FOODS FDC WITH BAGUIO GUMMED LABEL

CENSOR LABEL ON FOOD PRODUCTION CAMPAIGN FDC
November 12, 1942

Garrett Type IIB5 gummed label, described on page 156 of A Postal History of the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines, 1942 - 1945, as follows:

Size: Frame lines, 69 x 11.5 mm.
Overall, 80 x 23 mm.
Color: Red printing on very white paper.
Earliest known use: (Unknown)
Translation: Left to right, three katakana, "Bagio"; six kanji,
"Kempeitai Ken'etsn zurni" or "Censored by Military Police Corps."

Garrett Illustration


Garrett states:
"The example illustrated was found on a fraudulent cover prepared subsequent to the Japanese Occupation. Examples used on genuine Baguio City covers have been reliably reported, but none has been available for inspection."
The cover is from Ray Coughlin with the following note:
Page 156, Baguio censor label.  His illustrations are  somewhat blurry when it comes to the Japanese characters.  Note the  lettering and the Japanese characters are the same size on this label as  his.  The difference is that the frame line on this label measures  79x24mm.  The paper is not a very white paper, but rather an off white  paper.  The paper is quite thin as are most of these labels I have seen  and the gum was readily loosened to lift the edge of the label, which is  typical of the other labels I have seen.  Is it possible that we have  counterfeit in the book, as the break at the top lines are similar.  The  printing on this is much clearer on the Japanese writing which would indicate  that it was actually done under their auspices.  Or is it possible the  type was reused on Gene's or my copy with a different frame line placed on  the plate which produced them.  A printer would be more likely to keep  the type set for further use as the frames are easily added to a plate as  compared to the typesetting, or is it possible that the frames vary on the  plate according to the mood of the typesetter?
Ray adds:
I think the seal was placed on the cover by "favor" to the sender, obviously a collector.  The cover still has full OG on the flap and was never sealed, thus making it easier for a censor to actually examine it.  I think the seal is OK, but a different one than Gene Listed.  The label was folded around the end of the envelope, I soaked the back end off to be able to fully illustrate it.

Your opinions are  solicited.

Best Regards,

Ray

Comments: Even if philatelic, still a beautiful cover. This one I consider as one of the rarities of the Japanese Occupation period. If someone out there has a cover with this label attached, please be kind enough to share it with us. Another label will certainly put to rest some questions on the label form.