Wet And Dry Printing Plate Numbers

Does anyone know if the Special Handling stamps QE1, QE2 and QE3 can be identified into their wet and dry printing by plate numbers? The Scott catalog doesn't list anything about plate numbers for these stamps like for the airmails C34-C36, C39 and Liberty series stamps. Same for postage due J78; nothing about plate numbers for this issue whereas J80a-J84a have the dry printing plate numbers listed. Thanks!

kenm,

Welcome to SCF! To answer your question, no. The 2008 Durland Standard Plate Number Catalog indicates that the same plates were used for both the wet and dry printings of QE1-3 and J78.

Steve

Welcome kenm. I have separated the wet and dry printings of the Liberty series using the following criteria. On a wet printing, the design is more or less visible through the back of the stamp. On the dry printings, the paper is fairly opaque and the design doesn't show through.

Also, there is a "fuzziness" to the design on the wet prints. The dry prints are a much crisper and less runny design.

Really, what is necessary is for you to see a wet print next to a dry print. The difference is apparent. Of course it is necessary to be sure you have a wet and dry print.