mxvfCyAXQOPu5U2oLHbuj2w Siam 1906

This article was part of a stamp writing contest in Mekeel’s Stamp Weely in 1912 and looks at the stamps of Siam (Thailand) of 1906:

SIAMESE STAMP STUDY.

By Vinton E. McVicker

Prize Winning Entry in Siam Contest.

The stamp illustrated in the Stamp Study of January 7th is the one-att stamp of 1906 issue of Siam. This stamp is an excellent example of the engraver’s art, the most minute details being almost perfectly executed. It presents a very uncommon feature, the showing of a portrait and of a scenic design on the same stamp.

In the upper part of the center, which is all in green, and upheld by two Siamese children, is a medallion containing a profile of King Chulalongkorn I, whose death was recently announced in the newspapers. Below this is a small picture of the Great Pagoda of Watching, situated in Bangkok, the capital. Although this picture covers a space of less than one-fourth of a square inch, it is all very distinct when examined with a strong magnifying glass.

The border, printed in yellow-orange, is in the form of an arch, with a column at either side and a mass of foliage at the top. On a ribbon at the top is the name “Siam,” in native characters at the left and in English at the right. At the bottom, arranged in the same way are the two expressions of value. Each column bears near the top, a small circular design. These are among the minute details referred to before in speaking of the fine engraving. In the one at the left is a trident, and in that at the right are the three elephant heads found on the Siamese arms.

The eight other values in this 1906 set, all of which are on unwatermarked paper and are perforated 14, are of the same design as the one-att, and several others like it have been issued since.