How To Find The Elusive Grill?

Is there any way to determine the presence of a grill on a stamp (in this case, a #114 I think...or #125...or #114a) that is still on piece? please check my photos. One of the stamp. I've examined under microscope and stuck my light inside the envelope and illuminated the stamp from the back, and can't find any sign of a grill. The other two pictures are: one of the envelope, with notations made by the receiver with a date that I am convinced says 1870; and one of the letter salutation with date, that I am also convinced says 1870.
If it is indeed from 1870, and there's no grill, wouldn't it be a #114a?
But, if it's from post-1875 it (could) be a #125 although I seriously doubt it. I doubt it's even a 114a, but that's why I am posting here. Any sharper eyes or tips and tricks to discover a grill? Do I need to remove the stamp from the cover? I can, the cover holds no significance for me, if that's what I have to do.
Thoughts/ideas/expertise?

MUCH appreciated!
dave

It may sometimes be a bit difficult, but one should be able to see the grill from the front.


Peter

Daveinva47 -after straightening and enlarging with a slight tint change I can clearly see the grid of a grill. Sorry.

Casper, thanks! I'm going to stop crying wolf....

You were hoping for #125 114a I suspect. The only way you can get one certified is if it is unused with original gum. You needn't waste your time on examples on cover, or off, with cancellations, because without a cert you have only a common variety.


Thanks revcollector, you were right on.

essayk, you are thinking of the 114a. There are several used re-issues including 125's certified. Most were used by stamp dealers as they were not really thought of as significant for quite a while.

Certified used 114a's: single on cover-P.F. cert #526934 and used strip of three-Siegel sales #1027 Lot #4. These were both on the gray paper variety. If I remember correctly, these were lifted during certification and contained most of their original gum.