Updated Pictures - Please Take A Look - 10 Cent Monroe

i have a 10 cent orange monroe that does not fit into any of the specifications. it measures 11 1/2 x 10 1/2 perforations. there is no doubt about this measurement as I use the transparent plastic perf gauge, which has been precise for all other measurments. the only stamp that is close to this measurement is scott 642 at 11 x 10 1/2. again, it is clearly 11 1/2 perfs! anybody's input regarding this would be appreciated.

UPDATE - I just added some pictures of the actual perf measurments taken that illustrate the 11 1/2 X 10 1/2 perfs. I actually have two of them, which probably were together on an envelope with New York cancels.

Here are a few pics - Thanks!

I suggest you post a scan and we'll be better able to see what you have.

I do recall that there was a recent thread (can't find it now) that back in that day perforations were not an exact science and sometimes the perforations can be off a bit giving a false reading on a perforation gauge.

As stated by wt1, the digital perf measurement will be slightly different from the analog perf. With a vertical perf of 10.5, the horizontal woul be 11 (analog) or 11-7244 digital. The actual would be 10.87 perfs/20mm. A scan would be needed to see what you have.

Interesting question rbiz, let's see the stamp.

For those still researching this topic like I was, I measured six 642s. One was spot on 11 x 10.5, One was about 11.25 x 10.5, and the other four were spot on 11.5 x 10.5. The good news is that the 10.5 measurement was almost exact in every case.

I can also attest to this. I have hundreds of these 642s and always get a wacky reading at top and bottom (never a solid 10 unfortunately), but the sides are always 10.5 dead on. It's just a cheapo metal guage.

So what are you guys saying..??
Is a digital or analogue measure more accurate..?
Robert

I don't think it's a question of accuracy, as a digital device is almost certainly "more accurate". The issue is that you can't apply 21st century digital technology to perforations that were applied almost a century ago. Today we almost expect accuracy to near perfection which wasn't always the case back when the stamp in question was issued.