Interesting Pre Cancel?

Found this one and thought it interesting. Not like any other pre-cancel I have... also looks to be a booklet stamp???

The stamp is discolored, either due to the photo or scan, or possibly it was chemically altered as either way the color isn't right.

Also, the stamp is not from a booklet, but is simply a straight edge as many of the stamps from that period were printed and cut in that way. Typically, straight edge stamps are not as collectible as stamps with perforations all around.

The precancel is also quite common. Here's an example from my collection:

appreciate the reply. You are right about the color; its not the scan. This is part of the 300-400K Washingtons I am going through (see my other post). While most of the stamps are in good shape, there are a few like this one that have sun or water damage. Thanks again!

I have a 1 cent Washington from the Presidential Issue of 1938. This one has a pre cancel of Elkton MD. Both the lines of the precancel are single and thick. I will upload a scan when i'm at work if anyone needs.

Is this pretty common as a precancel? I have a lot of the bigger cities and states, but this is probably the only one of a smaller town.

Thanks for your help.

Where only the outlines of letters show, was that due to using a rubber-mat (?) type of printing method?

those were made with metal plates, but irregular and sloppy inking

Besides irregular and sloppy inking, other variations but not true varieties are created by using the wrong type of ink for a given device. Each device, wood (yes, wood), rubber, vinyl, metal, etc. work best with a specific type of ink. Using the ink for a rubber stamp on a metal stamp or vice versa can make some very perplexing prints.