S286 — Spain, 1926. Pro Cruz Roja Española — Correo Aéreo. Complete Set. EDIFIL 339–348.
Identification
Collection ID: S286
Country: Spain
Year: 1926
Issue: Pro Cruz Roja Española — Correo Aéreo (Plus Ultra)
Catalogue: EDIFIL 339–348
Composition: Complete set of 10 stamps (10/10)
Historical Period: Reign of Alfonso XIII
Category: Spanish Airmail / Charity Issues
Condition: Mixed Mint — MH / MLH / potentially MNH
Gum: Original gum present on all stamps, owner-confirmed
Cancellations: None observed
Printer: Waterlow & Sons Ltd., London
Printing: Recess engraved (Calcografía)
Perforation: Catalogue specification; individual measurements not verified
Individual Stamp Inventory
| Ref. | EDIFIL | Denomination | Condition / Observations |
|---|---|---|---|
| S286-01 | 339 | 5 céntimos | MH — visible hinge |
| S286-02 | 340 | 10 céntimos | MH — visible hinge |
| S286-03 | 341 | 15 céntimos | Mint, no obvious hinge trace; MNH not confirmed |
| S286-04 | 342 | 20 céntimos | Mint, no obvious hinge trace; MNH not confirmed |
| S286-05 | 343 | 25 céntimos | MH — visible hinge |
| S286-06 | 344 | 30 céntimos | Mint, no obvious hinge trace; MNH not confirmed |
| S286-07 | 345 | 40 céntimos | Mint, no obvious hinge trace; MNH not confirmed |
| S286-08 | 346 | 50 céntimos | Mint, no obvious hinge trace; MNH not confirmed |
| S286-09 | 347 | 1 peseta | MH — visible hinge; local gum disturbance |
| S286-10 | 348 | 4 pesetas | MLH — very faint hinge trace, visible under oblique light; confirmed by owner |
All internal references identify individual components of S286 and do not constitute separate permanent collection IDs.
Physical Examination
The complete set consists of ten unused stamps with original gum preserved throughout.
Front scans show attractive multicoloured designs with aircraft, geographical routes and Spanish Red Cross symbolism. Colours remain clear and the stamps appear generally well preserved.
The reverse scans reveal mixed mounting conditions. Several stamps carry visible hinges, while others show no obvious hinge traces at scan resolution.
The 4-peseta value (EDIFIL 348) was additionally examined under oblique lighting. A very faint hinge trace is present in the upper-central area of the gum. The stamp is therefore classified as MLH rather than MNH.
EDIFIL 347 shows a visible hinge and a locally altered gum surface. The nature and extent of that disturbance have not been confirmed by physical examination.
No major paper tears, missing corners or substantial perforation damage have been established from the supplied images. Detailed inspection under magnification remains advisable.
Historical Context
Issued in 1926 as part of the Spanish Red Cross charity stamp programme during the reign of Alfonso XIII.
The designs commemorate Spanish aviation achievements, particularly the Plus Ultra transatlantic flight and the Elcano flight to the Philippines.
The set contains two principal design types:
- Aircraft above the sea, commemorating the Plus Ultra flying boat.
- Aircraft superimposed on a geographical route map connecting Europe, Africa and Asia.
The series combines aviation history, charity fundraising and finely engraved multicolour printing.
Valuation
Working Collection Value — Complete Set: €75.00
This valuation applies to the complete ten-stamp set as a single collection object. Individual stamp values have not been independently established and must not be added separately to the collection ledger.
The valuation is provisional and reflects completeness, retained original gum, the confirmed MLH condition of the 4-peseta stamp and the mixed mounting condition of the remaining denominations.
Collection Grade: 4/5
Investment Grade: 3/5
Content Potential: 5/5
Decision: KEEP — Complete Set.
Upgrade Policy: Preserve as a complete historical set. Potential future upgrades should focus on specimens with prominent hinges, gum disturbance or inferior centring.
Further Verification
- Confirm MNH or MLH classification of EDIFIL 341, 342, 344, 345 and 346 under oblique lighting.
- Inspect the gum disturbance of EDIFIL 347.
- Confirm perforation measurements and any specialist catalogue varieties.
- Record individual market values if the set is considered for sale.
Storage: Spanish Classic Album — 1926 Red Cross Airmail Series.
Record Status: Catalogued; selected technical and gum details pending verification.
Commercial Status: Private collection — not currently for sale.
This is an internal Collector’s Examination Record, not an independent certificate of authenticity.
