What The Heck Is Up With This 67?

This is the first stamp I have bought in a while that wasn't blue. And what the heck is up with it? Once I got it under the glass and in the scanner, those corner ornaments just started looking weird--they look hand drawn in. Is that possible?

Hey Otto!
Long time no see. First, I would say that your 67 has had margins added, maybe even re-backed. Also, it looks like it was a 67 buff that may have been bleached to make it look a 76b olive yellow. Lastly I have serious questions about that red cancel. It looks like it may have been added after the bleach job. Also, the perforations do not look good. Have you done a flip and rotate test? How was it described in the sales listing?

On to other things: Did you see that BW has certified another Chicago perf? That now makes 21.
Ron

Hi Ron. Work and family have been interfering with my hobby. Hate when that happens.

UGH! And this is from a dealer I thought I trusted! They sold me a 9 as a 7 and were dutifully contrite and took the return, but now this! And I've let it stray beyond the 7 day safe zone. We'll see how they respond.

If it's a rebacking, it's a really good job--which doesn't square with the redrawing. It was described as buff, but, as you can see, it's pretty fuzzy. When I compare it to the 76 shown as my avatar, it's quite striking.

Hadn't seen about the latest Chicago perf, is that over on VSC? Ya look away for a second and lose track of everything.

Edit: Flip test. Not looking good for the home team.

Otto, I agree with Ron. There is definite repair in the upper left extending at least to the "O" in "POSTAGE" and on the lower right side. Also much of the outer frame and corner ornaments appear redrawn (hand). Rebacked stamps will often show a "motted" appearance in watermark fluid due to inconsistencies in the gluing of the back.

AGREE THAT THIS STAMP HAS HAD SERIOUS MANIPULATION. DIPPING SHOULD CLEARLY SHOW ADDED MARGINS, ETC. QUESTION TO YOU: NOW THAT THE TRUSTED DEALER HAS MISIDENTIFIED TWO STAMPS, ARE YOU GOING TO CONTINUE TO DO BUSINESS WITH HIM OR HER. PERSONALLY, I CAN UNDERSTAND MISIDENTIFYING A SUBTYPE OF A STAMP OR A SHADE VARIATION. MANY TIMES THAT REQUIRES REAL EXPERTIZE AND EXPERIENCE. BUT I EXPECT PROFESSIONAL DEALERS TO KNOW A COMPLETE HACK JOB, ADDED MARGINS, GROSS REPERFING WHEN THEY SEE IT.

Yes, the term "dealer" does imply things. This stamp was from an ebay seller. They don't profess to be a dealer and I shouldn't have assigned them that designation.

I've just received confirmation from them that they will accept the return. I've bought maybe a dozen stamps from them, Civil War and banknotes, and was completely satisfied. So sure, I'll keep bidding on their lots, but avoiding the tough ones, like the 67, 70, and 75.