1847 #1 Shade Study

I thought I would put together one page some of my favorite examples of shade variations I've collected over the years for Stamp Community members to view. I wish I could post a larger size picture maybe a moderator can help me with that. It amazes me how many shade variations there are, the attached picture will show the true diversity and poor quality control when it came to making the inks used with the printing. Majority of these examples have certificates with the PF confirming the color shades based on Scott's catalog even though many other shades exist as explained in a article by Calvet Hahn "1847 Issue - Reexamining the Colors" which can be found at the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society website http://www.nystamp.org/ Scanned pictures are not as accurate as the actual stamps but its still very close to the originals.

Amazing reference Andy.

Thanks,
Kirk

I would have loved to join them at dinner,
and hear the talk on...

April 13
Robert Rose - Reminiscences of a Siegel lot describer

Golly, you guys who live close by are lucky.

Andy,
An amazing collection, forget the shades! Maybe 2 have pen cancels, 3-4 with town cancels and they all appear to be 4 margin copies.
Again, a remarkable collection and if you haven't already entered them in an APS show, I hope you do. A prise winner I'm sure.

Thanks for sharing.

Wow! They're stunning to say the least. Can I have one? (Yeah right huh?) Seriously though- They are just beautiful.

..Andy..whenever I see a US # 1, I always think of your dad, who always joked.. " My son...all he collects is 1 stamp...1 stamp "

That 10c Washington doesn't look too bad either, does he ?

That #2 is a proof cut to stamp size, thought it would look nice next to my unused pat OG just to show the issue.

Bob, nice to hear from you, funny I always told my dad I collect 2 stamps not just #1, I just obsess with the shades of #1 therefore I have a heck of a lot more of them compared to his brother #2 which is only in black ink. Funny how every time time I think I can't find another shade of #1.... boom there's another. I still have yet to get into the double transfers and major plate varieties.

I have 2 1847 5 cent stamps that appear to be different shades to me, but I have recent PSE certification for both of them that says "red brown". What do you think?

Hi Matt, really nice examples, if pictures are accurate I believe they are both red browns second one a slightly darker shade of red brown or may have a shot at being brown. Pictures on can never be as accurate as examining the actual stamp. I prefer PF certificates over PSE when it comes to the rarer shades of the 1847 issue like blackish-brown, gray-brown, red-orange, but I don't want to get into a big debate over that. Really nice stamps!


Hi Bob, Nice stuff huh? I'm looking forward to seeing how much the 1c red-orange on cover sells for. I just recently found a previously undiscovered 1c red-orange on cover and had it certified by the PF and it's genuine! The shade is almost orange but the PF only certifies red-orange. Here is a picture of the stamp.

Fantastic study, wow! I admire the dedication and commitment you show with your collection Andy1847, I can only hope my efforts turn out as well.

What are your thoughts on environmental oxidization, gum tone leaching, washing/soaking, chemical reaction to envelope papers/postmark inks etc. How do you work with these variables when you identify a shade on a used stamp? I also like to think of myself as a student of shades, and look forward to hearing your thoughts on how you work around these issues.

Have a Good one,

Skilo54

Oxidation must always be taken in consideration and recognized by being almost black in color. A small amount of peroxide brushed and dabbed off in an area clear of cancels can help in restoring and identifying the original color in tough cases. Using Robert Ridgeway's "Color Standards and Color Nomenclature" is a great aid in identifying shades for the color plates have aged and oxidized over time, the book was printed back in 1912. For the Ridgeway color references in regards to the 1847 issue read the article "Reexamining the 1847 Colors" by Calvet M. Hahn 1986 which can be found at the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society website http://www.nystamp.org/. Hope this helps.

almost 50 years of collecting and I still don't have a penny black or US #1 or #2. Someone shoot me. What a great set of stamps on this thread. Thanks everyone for lettin me look. - jeff

Thanks Andy for your input on my meager pair. :)

I picked them up because they were sound with nice centering at a bargain price. I'm glad to finally have an example!

Your set at the too of the thread is amazing!

Matt

Thanks Andy for your input on my meager pair. :)

I picked them up because they were sound with nice centering at a bargain price. I'm glad to finally have an example!

Your set at the too of the thread is amazing!

Matt