India paper plate proofs are much more difficult to locate that their cardboard plate proof counterparts. When you do find a set it is seldom perfect. One or more of the proofs will have a paper irregularity. The purpose of the As I See It column in this issue is to take the mystery out of india paper plate proofs and to provide a better understanding of them and there value.

The Purpose of
India Paper Plate Proofs

These proofs were not produced to be distributed to collectors an others as were the cardboard plate proofs. These proofs were pulled, in most instances, by the banknote companies as a final check of the stamp color and the quality of the plate before it was placed into production. These proof sheets then became part of banknote company’s production records. Therefore the source of these proofs, were the banknote companies and not the government as was the case with the cardboard proofs. This also explains why it is common to find multiples and imprint plate blocks of india paper plate proofs. Once they were taken from the official files they were cut up however the person taking them saw fit.

There was an additional printing of the National indias (Scott nos. 146-155P3) requested by the government which were cut up and distributed in some manner, perhaps to foreign postal administrations.

The Nature of India Paper

India paper is a handmade paper. It is a "tough thin opaque paper" often slightly off white and is found to contain bamboo particles that did not reach a fibrous state during the manufacture of the paper. Since it is hand made the paper will often vary in thickness across the surface of a sheet. This will result in what are commonly called in auction descriptions, as natural translucencies. These are usually small areas, no more than the size of a pinhead that appear as thins when held to the light or dipped into fluid. However, they are no more than areas that naturally thin. These should not be considered faults in the literal sense.

India paper was used for proofing because its ability to draw the ink from the plate to the surface of the paper and not spread. Thus a true impression of the plate would be achieved.

The Production of
Plate Proofs Using India Paper

Due to the very thin and fragile nature of india paper it was not possible to print directly on its surface. A proofing press places several tons of pressure on the paper when it is being printed. If you printed directly on the india paper it would break up under the pressure of the press. Therefore a card blotter would be placed on top of the india paper to stabilize it during the proofing process. The pressure of the press would fuse the paper and the cardboard blotter together.

It is not uncommon to find india paper plate proofs today that still adhere to the cardboard blotter. However, since it is pressure that holds them together it is possible to pop them apart. This manner of separation is a source of the true thins found on india paper plate proofs. If you separate them you will notice an albino impression of the image on the cardboard blotter. This is a great example of the enormous pressure exerted during the proofing process. One should also beware of pieces of cardboard blotter being offered as albino proofs. These are nothing more than secondary impressions of the plate resulting from the proofing process.

 The India Paper Plate
Proofs that Exist Today

Today you will find india paper plate proofs which are either on or off their original cardboard blotter backing. Those that have been separated from their backing you want to inspect for thins which may have occurred from separation or previous hinging. Those that are represented as being on their original card backing you will want to inspect to make sure that this is the case. I have found india paper plate proofs that have been glued to modern blotter material to hide the presence of thins. The best way to check for this is to compare a specific item to one that you are sure is original. The back of an original blotter will have a very slight uneven texture to it and in some cases may have a very small amount of printers ink on the high spots.

Valuing India Paper Plate Proofs

The Scott United States Specialized Catalog does not reflect much of a difference in price between india paper and cardboard plate proofs, which in turn does not reflect the scarcity of india plate proofs. I believe that a set of truly sound india proofs should be valued at between catalog and 125%. If the set is still on the original cardboard blotter the premium should be 150% of catalog. True thins will result is the value being reduced from catalog. However, translucencies may or may not affect value depending on their position on the proof.

As always, reader’s comments are welcome and will be published in the next issue of the newsletter.