President - West Essex Philatelic Society www.wepsonline.org 22 Nov 2012 07:48:45am
re: Washington 248? Am I close?
Hi,
It's impossible to tell the catalog number of this stamp from this picture. There are so many subtle differences between stamps of this design. There are 3 types of triangles in the upper corners and other differences in the design. Is it watermarked? It could also be 265-267 if unwatermarked.
So after some closer study of the stamp and with the assistance of my 2011 USPS Stamp Guide, Here is what I have so far:
2c Washington Type III (The horizontal lines do not cross the double frame lines)
Issued 1895 ? (if 252/248 type III)
12 Perf Carmine
Watermark- Don't Know
"STEP 1 : Run your fingers on the stamp and feel for ridges in the design. If you feel textured ridges it is because a plate printing causes ridges in the ink giving you the clue.
-John"
According to this comment by John, this stamp is: Plate Printed
President - West Essex Philatelic Society www.wepsonline.org 22 Nov 2012 01:41:23pm
re: Washington 248? Am I close?
If it has Type III Triangles it could be Type IV 279B if Red instead of Carmine and watermarked. Type IV has design differences in the Hair, Toga Button, Lettering etc.
Knowing the watermark will definitely narrow it down.
If the stamp is Type III it is either the carmine Scott 252 (unwatermarked) or 267 (watermarked). If it is Type IV it is the red Scott 279B (watermarked).
The 1847USA.com website provides some help in distinguishing between Types III and IV.
