Opinion On A Grill (Again) Please

Having a hard time with this one- Its not in hand so really hard to do the usual experiments. I count 14 across but can't tell how many down / If its an F could it be done sideways?

It looks like an E grill (14X16) but it really is difficult to tell from the image.

I wish I could count them but scans aren't really all that good. I have a 3c 1873 ribbed paper and the only way to see it is take a photograph with a light source pouring across the stamp and creating shadows to highlight the grill(or ribs).

I know it is anathema for many collectors, but I usually remove hinges from classics. The hinge remnant on your stamp prevents you from clearly seeing any grill points that may be under it. I have been successful in removing them without damage to the stamp. If you do not want to soak your classic stamp, try the following instructions for mint with gum. Once you get the hang of it, you can then confidently remove hinges from classic used stamps with no gum.

Take a very damp, but not dripping wet Q-tip to moisten the hinge only. In most cases it is not necessary to go all the way to the edge of the hinge, the water will spread throughout the hinge. After a few seconds, or more, depending on the hinge or how much you dampen it, take a single edge razor blade or exacto knife and VERY CAREFULLY lift a corner of the hinge. Continue lifting it until it comes off. Practice this on that pile of US 3 cent or other basically worthless mint with gum hinged stamps you may have. Experiment until you are comfortable with your ability to remove hinges without damaging the stamp. There will be gum disturbance but it can be minimal. UNLESS YOU ARE A VERY BRAVE RISK TAKER, I DO NOT RECOMMEND TRYING THIS ON CLASSIC OR HIGH VALUE MINT WITH ORIGINAL GUM.

There may be a professional way of removing hinges but if you are like me, paying a professional to do it is, in my opinion, too expensive, except for mint with gum. But then, maybe they won't do it either.

Just soak that one. It doesn't appear to have gum on it anymore anyways so no harm there.

Problem its not mine- I have a nice F grill already (10c washington) and this is listed as an F but it just didn't strike me as being F looking. I know the hinge gets in the way but seeems the grill faintly goes down to the thin area. All in all its not very appealing on the front but would be nice to fill some grill holes if not an F