Scott 24

Does anyone see something different about this stamp? I suspect its the long double curl variety, perhaps a plate crack, but its faint and I may be seeing more than whats there. Anyway, I put in a strong bid and lost it at the last second.

Art

I'm no expert on this stamp, so I can't comment on some of the subtle varieties that exist.

However, I do note that something's going on at the bottom of that stamp.

First, you have a tear at the perforation below the "T" in "CENT".

Second, when comparing the left to the right side of the bottom of the stamp, it seems to me there is a strong likelihood that the right side of the stamp may have been repaired.

You said that you placed a "strong bid" for the item but lost it. Just curious if the bid was taking into account that damage, which would adversely affect value. According to my 2011 Scott Specialized Grading Guide, the stamp in VF would be $40; in F $15; and in VG $9. With the damage noted at the bottom, those values would be greatly diminished.

WT1,

I was specifically referring to the abnormality in the hair. I'll show the actual area I was referring to. You will notice that the normal line one sees in this area is somewhat jagged in appearance. There is no mention of a crack in the Specialized.

Art

Art, you lost because the stamp was a Type II, Scott #20. It was in my watchlist but I couldn't steal it so I didn't bid. I know of a 52R8, one of the "long double curl" stamps, on cover. The has blocked me from bidding on his stuff so if you buy it I want you tell him hello from Mr. Sinclair. I have told him that the item is not described properly but he is too much a jerk to change his description. His loss....

He has good stuff just a bit of a personality problem.

Thanks Winston, I couldn't get a fix on it as a 24 so I was thinking other stuff but, not a 20. His cover is no longer on his ebay store so I guess that's gone. Thanks again.

Art

Art, the cover is listed with a different seller. I will email you the link.

Winston,

Any commit on the "crack" of the stamp above? Its too 'something' to be part of the normal design, it doesn't flow as all other examples I have seen. In spite of the faults, I now wish I had made an even stronger bid just to get a closer look at it.

Art

Art, that line is pretty normal. In earlier impressions you can see that there are two shading lines quite close to each other that make up a lock of hair. Those shading lines are always heavier than the surrounding lines.