Breast-feeding woman - the Mother represents the Gabon Republic. This stamp is not listed in Yvert et Tellier. Instead there is a 40F version that is Lavender in color WITH the Courvoisier logo on it... Read more »
According to the WNS system this 2002 series of the definitives was printed by Walsall Security Printers Ltd. which conflicts with the inscribed logo on many of the series. The reason why is because in 2001 Courvoisier closed and the assets from the printer were obtained by Walsall. Apparently Walsall reproduced the stamps for Gabon in 2002 according to the WNS system and Yvert et Tellier. The Sn catalog nor Michel list any of them in a 2002 listing.
The determination that the reproductions are Offset Lithography is due to Walsall being a Litho printer versus Courvoisier who was strictly a photogravure printer. Determining the difference can only be done with high magnification and cannot in most cases be determined by images unless they are 1200dpi or better.
Because this series has not been properly researched by the catalogs nor apparently anyone else, it is probable that these newer reproductions are mixed in with older versions that look in some cases almost identical in collections and in dealer stocks worldwide. Some sellers selling the newer versions may also be in error and actually be mixing older versions in the sets of claimed 2002 series. More research is needed. Print: Walsall Security Printers Ltd.
Gabon
