid for
domestic postage until 1888.
These stamps were printed in a sheet of 150 or 50 stamps. These are the first stamps which were printed
in sheets of 150 but issued in sheets of 50 without margins.
1
2
Types of Overprint:.
Even though there are six types of overprint on Duloz Stamps but some
design characteristics are similar:
1. Value of each stamp is located on four corners,
2. Crescent and Star with rays in the middle of the stamp
3. Elliptical border and type descriptions.
4. The lower group of characters expresses the value in words.
3
4
1865. Type I
The Type I on Duloz stamps was issued on January 13, 1865. This “Star &
Crescent” postage stamp, was designed and Typographed in Paris and were
without margins. They have been printed on white paper by the Poitevin printing
house in sheet of 150 stamps but issued in sheets of 50 stamps, P12 ½ .
Error and Varieties
Two different types of 10pa are known. The denomination in Type I was without
dot or zero after “1” which was an error. This error occurs on row 14, stamp3
of one printing plate of 150 cliches (there were at least two plates). The error
was subsequently corrected by adding a dot after the “1”, Type II.
The correction can be distinguished from the normal 10pa by the position of
the numerals “1” which are nearer to the center of the value circles (ii) and by
the fact that the dots are higher (i).
Star With & Without Rays
As per recordings, Star with and without rays are recorded in 20p (yellow) and 1pi (lilac). However, As
per our findings, we observed that not only other values also bear the same error but there are three varieties
known in the middle section design, star with rays and crescent, which can be categoriesed as;
(a). Star with ray
(b). Short rays
(c). Star without rays.
We also observed that the star without rays variety is also known in 20p (orange) and 1pi (mauve) listed
shades. The star with short rays is also known in 5pi.
Printing
Two type of overprinting are observed, Thin and Thick.These printing also shows letters varieties like
broken, double stroke and short bars. These varieties were not listed previously.. The overprint was done
in black colour. Like the shades, in some cases, printing of black overprint is also known in two shades,
Black and Grey. Most probably caused by the dry ink of the overprint, these are considered as Rare variety.
The designs and overprints are known to be shifted at various directions. Due to quality issues in printing
process there were various color shades, double prints, stains, offset prints and other variations. Grainy
printings are very much visible in the 2pi and 5pi printing. Perforation shiftings are also recorded in these
issues of 1865.
Unusual Size
Normally the size of the fine perforated stamp is 21mm but in one example found having size 21.5mm.
Unrecorded Albino Print
Recentely an Albino print was discovered o 5pi (gum side). This
exceptional example is the only known print so far with melted
ink effect at bottom-right.
Creased Variety
5pi, only known print so far creased at top-right.
Albino print
Creased Stamp
1867. Type II
The Type II on Duloz stamps, typographed, was issued in middle of 1867. They
have been printed on white paper by the Poitevin printing house in sheet of 150
stamps but similarly issued in sheets of 50 stamps, having perforation 12 ½, without
margins .
Like the previous printing, these two values also had few shades, which were not
listed, only the above mentioned shades are listed. Designs are same but the topline
and colours are different from the previous issues.
Since there are only two piastres values were in use, the shades are very few. The 2pi pale blue and 5pi
greyish-red is one of the rarest shades of all.
Printing
Minor shifting is seen of the overprint and like the previous issue these also have the grainy printing and
greyish black overprint colour. The 2pi also shows mottled impression, which is quite uncommon. Broken
and short letters are noticed in these printing.
1868. Type III
T3
The issues from October 16, 1868 to 1876 were printed in Constantinople, from
the original Poitevin plates, or transfers thereof, but the overprints were new. The
design was typographed and the overprint was lithographed.
During the same period a special overprint was employed for each of the five
values, and these were never altered. Although they differed from one another
and from (Type I) in the three words at the top and sides, the words at the top
have such a strong resemblance that the illustration in overprint (TI) and T3 is
similar for all values. The six sub-types are discussed below:Type A:
This overprint group differs from all the others in each of the four groups. In the
top group of “Type 1”, the stroke on the left of “O” is long and thin. Whereas,
in the other groups, it is shorter and thicker. In the left hand of group of Type-1,
the claw like character has the top branch rounded and the other shape is flat.
Type A
Type B
Type C
Type D
Type E
Type B: This overprint group differs from Type 3 and Type 4 only in the group at foot.
Type C: This group is not so strongly curved, the two semi circular curves are nearly on the same level,
and the straight stroke on right is nearly upright.
Type D: This group is quite straight, the semicircular curves are on the same level, all the characters and
the group measures fully 1mm, less than in Type II and Type III. All known copies of stamps with overprint
Type I and Type II have a thick line in margin at the top or the foot of the stamp. The overprint Type I and
Type II are on different stones, whereas Type III and IV are retouches in the Type II.
Type E: The study of only four types are known whereas as per our findings, each value has different type
and can easily be identified by the bar over “O”and extended or short length of the “O”.
Type F: This type has a very close resemblance to Type E but the claw like character is like a comma.
This type is also not recorded.
Bisected 5piasters:
In some region of
Ottoman Empire,
bisected examples were
made for the usage as the
half rate instead of
applying too many
stamps. Another reason
was because of the
shortage of supply of the
postage stamps therefore
this exercise was done to
make it useable. This
also should be listed in
the catalogue.
1868-73. Type III
5pi grey is only colour which was produced in the very begriming of 1869 and was Typographed and
overprinted at Istanbul (Constantinople). The overprint Type 5a actually looks as retouching in the Type
5 as the curves are rounded. This value & shade is recorded by type of the overprint.
From 1869 to 1873, three types of perforation method were applied on both postage and postage due
stamps:-
1.
Harrow perforation 13¼.
2.
Sewing perforation 5 – 11½.
3.
Single line perforation 12 – 12½. Or 13.
The harrow perforation 13 ¼ was used between 1868-1869 only. However, the
other two types were used for perforation, introduced in 1869-1873. These irregular
perforation ranges from 5 to 11½.
The types discussed previously, are applied on these values too and. All values
are found with a grill consisting of two narrow bands of indentations, which
intersect. They were caused by the grips of the sewing machines used for the
irregular perforation and this method often damages the stamps when separated
because pin hole are at wider distance.
In the top-line, Type 2, Type 3 and Type 4 are most commonly used with this perforation, except from the
5pi as this bears the Type 5. The new shades with new denominations were issued in 1871.
Various shades are discussed below with the types of top-line used. Same colour of the 1pi used with
pervious perforation of Gold or yellow-orange is also seen in this perforation.
In May, new denomination 2pi was introduced with the brick red shade. Two more shades of 10para were
also introduced but they were not used to a large extent, thus are extremely rare in mint and used condition.
In 1871, like the previous 1869 series, these were also irregular perforated ranging 5-11½. Brick-red &
Vermillion are only two listed shades in the catalogues.
In 1873 August, another shade was introduced with 10para with Type I overprint. These yellow-beige or
bistre shades is very uncommon in postaly used and are extremely rare in mint condition. Besides the
perforation in 10pa, 20pa and 1pi few two sided or one sided imperforated examples are seen in the irregular
perforation series. No copies of 5pi are recorded as imperforated. We have taken 6-11 or above perforated
examples in this category as perf.5 have been discussed separately.
Irregular perforation series continued till December
1872 and the regular perforation method was
adopted in mid of April 1873. Only two values
were printed with the perforation gauge ranging
12-12½ of 10pa and 2pi.These were used on
different shades and type of overprint. Only one
2pi value was adopted with previous brick-red
shades.
We noticed that the top-line printed on 10pi was
of Type IV which is unlisted. Only Type III is
listed on this shade of 10pa.
However, 2pi usually known with Type I & II but occurrence with other top-line type is possible.
Missing Overprint, Fuzzy / Blurred Overprint
We also noticed that only 2pi was the value that have the fuzzy printings and it may be possible that the
local ink was used for the printing of overprint which caused the blurred and fuzzy examples. In the original
ink, when dried, it shows gryeish impression whereas the local ink shows blurred or in rare cases at almost
vanished. Such examples are rarely seen on cover. In 1877, a postal stationery of 6pi Duloz franked with
4pi and 20paza, all tied by the Erurum triple frame marking. The 2pi overprint is missing due to drying
of local ink. Exceptional, newly discovered... Unique example!!
1875. Type IV
In the mid January 1875, a new overprint was designed similar to the previous
type and inscription. In the first printing of this Type D, 10para was issued with
two shades. Although all issued were printed on white paper but till 1873 they
were printed by the Ministry of Finance Istanbul. On 1874 to 1875 the printing
was done by H.Mehendizian printing house in Istanbu.. Similarly, the design was
typographed and the overprint in black was lithographed. First 10para imperforated
stamp was issued and then later single line perforation 12-12 ½ and 13 ¼ for 10para
stamps and 13 ¼ for other values.
In 1875, 1pi, yellow, weaker prints are noticed in this type which caused broken or distorted letters from
various us positions.
The 20pa was introduced with the shade of green and pale green in February 1875. We noticed that there
are also two types like the previous January, top-line has long and short bar of “ O”.Only two shades are
recorded whereas we noticed that this series has more than four shades which are discussed below. These
shades are known on the thin and thick paper types. Lighter shades are mostly known on thin paper whereas
other tones are on thick paper.
In Type I thicker impression on the light shades are very uncommon. The greyish overprint shades are
seen due to weak printing.
In Type II, The short bar of “ O” indicates type II and are uncommon. Another type IIa is also noticed
having bar shorter than type II. These shades are also unlisted and the bluish green is printed on white thin
paper whereas the other is on thin greenish-yellow paper.
1pi, orange- yellow, shade was introduced later with the 1pi value bearing a sub-type-(i) of Type D. This
overprint die bears the large “ ” of “OSMANIE” and the top-line as same as the previous. There are three
types known of “Type D-i”. Apart from the large “ ” of “OSMANIE” the position of “s” dots would
help to differentiate these dies. In type-1, the dots at left bottom end touches the end of “s” loop.
The type II die is further divided into sub-type “A” and sub-type “B”. In type A, the bar of “ O” is little
shorter than Type II whereas the other type B also includes thicker “ ” of “OSMANIE”, having the equal
length of the same character, at left in the overprint, these are very few in existence.
.
Cover posted from Edrine to Stamboul tied by the 1½pi basic rate. Delivered by the City post Galata
(Extremely Rare) after affixing additional 1pi (Sheir) and sent to Stamboul on July 17, 1877 and received
at Stamboul on July 23, 1877. All postmarks are shown on the same side. The 1pi (orange) shade is
Unlisted. Provenance: PASSER
1876. Type V
In January 1876 the Duloz stamps were overprinted with the values in western
numerals (in piastres, not para) and French abbreviations as "a provisional series
for franking letters to countries belonging to the Universal Postal Union". Turkey
hoped that joining the UPU would eliminate the foreign post offices operating in
the country, but that did not occur as the foreign post offices continued to be
competitive. These were designed, overprinted and surcharged typographed at Dette
Publique Ottomane, Stamboul.
We noticed that the ½ pre on 20pa (green) surcharge have two more sub types. The “Type A” has the bar
of “1“ longer at top and left bottom and the printing is also weak. However, the “2” is narrower than
normal. The “Type B” has slightly tilted “1” to right and thicker, whereas the “2”loop making “o” shape.
1876-77. Type VI
This designed, overprint and surcharged typographed at Dette Publique Ottomane,
Stamboul. Two range of shades are known but only one is recorded, i.e,. orangeyellow. This overprint top-line was similar to the T5.
Although no major errors are recorded so far but we noticed following sizes in these
issues;
1) 2.05-2.1x2.4x2.45
2) 2.05x2.55 which are unrecorded and the examples show the same.
3) Another Unrecorded Size of 1pi is very unusual in width, 21.75mm.
A 10pa was put into use in 1876 April with the lilac-rose colour. This designed, overprint and surcharged
typographed at Dette Publique Ottomane, Stamboul. Apart from rose-lilac, few more shades are also
noticed. We noticed that there are three types of the top-line which were not recorded previously. These
can easily be identified by the bar below “O”.
Sub Types:
Type A is thin and has fine impression of overprint with a normal position of bar as shown above.
Type B has the lower bar end thick and slightly broken into “O”, &
Type C is thicker and the lower short bar has breaks into “O” as illustrated above.
1881-82. Type VI
The Duloz stamps were overprinted for use in
1881–1882, and continued to be used for some time
as the subsequent Empire issue was not valid for domestic
postage until 1888. This design, overprint and surcharg
typographed at Dette Publique Ottomane, Stamboul.
In mid 1882, another low values was printed in a pale
shade of beige.
This was the last type used of Duloz design, overprint and surcharged typographed at Dette Publique
Ottomane, Stamboul.