What Do You Think Of This?

OK, I'm currently bidding on this and REALLY want it but I don't want to drastically overpay so, what do you think it's worth? It's listed as a U.S.#37. Thank you for any input.

What's it worth? I'm "On The Road Again" with no access to a catalog for values.

I'm sure you have already identified the faults. JIC,
1. Several short perfs
2. Is that a tear on right even with "T" of cents?
3. Looks like a scrape on right even with "E" of cents?
4. Perf toning

Value is with the beholder.

yes It has a few faults but a handsome addition it would be none the less I was just sort of looking at a baseline number so I did't extravagantly overpay. I'd be in at about 40. +/- Thank you.

I just found it on ebay, and see it's already up to $61 with a day and a half left. Bound to go higher. Certainly handsome, but not sure I'd go that high with condition problems. If you have questions about the possible tears, email the seller and ask. You've got time.

OK thank you! That seller and I have been doing business for ages so he gets back to me pretty fast. Thanks!

it's almost to my max bid (literally a few dollars) so I'm not going any higher. Sure is a handsome stamp though!

I_Love_Stamps. I wouldn't bid any higher, either. The top and left sides have been reperfed, and it has a few face scuffs. It displays well, though, and is worth 10%-15% of catalogue in this condition in my opinion. This particular issue is tough to find for a reasonable price in any condition!

Riley,

What is the clue that the edges have been re-perfed, does it have to do with the deepest point of the perfs not being lined up? Like if you lay a ruler along the wells of the perfs, they don't line up against it?

Although it is handsome stamp indeed, am I the only one who thinks it may have been reperfed on all sides? They just dont seem right, but maybe I've been staring at it too long. aha!

Ya know, I just may win it. I'm not concerned at this point about small flaws and really not collecting for any investment purposes so either way I'd be happy. Thank you for the input and you can bet I'll ask your advice on a high dollar stamp but for a little over 60. I'm not going to get excited. I plan on upgrading specimens anyway. Thank you VERY much!

This one is actually easy. The perf spacing - that is, the measurable length between each perf - is terribly uneven, and the depth of the perfs in relation to the design is also uneven (some perfs are cut far deeper than others). Both of these things are immediate red flags. In fact, the top and left sides are so poorly reperfed, one doesn't need a perf gauge to come to this conclusion.

You are correct about the idea of using a ruler, or a straight edge. If I were at home, I would use a digital editor to draw a straight line down each side of the stamp; following only the inside edges of the perfs to see if they make a straight line. Fortunately, you can see these perfs are off with the naked eye, and do not need to go through that much trouble.

That stamp is now up to $71 on ebay with more than 14 hours to go. IMO, not worth it at that price with all of the questionable condition issues.

nope not upping the bid anymore, I'm out. Too much for me for that anyhow. Anyway I got my open for something special this month. You can bet I'm going to be asking your opinions. Thank your for your keen eyes and advice.