Basic Question: Flat Plate V. Offset ?

Is there an explanation of how to separate flat from offset in Scott that I am missing - page #? I have 2010 Specialized.

Alternately, can anyone give me a pointer on what to look for other than color for 498 green v. 525 gray green / 525a dark green.

I think I know what the gray green looks like as I ran across one recently- but green v. dark green concerns me since the medallion behind George's head is always pretty dark (to me).

I found an explanation online that seems pretty comprehensive (http://www.jamesdire.net/W-F.html.

Based on his description, if the rules for the 1c are similar to the 3c pictured here, I think the one I am looking at is a 525a (dark green with very light lines around the face and virtually none on the nose). Hard to see through the precancel of course. As usual, it seems all the most telling parts are obscured (nose, forehead, cheek).




Does this seem a fair explanation for the 1c?
Cheers.

Is the information on this page of use?

http://www.1847usa.com/washfrank/pr...gmethods.htm

Latinus-- the last section on that page is the best explanation. The best ways to know the offsets are:

1. They are not engraved, so there is no ink raises on the stamp. If you take your tongs and rub them softly across the stamp, the stamp will be as smooth as silk. An engraved stamp will have raised areas all over the stamp, wherever there is ink.

2. The offsets print is sub-standard compared with the engraved stamps. When it comes to detail--

Rotary is best
Flat plate is next
Offset is worst

Once you get an idea of what the offsets look like, you'll be able to tell just by looking at them, because the printing is so bad compared with the engraved stamps.

Hope this helps, Ray

Great information there ray.Mac. I'm glad I visited this thread.