EWorldStamps

In 1927 and continuing through 1940, Denmark issued a set of stamps featuring a ship called a “Caravel” according to both Scott and Michel.  The Facit catalog just refers to it as “Skepp” (or “Ship”).

Here is the thing though…I don’t think this ship is a Caravel.  The Caravel was a Portuguese ship, however, this is some “type” of Caravel.  Maybe someone who knows more about Denmark naval history could provide some answers.

We can group these stamps into 3 basic groups:

• Group 1 – 1927 – Perf 14×14.5, solid background printed Typo
• Group 2 – 1933-1934 – Perf 13, quadrille background engraved – Design “Type I”
• Group 3 – 1933 – 1940 – Perf 13, quadrille background engraded – Design “Type II”

The 3 groups a very easy to distinguish.  The first type you really don’t even have to measure the perfs.  Just look at the background color and you will note that it is solid, where the later types are engraved.

Design Types

The 2 design types (Group 2 and 3) are distinguished by looking at the left side of the ship and checking how many vertical lines of dots are between it and the frame:

Type I stamps have 2 vertical lines of dots, and Type II stamps have a single vertical line of dots.

Additional Varieties

Facit details a number of additional varieties of these stamps in their catalog.  A few of them are pretty easy to spot and are fairly common.  Here are some closeups:

The premiums for these varieties are fairly minimal but they are a nice addition to your collection.

The Hook on Mast Variety exists on the 15o Red and 15o Green Type II Stamps.

The small jewels in crown variety exists on the 15o Red Type II