The Malaya Study Group

The Malaya Study Group exists for collectors of the stamps, postal stationery and postal history of the states of Peninsular Malaysia which until 1963 formed the Federation of Malaya, including the Straits Settlements of Malacca, Penang and Singapore, the Federated Malay States, Negri Sembilan and Sungei Ujong, Pahang, Perak and Selangor and the Unfederated States, Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis and Trengganu. Many MSG members also collect & study all of modern Malaysia, Singapore, and the island of Borneo, comprising additionally  Sabah, Sarawak, Borneo, Labuan, and the states of Brunei & the peninsular state of Singapore. Study of the whole area so often adds to understanding and appreciation of the philately of Malaya. The Society has a JOURNAL, "The Malayan Philatelist" and a NEWSLETTER supplied free to members, EXCHANGE PACKETS, AUCTIONS and has produced a number of significant PUBLICATIONS on the stamps and postal history of the area.

Japanese Occupation 4c Red Tin Dredging Cards Project

 

At Worthing Len Stanway showed some Japanese occupation stamps and cards. Including his discovery that the 4c red card has two different formats – referred to as ‘Small’ and ‘Large’ dots.

Small or Large dots make the lines for the address. The difference is clear when seen together. Small dots are like a fine perforation, large dots are more like Perforation 12 on a stamp. On the Small dot printing the address lines are 35mm ( 1st to 4th line). Both large and small dots are known with both 35mm and 40mm spacing (1st to 4th line ) . The Small Dot 40mm being newly reported by Bill Pain.

The vast majority of cards are the ‘large’ dot variety. The questions are: What is the earliest usage date for the ‘Small’ dot cards ? and the earliest date for the ‘Large dot’ cards each size ?

The aim is to prepare something for publication, and contributions will be acknowledged.

A Forum has been set up for your questions and contributions.

 

Susan McEwen

 

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