Stamp Re-entries on Canada Admiral Stamps
A stamp re-entry is usually recognized by extra or doubled design lines. On Canada’s King George V Admiral stamps, re-entries may appear in the frame, lettering, numerals, crown, oval, portrait or background lines.
Marler and Beyond helps collectors identify Admiral re-entries by combining descriptions, high-resolution images, denomination filters, zone information, tags, plated positions, and related constant plate variety records.
If you have an Admiral stamp with doubled lines or repeated design details, this guide will help you decide what to look for and how to search for a possible match.
What does a re-entry look like?
A re-entry usually looks like part of the design has been repeated or shifted slightly. The extra lines often follow the normal engraved design rather than appearing as a random scratch or extreaneous ink.
A Major Re-entry
Plate 8, Upper Left pane, Position 5
8UL5
A Strong Re-entry
Plate 1, Right pane,
Position 81
1R81
A Typical Re-entry
Plate 87, Lower Left pane, Position 92
87LL92
A Minor Re-entry
Plate 11, Lower Right pane, Position 97
11LR97
Clicking any of the four images of re-entries above will open a new window which will show the research for that re-entry.
What are stamp re-entries?
Stamp re-entries are varieties that shows extra or doubled lines in the printed design. In traditional philatelic language, a re-entry is associated with the re-application or misalignment of the transfer roll during the preparation or repair of a line-engraved printing plate. For collectors, the important visible clue is doubling. A re-entry may show an extra line beside doubling in a letter, a repeated part of a numeral or additional engraved detail in the design.
A stamp with a re-entry will show extra or doubled design lines, usually connected with the transfer of the engraved design to the printing plate.
Why Admiral re-entries are important
The Admiral issue is one of the most studied areas of Canadian philately. The long production life of the issue, the number of denominations and formats and the use of line-engraved printing all make Admiral re-entries an important field of study.
Some re-entries are bold and easy to see. Others are subtle and require careful comparison with known examples. Marler and Beyond is designed to help with both kinds by letting collectors search, filter, and compare documented Admiral CPVs.
Common re-entry clues
- Doubled frame lines
- Extra lines near lettering
- Doubling in CANADA, POSTAGE or other inscriptions
- Doubling in numerals or value tablets
- Extra detail in the crown or oval
- Repeated portrait or background lines
- Doubling that follows the original engraved design
A re-entry showing strong and clear doubling of the 'AN' of Canada.
A retouch showing a poor attempt to strengthen the outside vertical line of the left numeral box.
How to identify an Admiral re-entry
Use this workflow when you have a stamp in hand.
Step one: identify the denomination
Start with the denomination and colour. For example, identify whether the stamp is a 1¢ green, 2¢ carmine, 3¢ brown, 5¢ blue, 7¢ bistre or another Admiral value.
Denomination is the fastest first filter because each Admiral value has its own group of known re-entries and related CPVs.
Step two: locate the doubled feature
Find the exact area where the doubling appears. Look at the frame, lettering, numerals,crown, oval, portrait, spandrels and background lines.
Try to describe the feature plainly before searching. For example: “doubled left frame," “extra line near CANADA,” or “doubling in the numeral box.
Step three: choose the zone
Use the zone system to describe where the feature appears on the stamp. A zone does not identify the re-entry by itself, but it helps narrow the search to the most likely records.
Step four: compare images
Compare your stamp with documented images. A possible match should agree in the exact location of the doubling, the shape of the extra line and the relationship to nearby design details.
Step five: review the record details
If a record includes plate position, tag, format or reference information, use those details to strengthen the identification. Do not rely on one mark alone.
Re-entries vs retouches
Re-entries and retouches can be confused because both may affect fine design lines.
A re-entry usually shows extra or doubled lines. A retouch usually shows lines that have been strengthened, thickened, or redrawn.
If the feature looks like a second version of the original line, begin with re-entry.
If it looks like repair or reinforcement, begin with retouch.
| Feature | Start with |
|---|---|
| Extra line beside a normal line | Re-entry |
| Doubled lettering or numerals | Re-entry |
| Thickened or strengthened line | Retouch |
| Redrawn or corrected design detail | Retouch |
| Missing or weak detail | Defective transfer |
| Scratch, dot, break, or damage-like mark | Plate flaw |
Common mistakes when identifying re-entries
Mistaking damage for doubling
Paper damage, scuffs, cancellation marks, stains, and printing debris can imitate extra lines. A true re-entry should follow the engraved design and match a documented example.
Ignoring the surrounding design
Do not compare only the most obvious extra line. Compare nearby lettering, frames, numerals and other design details.
Searching too narrowly
If you are unsure, search by denomination and zone first. Then compare re-entries, retouches, plate flaws and defective transfers in that area.
Assuming every doubled-looking mark is a re-entry
Some doubled-looking marks may be retouches, double transfers, plate flaws, transient printing effects or damage. Use image comparison and record details before deciding. Some collectors tend to assign the term 're-entry' to any stamp showing any abnormality to the design.
Search Admiral re-entries by denomination
Some quick links showing selected search results:
12LR35
One of the most important re-entries
in Canadian Philately.
FAQ
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A re-entry is a stamp variety that shows extra or doubled design lines, usually connected with the transfer or repair of a line-engraved printing plate.
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“Re-entry” refers to one variety. “Re-entries” refers to multiple varieties or the collecting field as a whole.
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Look for extra or doubled lines that follow the original engraved design. Then compare the denomination, zone, image and nearby design details with documented examples.
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Not really. The large number of plates used to print many of the Admiral denominations and the quality of the craftsmanship ensure that most plate positions showed no doubling.
There were approximately 68,000 different plate positions used to print the sheet stamps of the 1¢ Green Admiral. Currently we know of about 500 re-entries, which is less than 1%.
Unsorted material could reasonably be expected to contain less than 1 re-entry in 100 stamps. -
Yes, Admiral re-entries are constant plate varieties. The doubled feature is connected to the plate and will be found on each stamp printed from the same position.
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No. A re-entry shows extra or doubled lines. A retouch shows strengthened, thickened or redrawn lines.
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Yes. Damage, marks, scuffs, and transient printing effects can sometimes imitate doubling. A likely re-entry should match design details and where possible, a known record.