Is The Color In This Us#c1 Unusual?

Hi all, Just wondering if you've seen this variation of orange in the 6c
airmail stamp? To me it almost looks 2 tone, even though I don't think it is. Opinions?

Looks faded to me. Not a error, just time.

Not faded, but color changeling due to excessive exposure to sulfur pollutants in the air. It causes certain orange pigments to "blacken" over time.

KHJ nailed it. This is a common problem with orange and yellow stamps from the classic era. It's esp common around industrial areas like the great lakes region in the US and Canada.

thanks, that answers my question; never heard of ink blackening...interesting.

That may explain one or two stamps in my collection looking the same way...

It may be time for another round of the Hydrogen Peroxide discussion...

Hey all!
Yes! KHJ fairly well nailed it.
The actual ink pigment used on the 30c, 1857 issue and your c-1 was a chrome orange, which along with other colors that contained chrome (yellow) have become highly susceptible to oxidation. Adding to what KHJ said, environmental issues coupled with high humidity climates seem to exacerbate the problem.

Attached is a copy of a #38 that I currently have at auction which also shows the oxidation problem.

Yes, to bleach your hair, use a 3% to 6% H2O2 solution. But don't blame me if you get called a bleached blonde or get an itchy scalp!

I love Science Nerd humor !!

A set sketch for the big bang theory?

Seal, Where is your auction for that I MUST have that stamp at any cost!

The price just doubled ...

Going back to the Hydrogen Peroxide comment - you can easily turn this back to it's original orange color by dipping it in a 3% hydrogen peroxide bath for a couple of minutes. Since the stamp is used, this is easy enough if you want it to be its original orange.

Here's a thread with more on this topic:

https://goscf.com/t/20567&whichpage=2