This page is a census of known examples of the 1897 2d blue issue overprinted with the word 'SPECIMEN.' These handstamps are believed to have been for record or presentation purposes only and were not sold to collectors. They were not handstamped in this manner for distribution to the Universal Postal Union; mint stamps being used instead for this purpose.
Two different types were used for this issue:
- A Scudder Specimen Type 9 overprint (Kenneth Scudder, Queensland Postage Stamps 1879 to 1912, p. 364). It was typeset with sans-serif capitals, 15.5 mm long and 1.75 mm high plus a stop at the end. It was applied in red ink on mint gummed issues, wmk 2nd type "Crown Q", perforation 12.5, 13 in around 1901. At least one sheet was overprinted.
- One example is known of a Scudder Specimen Type 8 overprint (Kenneth Scudder, Queensland Postage Stamps 1879 to 1912, p. 364). It was typeset with sans-serif capitals, 12.5 mm long and 1.5 mm high plus a stop at the end. It was applied in black ink on mint gummed issues, wmk 2nd type "Crown Q", perforation 12.5, 13 in around 1901 - This 2d blue example is the only 3rd Sideface known with this particular specimen handstamp
Examples are also known stamped SPECIMEN after receipt by various UPI countries and colonies, and Bechuanaland, Natal and Tunisia are shown below.
The Scudder Type 9 Specimen overprint
CENSUS
Scudder Type 9 (red Ink)
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Scudder Type 8 (black Ink)
BECHUANALAND SPECIMEN
Natal Specimen
Tunisia
