Imperf Revenues - A & B

I have been going over my revenues and looking at my imperf & part perf began to suspect that due to the close cutting of the stamp that they may have been altered. I'm not just talking about the expensive ones but inexpensive as well. Is there a way to identify those that are legitimate? Being cut close to the border is the only method I can think of but that doesn't really prove anything. So, aside from just collecting those in multiples, is there a way to verify them?

Are you able to provide a scan or two as a stimulus for discussion?

Pictures would definitely help.

While size of the margins is the clearest indicator, one can also use the ink color, the impression, and the cancel date to possibly include or exclude a stamp as being imperf or part perf.

For example, stamps with very late cancel dates (1867 and later) are much less likely to be legit imperfs or part perfs. A supposed R84a or R80a with a deep dark violet shade is almost certainly a trimmed fake.

While there are exceptions to almost any rule, over the course of time as you look at more and more genuine examples, you develop a feel for what looks "right" and what sets off warning bells...

Scans of some First Issue Imperf Revenues. Again, my concern is the borders, the cuts generally are too close for me to be real sure they are actual original copies. Some, perhaps all may be OK, I just have my doubts. I got these many years ago from ebay, dealers, accumulations I acquired etc.

oops...

https://www.stampcommunity.org/uplo...Issue_Imperf

s-1.jpg

Can you provide bigger pics? A fair number look good.

I have yet to see an R53a in hand that looked legitimate and I've examined dozens, even ones with good PF certs. None were convincing.

There is speculation that R53a does not actually exist; that all supposed legit copies are manufactured from R53b margin copies.

The only known multiples are vertical pairs; no horizontal multiples have ever been reported. The highest-profile vertical pair (Cunliffe Collection) doesn't look convincing to me.

There are a couple of examples in the Siegel archives that could possibly be legit, but all have been off the market since 2003.

I had to compress the file so that I could post the scan on the forum. I'm not sure how big / small I can make it. I'll see what I can do.

That about does it, check tomorrow's papers!! (Great revs)