I have a set of the 1921 series that I was told was the London printing when I purchased it. I don't have the other series at all, as far as I know. I finally got around to checking what I have and find the description in Scott's to be confusing. When I look at my stamps I see characteristics from both series. Does any one out there have a sure fire way to tell the difference? I really would like to have both sets to finish my collection, but I need the help of an expert from SoR in able to do that. It almost seems that you need to have both series in order to tell them apart!!!

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re: Nyassa - London or Lisbon printings

Recommend you google “How are you identifying the Nyassa 1921 Lisbon vs London surcharges?” for a lively discussion of this subject which appeared on Stamp Community Forum.

Am not a Portuguese colonies expert. However, in my opinion, the notes in Scott (to which you referred) shed little light on the matter. By contrast, the Mundifil catalogue (Sellos Postals Colonias Portuguesa) is the go-to resource as it includes side-by-side illustrations of the various surcharge overprints. The Seventh Edition (2015) is good. The Eighth Edition (2019) better as the illustrations are enlarged.

IIRC the Mundifil catalogue is available from the APRL. Same re photocopies of the relevant pages.

In my non-expert opinion distinguishing btwn the London and Lisbon overprints is further complicated by worn dies, over inking, etc. Plus the presence of reprints for the “philatelic trade”.

In closing, the 1921 series is a great example of beautiful philatelic engraving. As well as providing insight into how collectors’ tastes have evolved across the past century as the philatelic output of Nyassa exceeded its postage needs/demand. (Did collectors of the period view these stamps as “philatelic wallpaper”?)

 
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re: Nyassa - London or Lisbon printings

I've been thinking about this for a day or so. I collect Nyassa because I'm really impressed with their engraving and the subject matter. Why do I really need both printings - the quality of the stamp and the subject matter is the same? If I ever run into the "other printing" at a low price I might pick it up and then see exactly what I have, if possible. Otherwise, I doubt if I will bother. Scott's International World Album only has room for one set anyway! The fact that something exists doesn't mean you must own it!!!

Edit: I now have Nyassa complete except for the other printing of the discussed stamps. And since I only collected the country because I liked their stamps I doubt if I'll bother. What's in the album is complete so that's enough! Of course, like all of us, I might change my mind if I can get the other printing at a cheap price, assuming I can figure out what I already have!

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