Halved stamps (part 1)

Faroe Islands Collectors of stamps from the Faroe Islands know that in 1919, the post office in Thorshavn received official permission to halve 4 Øre Danish stamps due to a shortage of 7 Øre stamps and use them as 2 Øre stamps. This was because the 7 Øre Danish stamps had not arrived in time due to wartime conditions to cover the new rate. That rate had come into effect on January 1, 1919. The halved stamps could then serve as supplementary value for the additional franking of the 5 Øre stamp. The stamps could be halved in two ways: from top left to bottom right () or from top right to bottom left (/). It should be clear that halved 4 Øre stamps are not collectible if unused. The halved stamps must appear on a complete postal item or part of a postal item, together with the 5 Øre stamp and postmarked with a clear impression from Thorshavn in January 1919. The Facit catalogue states that one must beware of forgeries! Halved stamps in a bright blue color may indicate a forgery. With a postmark from Trangisvaag with the dates January 18, 19, or 20, 1919. It is therefore necessary to have a postal item or part of a postal item bearing these stamps examined for authenticity upon purchase. Danish West Indies Another Danish territory, Danish West Indies, also had a problem in 1903 where the 2 Øre stamps had not arrived on time. These halved stamps appear on local letters and were therefore not used as supplementary value. The halved stamps were used from January 20, 1903, to May 23, 1903, and were cancelled with the stamps of St. Thomas and Christiansted. However, here too, verification of authenticity is necessary. Do you possess such a postal item or part of a postal item? Then please contact the specialists in that field, such as a member of the Dutch Philatelists Association 'Scandinavia'. Or take a look at the association's website: www.nfvskandinavie.nl.