Papers of the Central Trust, Chungking Sun Yat-sen issue (SYS6)

This article summarises the knowledge of the papers of SYS6 as presented by Chan and Ma in their respective catalogues.

Both Chan and Ma agree that there were 5 main types of paper used for this issue, although their types don't completely agree.

A. Moto / Suan / Native paper with lines

I refer to this as Type A

This paper is characterised by lines visible on the back, similar to 'laid' papers, but not as regular or pronounced as most laid paper types.

The front feels smooth whereas the lined back feels rough

The paper varied somewhat in colour, although it is always more or less buff or tan coloured, sometimes more grey than tan.

The lines varied in orientation and also in spacing. Sub-types were classified in the Chan catalogue by the lines being vertical, horizontal, steep oblique (more than 45 angle), or horizontal oblique (less than 45 angle). Oblique lines with wider spacing, Chan called 'diagonal lines'.

The thickness of the paper also varied. Ma stated 0.003 to 0.004 inch. Very thin or thick paper varieties are listed by Chan, without any indication of how thick or thin they are.

B. Moto / Suan / Native paper with 'clouds'

I refer to this as Type B

The front feels smooth whereas the back feels rough, but without the lines of type A.

The paper varied somewhat in colour, although it is always more or less buff or tan coloured, sometimes more grey than tan.

Held to the light, the paper appears unevenly translucent, or 'cloudy'.

Ma did not recognise the existence of 'cloudy' native paper, but still has 5 types because he separated type C into 'thin' and 'thick' paper types.

C. Moto / Suan / Native paper unlined and without mottled 'clouds'

I refer to this as Type C

The front feels smooth whereas the back feels rough, but without the lines of type A.

The paper varied somewhat in colour, although it is always more or less buff or tan coloured, sometimes more grey than tan.

Held to the light, the paper appears evenly translucent.

Ma separates the unlined native paper into thin and thick types. He stated that the thin papers measure 0.003 inch, with the design outline clearly visible through the paper; the thick papers measure 0.004 to 0.005 of an inch, with the design not showing through on the back. Chan lists thin paper varieties for many values. Chan and Ma do not completely agree on which values have thin paper varieties.

D. Chinese White Wood-free paper

I refer to this as Type D

The front feels smooth. The back feels slightly rough, though not as rough as the native papers.

The paper is white.

Held to the light, the paper appears unevenly translucent, or 'cloudy', according to Ma.

E. Foreign Wood-free paper

I refer to this as Type E

The front and back both feel smooth.

The paper is usually white. Ma said that there were at least 3 types of Foreign papers and some were more tan coloured.

Held to the light, the paper appears evenly translucent. Ma says there was a foreign paper which showed a 'grill' or 'mesh' when held up to the light.

Ma states that all $5 stamps printed on foreign paper used 'aniline red' ink, with a bright colour and fluorescing orange under UV light.