PROVISIONAL
AIRMAILS OF 1923
The surcharged 1923 Airmail Provisionals were issued to cover the
new tariffs of supplemental air postage necessary for mail carried
by the air linesTallinn - Helsinki and Tallinn - Riga (connected with
Königsberg), which were opened October 1, 1923. For the overprinting
the remainders of the Air Stamp No 1 were used.
The typographed overprints were provided by the GPW. In the case of
5 and 15 Mk. values the surcharge was printed over single stamps.
For the 15 Mk. a plate of 50 OPT's was used, i.e. one pane of 100
was overprinted twice, thus causing the different colors of OPT and
the pairs of dull and shiny OPT's. Although actual proof is not present,
we can assume that also the overprinting of 5 Mk. was performed in
the same manner.
The OPT's of 10, 20 and 45 Mk. values were printed over pairs of the
basic stamp. The same plate was used for all denominations, only the
value being changed. The printing sheet of 200 was folded in the middle
and thus overprinted twice, not always consecutively.
The plate was assembled from single pieces of type. The issue had
two printings - October 1, 1923 and October 31, 1923. The second printing
of the 45 Mk. was made November 9, 1923.
The
following number of stamps was overprinted:
| |
|
1st
Printing |
2nd
Printing |
| 5
Mk. |
|
39.800 |
6.000 |
| 10
Mk. |
|
30.000 |
10.300 |
| 15
Mk. |
|
39.800 |
5.600 |
| 20
Mk. |
carmine |
19.900 |
|
| |
vermilion |
|
10.300 |
| 45
Mk. |
I |
9.900 |
|
| |
II |
|
3.234 |
The different printings can be distinguished only with the 20 and
45 Mk. stamps. In case of the 20 Mk. the OPT of the second printing
is vermilion instead of the original carmine. For the 45 Mk. the plate
was re-assembled and the distance between 5 and M increased to more
than 2 mm. The 10 Mk. value was overprinted first, only this denomination
can be found without the OPT flows.
Air plate flaws of the basic stamp can be found, with the exception
of the "white spot under P" in the second printing of the
45 Mk. The colors of the OPT are mostly shiny.
Gum is mostly irregular and shiny, but a few sheets
of the 10 Mk. had dull smooth gum. The second issue of the 45 Mk.
value was overprinted on recalled unsold sheets of the 1920 issue
and thus has the even gum. Only very seldom the irregular gum can
be found.
Perforation: Imperforate.
A private perforation was ordered by Aeronaut and performed by"Päevaleht"
inTallinn. 300 of the 1O Mk. and 2.000 of the 20 Mk. were perforated.
They were mostly meant for Aeronaut's own use, but were also sold
to the public. An official permission was neither asked nor granted.
The Aeronaut perforation can be distinguished by its irregularity
of the holes, spacing and alignment. Further private perforations
by Teetsov, Kreopas and others are known. Authentication is a mandatory.
Postmaster perforations are known from Paldiski.
Valid until April 15, 1928.
Forgeries: Many different forgeries - both complete
stamps and OPT's are known. Authentication is necessary.
Literature:
Isac Weiner: Die 6 Zustände der fertiggedruckten Bögen der
Luftpostmarke Nr. 1 von Eesti, Estonia No 25, 1939 and Eesti Filatelist
No 29, 1983 (in German).
Die 10, 20 und 45 Mark-Marken der Luftpost-Aufdruckausgabe von Eesti,
Estonia No 26, 1939 (in German).
P. G. Gleason: Aeronaut (Päevaleht)
& Teetsov perforations, Eesti Filatelist No 15, 1974 (in English).
Estonian Airmail Forgeries, Eesti Filatelist No 18/19, 1976 (in English).
Teetsov & Jüri Ots covers, Eesti Filatelist No 26, 1980 (in
English).
"Päevaleht" News, Eesti
Filatelist No 29, 1983 (in English) .
Erik Sjögren: Distinguishing Features
of Jaan Lubi Forgeries of Estonian Stamps. II, Eesti Filatelist
No 29, 1983 (in English).
| 70 |
Ei
- 76
Mi - 41
Zu - 44
SG - 44
YT - 2
Sc - C2 |
 |
Day
of Issue:
1923-10-01 |
| Perforation:
Imperforate |
| Issued:
45.800 |
SI
MU |
Air-DPC,
not recorded
3 x Air-IPC
4 x Air-IL 1923-10-01 - 1928-04-15
Flown covers with correct postage scarce |
 |
 |
 |
| 5
Mk. carmine OPT |
6:- |
8:- |
|
|
SI
MU
MI
Air mail stamps always together with regular stamps |
|
|
-
100:-
75:- |
| |
Block
of four |
5x |
6x |
|
| |
Gutter
pair |
18:- |
24:- |
|
| 71 |
Ei
- 77
Mi - 43B
Zu - 45A
SG - 46
YT - 3
Sc - C4 |
 |
Day
of Issue:
1923-10-01 |
| Perforation:
Imperforate |
| Issued:
40.000 |
SI
MU |
Air-DL,
not recorded
2 x Air-IL 1923-10-01 - 1928-04-15
Flown covers with correct postage scarce |
|
|
|
| 10
Mk. black OPT |
8:- |
10:- |
|
|
SI
MU
MI
Air mail stamps always together with regular stamps |
|
|
-
75:-
75:- |
| |
Block
of four |
5x |
6x |
|
| |
Gutter
pair |
24:- |
30:- |
|
| D:1 |
Smooth
gum |
+6:- |
- |
|
| E:1 |
Damaged
M(a) Pos. 7/8 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| E:2 |
Damaged
M(a) Pos. 33/34 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| E:3 |
Damaged
(a)r Pos. 75/76 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| E:4 |
Damaged
1(9) Pos. 27/28 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| E:5 |
Damaged
9 Pos. 73/74 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| E:6 |
Damaged
92 Pos. 73/74 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| E:7 |
OPT
shifted to bottom |
+40:- |
+40:- |
|
| 75 |
Ei
- 78
Mi - 43A
Zu - 45B
SG - 46a
YT - 3a
Sc - C7 |
 |
Day
of Issue:
1923-10-08 |
| Perforation:
11 1/2 x 11 1/2 |
| Issued:
300 |
SI
MU |
Air-DL,
not recorded
2 x Air-IL 1923-10-08 - 1928-04-15
All covers rare |
|
|
|
| 10
Mk. black OPT, perforated |
200:- |
300:- |
|
|
SI
MU
MI
Air mail stamps always together with regular stamps |
|
|
-
--
600:- |
| |
Block
of four |
6x |
6x |
|
| A:1 |
Pair,
imperforate in between |
+300:- |
+300:- |
|
| E:1 |
Damaged
M(a) Pos. 7/8 |
+10:- |
+10:- |
|
| E:2 |
Damaged
M(a) Pos. 33/34 |
+10:- |
+10:- |
|
| E:3 |
Damaged
(a)r Pos. 75/76 |
+10:- |
+10:- |
|
| E:4 |
Damaged
1(9)Pos. 27/28 |
+10:- |
+10:- |
|
| E:5 |
Damaged
9 Pos. 73/74 |
+10:- |
+10:- |
|
| E:6 |
Damaged
92 Pos. 73/74 |
+10:- |
+10:- |
|
| E:7 |
OPT
strongly shifted to the left |
+15:- |
+15:- |
|
| 72 |
Ei
- 79
Mi - 42a
Zu - 46
SG - 45
YT - 4
Sc - C3 |
 |
Day
of Issue:
1923-10-01 |
| Perforation:
Imperforate |
| Issued:
45.400 |
| SI |
Air-IPC
1923-10-01 - 1928-04-15
Flown covers with correct postage scarce |
|
|
|
| 15
Mk. Glossy carmine OPT |
9:- |
12:- |
|
|
SI
MU
MI
Air mail stamps always together with regular stamps |
|
|
125:-
150:-
75:- |
| |
Block
of four |
5x |
6x |
|
| |
Pair
with gutter |
27:- |
36:- |
|
| B:1 |
Brick
red OPT |
+3:- |
+3:- |
|
| B:2 |
Dull
OPT |
+3:- |
+3:- |
|
| B:3 |
Pair,
glossy and dull OPT |
+18:- |
+24:- |
|
| E:1 |
Roman
1(9). Pos. 28, 41 and 70 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| E:4 |
Damaged
3. Pos. 7 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| 73 |
Ei
- 80
Mi - 44B
Zu - 47A
SG - 47A
YT - 5
Sc - C5 |
 |
Day
of Issue:
1923-10-01 |
| Perforation:
Imperforate |
| Issued:
17.900 |
| SI |
Air-IL
1923-10-01 - 1928-04-15
Flown covers with correct postage scarce |
|
|
|
| 20
Mk. carmine OPT.
Distance between (2)0 and M(a) 1 1/4 mm. |
16:- |
24:- |
|
|
SI
MU
MI
Air mail stamps always together with regular stamps |
|
|
100:-
--
80:- |
| |
Block
of four |
5x |
6x |
|
| |
Distance
between (2)0 and M(a) 1 3/4 mm |
19:- |
28:- |
|
| |
Gutter
pair |
48:- |
72:- |
|
| E:1 |
Damaged
M(a) Pos. 7/8 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| E:2 |
Damaged
M(a) Pos. 33/34 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| E:3 |
Damaged
(a)r Pos. 75/76 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| E:4 |
Damaged
1(9) Pos. 27/28 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| E:5 |
Damaged
9 Pos. 73/74 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| E:6 |
Damaged
92 Pos. 73/74 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| 81 |
Ei
- 82
Mi -
Zu -
SG - 47a
YT -
Sc - |
|
Day
of Issue:
1923-10-23 |
| Perforation:
Imperforate |
| Issued:
10.300 |
| SI |
Air-IL
1923-10-23 - 1928-04-15
Flown covers with correct postage rare |
|
|
|
| 20
Mk. brick red OPT.
Distance between (2)0 and M(a) 1 1/4 mm. |
18:- |
27:- |
|
|
SI
MU
MI
Air mail stamps always together with regular stamps |
|
|
150:-
--
90:- |
| |
Block
of four |
5x |
6x |
|
| |
Distance
between (2)0 and M(a) 1 3/4 mm |
22:- |
30:- |
|
| |
Gutter
pair |
50:- |
70:- |
|
| E:1 |
Damaged
M(a) Pos. 7/8 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| E:2 |
Damaged
M(a) Pos. 33/34 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| E:3 |
Damaged
(a)r Pos. 75/76 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| E:4 |
Damaged
1(9) Pos. 27/28 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| E:6 |
Damaged
92 Pos. 73/74 |
+5:- |
+5:- |
|
| 76 |
Ei
- 82
Mi - 44A
Zu - 47B
SG - 47B
YT - 5a
Sc - C8 |
 |
Day
of Issue:
1923-10-08 |
| Perforation:
11 1/2 x 11 1/2 |
| Issued:
2.000 |
| SI |
Air-IL
1923-10-08-1928-04-15
All covers rare |
|
|
|
| 20
Mk. carmine OPT, perforated |
125:- |
175:- |
|
|
SI
MU
MI
Air mail stamps always together with regular stamps |
|
|
400:-
--
400:- |
| |
Block
of four |
5x |
6x |
|
| |
Distance
between (2)0 and M(a) 1 3/4 mm |
150:- |
200:- |
|
| E:1 |
Damaged
M(a) Pos. 7/8 |
+10:- |
+10:- |
|
| E:2 |
Damaged
M(a) Pos. 33/34 |
+10:- |
+10:- |
|
| E:3 |
Damaged
(a)r Pos. 75/76 |
+10:- |
+10:- |
|
| E:4 |
Damaged
1(9) Pos. 27/28 |
+10:- |
+10:- |
|
| E:5 |
Damaged
9 Pos. 73/74 |
+10:- |
+10:- |
|
| 74 |
Ei
- 83
Mi - 45
Zu - 48
SG - 45
YT - 6
Sc - C6 |
 |
Day
of Issue:
1923-10-01 |
| Perforation:
Imperforate |
| Issued:
9.900 |
| SI |
Air-IPM
1923-10-01-1928-04-15
All covers rare |
|
|
|
| 45
Mk. carmine OPT.
Distance between 5 and M(a) 1 1/4 mm |
75:- |
110:- |
|
|
SI
MU
MI
Air mail stamps always together with regular stamps |
|
|
150:-
--
-- |
| |
Block
of four |
6x |
6x |
|
| |
Distance
between (2)0 and M(a) 1 3/4 mm |
83:- |
120:- |
|
| |
Gutter
pair |
200:- |
250:- |
|
| E:1 |
Damaged
M(a) Pos. 7/8 |
+9:- |
+9:- |
|
| E:2 |
Damaged
M(a) Pos. 33/34 |
+9:- |
+9:- |
|
| E:3 |
Damaged
(a)r Pos. 75/76 |
+9:- |
+9:- |
|
| E:4 |
Damaged
1(9) Pos. 27/28 |
+9:- |
+9:- |
|
| E:5 |
Damaged
9 Pos. 73/74 |
+9:- |
+9:- |
|
| 82 |
Ei
- 84
Mi -
Zu -
SG - 45a
YT -
Sc - |
 |
Day
of Issue:
1923-11-09 |
| Perforation:
Imperforate |
| Issued:
3.234 |
| SI |
Air-IPM
1923-11-09 - 1928-04-15
All covers rare |
|
|
|
| 45
Mk. carmine OPT.
Distance between 5 and M(a) more than 2 mm |
90:- |
140:- |
|
|
SI
MU
MI
Air mail stamps always together with regular stamps |
|
|
175:-
--
-- |
| |
Block
of four |
8x |
8x |
|
| D:1 |
Uneven
gum |
+35:- |
-- |
|
| E:1 |
Damaged
(a)r |
+12:- |
+12:- |
|
| E:2 |
Damaged
1 and 2 Pos. 81/82 |
+12:- |
+12:- |
|
| E:3 |
Reversed
OPT |
+10:- |
+10:- |
|
Please
note that all prices are estimates in USD, based on the average retail
market of 1985, when the original catalogue/handbook
was written. The prices are considerably higher today.
