I use a magnifier and either a mm gauge or a transparent grill template depending on how clear and complete the grille is. It takes a bit of practice, a bit of patience, and sometimes tipping the stamp obliquely across a light source.

Don't forget to check for points up or points down, makes a substantial difference in many cases.

It takes a lot of practice. I have a 2c Jackson with "Z" grille (Scott 85B)on a Congressional cover that I looked at for hours and hours in all kinds of light. I was at a show and handed it to another dealer and asked him to see if he could figure out what grille it was. Holding it in his hand and tilting it slightly he said "It's a "Z" grille - nice copy". The rest of us count points and measure !

 
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