A Rare Hawaiian Cancel, or just a tie fighter?

Hello fellow collectors! 👋

I recently inherited this stamp from a late family member who was an APS (American Philatelic Society) member. Based on the description card, it appears to be a Hawaii 2-cent stamp (Scott No. 31a) with what is labeled as a “Meyer-Harris Unlisted” cancel — specifically a negative ‘HI’ cancel (Post Office in Paradise Cancel lettHI-18), rated Rarity 1RRRR (5 or fewer known).

The card notes it differs from the more common Meyer-Harris negative HI cancel 151 (lettHI-16) in that this cancel measures 18mm in diameter at its widest point rather than 16mm.

I’d love to have it properly expertized, but before I do — could any experts here weigh in on the following?

I am not presenting this as authenticated; I am presenting it as a question.

Does the description on the card look accurate to you?
Does this cancel look genuine based on the photo?
Any recommendations for expertizing services for Hawaiian stamps specifically?

Any insight from experienced collectors would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! 🙏

**And yes , one collector joked that the cancel looks like a Tie Fighter. I can’t unsee now**

Comments from ” Cancel Club”

Hello,

I’m Robin

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