Eku

This was my first Earliest Known Use of a stamp. It took me a few years to get Scott's to recognize it. I had to get a cert before they would change the date they previously had listed. I'm sure this has been kicked around for years in several collections before I noticed that it was the 499e instead of just a 499. I have two other EKU's in my collection. They were already listed in the catalog as EKU's and I bought them already identified with certs. This one was fun for me as I viewed it as "my" discovery. Who knows how many exist and how many other collectors pestered Scott's to recognize theirs?

You'll get more response if you place topics like these on the main forum. This one should be under US Classics.
Click on 'send a note to staff' at the bottom of your post and ask to move it.

What's an EKU, by the way?

Londonbus1

An E.K.U. is an Earliest Known Usage. If that's an E.K.U. posted above then maybe I have one also? Any thoughts? I scanned it @ 1200dpi for inspection. This post maybe should be moved to the U.S. Covers or Main stamp discussion forum.

Jan. 12 1917

I_Love_Stamps, is your stamp on the Jan. 1917 cover a perf. 10 or perf. 11?

Perf 10. It's a 463 isn't it? Darn.

Yep, sorry I think it is. I've got what could be a EDU/EKU of #374. I sent it to Bill Weiss but he couldn't certify it. Neither he nor I could find the watermark. It has to be either double line; #331 or single line; #374 but we can't find the watermark?

That's fine, I just should have done a perf count and glanced at a catalog before I hijacked pjsstamps thread I guess huh? lol BTW pjsstamps that is awesome that your now part of the Scotts catalog information! That's son my bucket list..haha

@ Al E. Gator- They are super challenging when on cover but it can be done. I used to be very intimidated by the Washington Franklin issues but a few members on here showed me how to do it and gave me a few resources to use and now I love doing it. I just done some for a fellow on another board! Plus it's a definite advantage to be able to utilize SCF's "collective brain" if I'm in doubt or need an opinion. I'm always amazed at the stuff that gets posted on here! This post is a great example- I mean where else can you go to see the actual EKU of a certain stamp AND get to talk to the owner!

I_Love_Stamps,
499e is from a booklet pane, perf 11, flat plate printing

Actually, I e-mailed Bill Weiss about my cover and he told me he would not lift the stamp but if he felt the stamp belonged on the cover he'd cert. it. I mailed him the cover (actually post card) and he returned it telling me he'd cert. it---if and I would lift the stamp and if it was a #374 then send it back. I lifted the stamp and couldn't find the watermark. I E-mail him and told him I couldn't find it but would send it to him anyway--perhaps he could find it. Turned out he couldn't either. So now what do I do??

I came upon this sight a few weeks back and am very pleased to have found a sight that can help me learn more. So far, it has been a great source of info. I'm really impressed by the knowledge that is being shared.

Couple of other points: EDU/FDC Data Base by Stephen Pacetti indicates there is a 499e cover also dated 7/19/1917 from Aquebogue N.Y. to Johnston N.Y. ex-Bill Hart/Bennet Sale 230, item 881 w/APEX Cert. #131751. I guess then there are 2 EDU covers? Also, if you want to see some nice pictures of W/F EDU/FDCs you can go to Spink Shreves Galleries auction 75 on StampAuctionnetwork.com and see some cover photos for #332 thru #498e.

Al E. Gator,
Wow, The collective source of information here amazes me. Do you know what that 499e sold for? Do you know how I can access Mr. Pacetti or his data base? Third I have always sent things to the APS for certs. I have purchased items with Weiss certs. Are they cheaper or faster than using the APS? Do I need to be some sort of member? I have sent less than 10 items for certs, so I am not very experienced in the whole process. By the time I get something back from the APS it is a least 2 months and by the time I pay the shipping both ways it is a least $40.00. Remind me to tell you the first time I sent something for a cert. I'll skip to the end of the story, my wife was pissed and I was disappointed.

As far as their being others, I always suspected that there would be. The stamp was released 3-1/2 months before a recorded use and up until a few years ago Scott's had a different date listed and last but not least every time I go through a dollar box I see tons of Washington/Franklins covers that I believe have not been thoroughly searched.

The way I found the Pacetti Data Base was through the United States Philatelic Classic Society, of which I am a member. I don't know how you would access it otherwise. Might try to Google "Stephen Pacetti" and see what you get? I don't know what it sold for. I'm guessing if you can access the Bennett Auction wed sight you can go to Sale #230 item #881, if they archive their auctions, and see what it sold for. I've used APS, PF, PSAG and Weiss. As yet, none I've sent it came back what I'd hoped they were, AND its gets expensive! I think Weiss is comparable in price and gets it done quicker. That is why I've been searching for a site that can help me. Unfortunately, my computer and printer are ancient so I can't really put images up on the sight yet. Guess I'm going to have to invest in a good scanner. My wife isn't too happy with me and my stamp hobby costs either. I think Weiss' site is www.stampexpertising.com? If that wrong, just Google "stamp expertising" and you'll get it.
As long as I have one(if I ever do) that is an EDU I wouldn't care if there were more out there, I'd still have one. It is more about the enjoyment of the search and find; makes the hobby fun. Just didn't know if you knew there was another out there or not. There is only two stamp shows a year near where I live and there usually isn't more than 10-12 dealers. These dealers are pretty much the same ones that come each time so I'm usually looking at flea markets, antique shops , garage sales etc. Maybe one day I'll find one too. I'm happy for you; hope you find more--good hunting!

I have an item submitted to Bill Weiss right now. The website is:
www.stampexpertizing.com

Identification is $5.
A black and white certificate is $20 (add $5 if catalog value over $1000).
A color certificate is $25.

"Grading" and "estimated market value" are each $5 additional.

Plus return postage and insurance. I think it's a great bargain. My only "beef" is that Bill no longer holds auctions. That was the place to go with oddball items and unique Americana.

I know. I though that booklet singles weren't given a value but only in the full pane as far as catalog value? Any thoughts on that?

Great information guys! I guess I am lucky to be in an area that has several shows a year. Our big one is Minnesota Stamps EXPO. It is an APS World Series of Philately show. It generally has 30 dealers and 150 exhibits. Two of the clubs I am in help with that show. Metropex is a show that happened last weekend. I am part of a club that solely sponsors that show. We had 16 dealers and several were new. Next month is Snowpex. It will be about the same size. There is a show with 4 dealers the second Sunday of every month and several other shows I am leaving out including a whole network of postcard shows where you can sometimes find some covers. We still have a couple Brick and Mortar shops around although one is mainly supplies, countless Antique malls and lots of clubs. I am currently in three and thinking about a forth. A lot of opportunity to attend live stamp auctions and we have a Philatelic Library. So while it is not the dozens of shops I grew up with, there is plenty of opportunity to meet fellow collectors and socialize.

Yes it is true they only list the value on the booklet pane, but they recognize the single as the earliest known use with no value.