Spanish-Philippine Perfins

A Perfin (Perforated Initials) is a perforated design, symbol, insignia, letter, or group of letters in a postage stamp placed there by an individual, organization, or government agency for the purpose of controlling the stamp's postal use. They are known to exist printed normally (viewed from front and back respectively); inverted (viewed from front and back respectively); or occasionally sideways.

Smith, Bell and Company

Smith, Bell and Company was founded in Liverpool, England in 1846. It opened an office in Manila in early 1847, and later expanded to other Philippine cities. During the 1870s and 1880s, when its perfins were in use, they had branch offices in Cebu and Iloilo. The company played a major business role in the Philippines as a shipping agent for many key agricultural exports, such as sugar and help; as well as an insurance agent. The firm continued through 1898 and during the 20^th century, was acquired by Filipino interests and remains present under its original name today.

'S. B & Co' in two lines

A period occurs after the 'S' but not after the 'B'
Known to occur inverted and sideways (#40 only)
Used between 1870s and 1880s
Earliest Known Usage on King Amadeo 10c Green issue of 1871 (Gooding Collection)

Known Stamps with 'S. B & Co' Perfin:

Scott #	Period	Value
40	King Amadeo	10c Green
43	King Amadeo	12c Rose
52	King Alfonso XII	2c Rose
56	King Alfonso XII	12c Lilac
57	King Alfonso XII	20c Violet Brown
58	King Alfonso XII	25c Deep Green
72	King Alfonso XII	2c on 25m Green
78	King Alfonso XII	2-4/8c Ultramarine
79	King Alfonso XII	2-4/8c Ultramarine
80	King Alfonso XII	2-4/8c Ultramarine
81	King Alfonso XII	5c Gray
83	King Alfonso XII	8c Yellow Brown
85	King Alfonso XII	10c Brown Lilac
86	King Alfonso XII	12-4/8c Bright Rose
87	King Alfonso XII	20c Bistre Brown
88	King Alfonso XII	25c Dark Brown

Scott #s 72, 78, 79 and 80 have been reported but not validated

R R and Company

Little is known about this firm, including its nationality and true name. The firm was present in Manila from the 1870s through the 1880s.

'R. R & CA' in two lines

A period occurs after the first 'R' but not after the second 'R'
Known to occur inverted and sideways (#59 only)
Used between 1870s and 1880s
Earliest Known Usage on King Alfonso XII 20c Violet Brown issue of 1876 (Gooding Collection)

Known Stamps with 'R. R & Ca' Perfin:

Scott #	Period	Value
55	King Alfonso XII	10c Blue
57	King Alfonso XII	20c Violet Brown
59	King Alfonso XII	2c on 12c Rose
60	King Alfonso XII	12c on 25m Black
62	King Alfonso XII	25m Black
67	King Alfonso XII	100m Yellow Green
71	King Alfonso XII	250m Bistre
72	King Alfonso XII	2c on 25m Green
73	King Alfonso XII	8c on 100m Carmine
75	King Alfonso XII	8c on 100m Carmine
77	King Alfonso XII	2-1/2c Brown
83	King Alfonso XII	8c Yellow Brown
89	Era of Surcharges	2c on 2-1/2c Brown
116	Era of Surcharges	8c on 2r Blue

Scott # 75 has been reported but not validated

H and Company

Spanish-Philippine Perfins

Little is known about this firm, including its nationality and true name. This firm was present in Manila, and possibly Iloilo, from the 1882 through 1898. Some have speculated that it is Heacock and Company that occurred in Manila in the 20^th century. However, there is no evidence to confirm this.

'H & Co' in one line

Found on 1892 and 1898 issues only

Known Stamps with 'H & Co' Perfin:

Scott #	Period	Value
174	King Alfonso XIII	20c Gray Brown
201	King Alfonso XIII	5c Carmine Rose
204	King Alfonso XIII	10c Vermilion

Expanded from an article by Don Peterson – “Perfins of the Spanish Philippines”, IPPS Newsletter, 4^th Quarter 2003

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