Finding Images for Marler...and Beyond!
Marler and Beyond is a reference tool for students of the Constant Plate Varieties of the 1911 Admiral Issue of Canada.
Lookup and compare Constant Plate Varieties using thousands of annotated images.
Use the searchable database and high‑resolution images to identify, compare, and study Admiral re‑entries, retouches, and plate flaws.
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To quote Hannibal Smith, "I love it when a plan comes…
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By their very nature, a single example of a re-entry or a retouch is…
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Site Highlights
Plated Admiral CPVs ~1,000s of identified positions with detailed descriptions and high resolution images.
Documented CPVs ~ Currently there are 4530 searchable items, including 1703 re‑entries, retouches, and 1283 plate flaws.
Powerful search tools ~ Filter by denomination, CPV type, format, zone, tags, and more to quickly find matches to your stamps.
Three kinds of material ~ The site includes (1) plated varieties with known positions, (2) clearly constant but as‑yet‑unplated varieties, and (3) possible plate flaws needing a second, proving example, are found on the Is It Constant? page.
Is It Constant? ~ This section shows promising but unproven candidates for constant plate varieties. Each listing is based on a single known example; collectors who find a matching copy are invited to report it so we can confirm whether the variety is truly constant.
Newly reported varieties ~ There are 166 newly reported CPVs illustrated and 111 possible plate flaws to be found on the Is It Constant? page.
Unplated varieties that are clearly constant but not yet tied to a specific plate position. These are re-entries and retouches, which are constant by definition, but for which the plate position has yet to be determined.
Simplified definitions for four types of Constant Plate Varieties (CPVs) to help us get started.
Defective Transfer
A defective transfer is simply an area of the stamp where the impression on the plate was not deep enough to contain sufficient ink to make a rich impression.
Attention to defective transfers is very useful when attempting to determine a plate position.
Re-entry
A re-entry will show sharp doubling of part of the design.
This doubling is a result of a second application of the transfer roller to the printing plate.
Note the doubling of the lines in the jewels of the crown and the ends of the horizontal lines.
Retouch
A retouch will show lines of the design strengthened.
This thickening is a result of the application of an engraving tool in an attempt to deepen lines which were poorly transfered.
Note how crudely the jewels of the crown have been 'drawn'.
Plate Flaw
A plate flaw is the result of accidental damage to the printing plate, which created depressions on the plate. During the printing process, these depressions fill with ink and show as extra marks which are not part of the stamp design.
Overview of the images
A defective transfer is a great starting place. Both re-enties and retouches can be readily explained as attempts to fix a defective transfer.
An additional application of the transfer roller (re-entry) or free hand etching with an engraving tool (retouch) are attempts to improve the defective impression.
The impression of the crown on the left image is weak, especially at the left, and is a good example of a defective transfer. This weakness in the impression was not corrected prior to production and is seen on the plate proofs. It should not be confused with non-constant worn plate varieties.
The impression of the crown on the far right is 'normal', except for the line of plate damage extending from the lower left. This line has been shown to be constant and, like re-entries and retouches, will be found on only one position of a single plate.
Re-entries and retouches are the result of attempts to improve the appearance of the final product (stamp). The attempt at improvement is most often necessitated because of a defective transfer.
Plate Flaws are the result of accidents and diminish the quality of the final product.
Remember that there are dozens to hundreds of plates for most denominations of the Admiral issue.
A more detailed discussion of the technical aspects of CPVs will be found here.
Before you get started
Let's consider the following
The goal of this site is to provide a working tool for plating and studying Admiral Constant Plate Varieties. If you need help plating your Admiral CPVs, we think you will find this database useful. We hope you visit often and share helpful information or images.
Reports of second examples of the stamps shown on the "Is It Constant" page are especially welcome.
Study Guide
This site assumes some familiarity with basic philately and the Admiral issue. For general introductions, there are many excellent books and websites; this site focuses on detailed CPV work. The links below may be helpful.
Marler’s book is the primary reference. It is mentioned on almost every page of the site.
Take a close look at the definitions of “re‑entry”, “retouch”, “plate flaw” as examples of Constant Plate Varieties. These CPVs are the primary focus of the site.
...and the additions continue!
Copyright 2022 W. G. Burden
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Version 2.7 - Feb. 21, 2026