HL 125/PORTLAND HEAD-COLOR OF "5500"EDITION SIZE NUMBERS ON FLAG AREA "SCROLL

Has ANYONE seen an HL 125-OR ANY other
piece where the numbers of the edition
size [under the flag number, which is
HANDWRITTEN IN BLACK INK] also in BLACK
INK NUMBERS,as opposed to the same
cream-color as the rest of the scroll and
the rocks around the base?? I just
purchased one such piece from a
collector who says that is the way it
came and was IN NO WAY TAMPERED WITH!!
The CREAM-COLORED BACKGROUND behind these
numbers looks darker, as if "smudged"
when these numbers were "retouched". I
have seen no other piece where the
edition size/bottom number is any color
but cream-color!! The seller says it is
an "error"-if so, why would he have
ACCEPTED ONLY $490.00 TOTAL FOR SUCH A
ONE-OF-A-KIND-PIECE--AND THEN BE VERY
UPSET WHEN I EXPRESSED DOUBTS ABOUT THE
LEGITIMACY OF THE PIECE--AND ANGRY WITH
ME FOR ASKING FOR A FULL REFUND? CAN
THIS EVEN POSSIBLY BE A LEGITIMATE
"ERROR"?--AND IF SO, WHAT WOULD SOMEONE
BW WILLING TO PAY FOR IT??

My Portland Head #3262 is printed in black with the 5500 below the line not colored at all - but indented into the casting.

I don't believe I've ever seen what you describe.

I don't know what would be served by tracing over the "5500" with a black marker pen.

Is the "5500" indented into the flag? Or is it smooth with the 5500 inked onto a smooth surface?

I'm sure it's not a variation.

A photo would be great if you have the ability to take a close-up of the flag area.

If you don't have a scanner, send the photo to me. Email me by clicking on the envelope icon above.

Mine is like John's. 336 is in faded black ink, but the 5500 is just indented, not colored.

Rich

------------------

Ours as well is painted or drawn (5026) but the 5500 is etched into the piece and not drawn or painted. I would imagine this is to prevent tampering to some degree.