Question On Scott #114

OK, I bought those Civil war era covers and got to really looking at them especially the "114" and noticed 2 distinguishing features. First the single #114 is an ultramarine-ish color as opposed to the one I have on cover that is more of an actual blue? The second thing is that the paper (on the one on cover) seems a bit different? It looks to be more rigid or something, at least compared to the single I have (that was bought from mystic years ago). The one on cover also looks to have been heavily re-touched by comparison under a 30X loupe.
Is there any mention of this die ever being retouched or re-engraved? I couldn't spot a grill either but it being on cover probably would be hard to tell. Any ideas?

edit for spelling

There are numerous variances in colors, of which I am incapable of seeing. None of the color varieties are designated with their own catalogue number ... they are all 114. The only two that are valued above the others is "blue" and "violet blue" which catalogue for $100 and $175, respectively.

As far as paper varieties, the entire set is listed as being printed on "hard wove paper". The 114 is also listed on "gray paper", catalogue value $95.

I'd be interested in learning more about plate varieties. Plates were almost certainly repaired, but there are no major plate varieties listed, only "cracked plate" varieties.

Brian

Thank you very much Rileysan. That's exactly what I was looking for- information wise. I just have wonder...maybe a possible 125?
I sincerely doubt it, but just for the sake of knowing I think I'll research it further.

I generally don't even consider an item being a 125 due to the rarity (1406 sold), but not all 1406 are accounted for so it's not impossible!

125 is only listed in Blue, so if yours is ultramarine then you can check that off your list (I know, darn!). 125 was printed on "hard white paper". I don't know the difference between "hard white" and the "hard wove" paper of 114, but I'm sure it's subtle else identifying these would be easier!

Russ has posted some great advice for detecting grills on these stamps. I haven't looked for the link, but it's worth looking up!

Brian

re-read my original post...Makes me think it might not be impossible after all.

My #114 Single (from Mystic Stamps)


The one on cover (most recent)

It's hard to get the actual color and a good scan without all the compression.. I wish they both had black backgrounds so you could see better.

The paper (Envelope) color tells all. It would be the proverbial finding a needle in the haystack. They are both 114's

Yeah Stallzer, I figured it out pretty fast as soon as I blew it up on my photo software, although I absolutely can't find any sign of a grill on the one on cover anyway. Probably there but darned if I can find it. People didn't press out grills while they was still on cover did they? Thank you. Doesn't hurt to dream and I had fun investigating it so it wasn't a total disappointment and besides, at the end of the day I still have a 114 on cover!

It took some digging, but I knew that Russ had addressed this once before. Quick summation: a faint grill does not necessary mean it was altered.





Brian

Thank you!
Like I stated earlier, just because I can't find it doesn't mean it isn't there. I put it back in my binder for another day.