Slaying The Dragon: Russia #187 & Varieties

[I.M. DeBear]

These beautifully engraved dragon-slayers were issued in 1921.

Having slain the horrible dragon of authoritarianism,
the heroic Russian common man greets the dawning light
of a new era of liberty.

Russia Sc.#187,  38.5mm x 23.25mm  WIDER image

[I.M. DeBear]

Russia #187a,  37.5mm x 23.5mm  NARROWER image

[I.M. DeBear]

Note how the narrower stamp appears a bit chunkier

[I.M. DeBear]

Russia #187/187a wide/narrow comparison mock-up

[I.M. DeBear]

The difference in dimensions between #187 and #187a is attributed to paper shrinkage.
The ornately watermarked paper shrinks more in one direction than the other, therefore the orientation of the watermark determines the dimensions of the image.

Scott calls this watermark 'Lozenges'.
There is no consensus as to the correct orientation.

[I.M. DeBear]

Position of watermarks on #187 (wide format) 

                                            white arrow to left        white arrow to right

[I.M. DeBear]

Position of watermarks on #187a (narrow format)

                                             white arrow up             white arrow down

[I.M. DeBear]

Russia Mi.#155y, WIDE PROOF of Sc#187, 38.5mm x 23.25mm

[I.M. DeBear]

Russia Sc.#187 WIDE & Mi.#155y WIDE PROOF color comparison

[I.M. DeBear]

Russia #1081, 25th anniversary of the first Soviet postage stamp (1946)