According to Stamp World, these were all issued with 13 x 12-1/2 perfs and WM1. Some have quite high CV's and there are, in some cases, color variations that help, but many it does not. Is there a definitive way of identifying these?
On Scott #O1-17, the background inside the emblem does not have vertical lines. Scott #O18-27 does. Scott #O37-43 is similar to #O18-27, but the stamps were printed on granite paper.
I believe it may be the other way around. I think the #01-017 have the dots and the #018-27 have the vertical lines. I may be wrong. Also the arc of the compass projects to the left on the 01-017 and projects to the right on the 018-27, except for the #022.
The granite paper stamps, #037-043 have a different WM than the others. #01-036 are watermarked Letters and Post Horn, while the #037-043 are watermarked Quatrefoil and DDR.
Other than that I have no idea about granite paper.
I was stumped by the granite paper as well until I ran across an article (not on stamps) about that type having small black "threads" or similar artifacts in the paper, visible on the gum side.
Sure enough, when I looked through them again I found exactly that feature and realized I had miscategorized a few.
Sadly, of the hundred or so CTOs I had there were just two MNH; one of which was the version of the second issue (with compass to the right and left) with a CV of something like $250 or $500 (can't remember) that turned out to be the granite paper CV 25c version.
I just did a Google search and found a wikipedia article on the different papers used in postage stamps. It mentions red and/or blue fibers, but also says the granite paper should have a somewhat gray appearance. I also see the compass protrusion to the left or right, so that is also helpful.
With roughly 5-600 of these to go through, it may be a long day.
That looks like everything I could possibly need to know in order to properly i.d. these. I've started sorting them by denomination and distinguishing features.
Thanks much!!
WB
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