I recently obtained a large number of the 2 cent red Browns of 1883-7. The all have fancy cancels.
Is there any cancel catalog that is accepted as the "authority" for identifying the different cancels.
I have Willard's volumes about this stamp and also Herst-Zareski "19h Century United States Fancy Cancellations".
Thank You
LarryG
For banknote era stamps the current favorite is "Cancellations and Killers of the Banknote Era 1870 - 1894" by James Cole.
It is nicely done and grouped with ID numbers and a 3 tier scarcity rating system for all cancels. The numbering system is great. The scarcity ratings should be checked with dealers specializing in fancy cancels for value - there are errors.
Don't think this merits starting a new thread so I'll just add to this old one and hope for the best. I came across this 2 cent 1883 Washington in my collection and wasn't able to find its fancy cancel in Cole or elsewhere on the web (may not be looking in the right places). I assume it's the letter P (with a dove in it?). Anyway, I'd be interested in any insight into this cancel, such as where this stamp was canceled. (I recognize that the stamp is not in good shape, e.g., the crease in the upper right corner.)
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