Jean Adolphe Michel's Lion Hand Stamp

Jean Adolph Michel made this overprint using his signet ring. According to Michel, 350 of the 1/4 Guerche stamps were overprinted and 10 of the 1904 ¼ Guerche stamp bearing the Melekt control overprint. In addition to the quantities reported by Michel, 1 is known on the 1907 1/2 Guerche stamp bearing the Dagmawi control overprint...this is also the only know example of the lion hand stamp postally used on cover.

There is no documented reason for the production of this hand stamp. It has been suggested that this was produced as an essay for use by the royal family.