C-6 Used Or Not?

Question on the following SC C-6.

It has obviously been hinged (heavily)....but it has a smudge, and a pen line on the front....yet gum looks shiny and new around that hinge....

How best do I describe this stamp in my database...I daresay MHH, but I'm still uncertain what "Mint" actually means....I mean is there an indicator for "Sort-of-Mint"??

Great stamp, Sasser. I would describe it as "Mint, Hinged with remnant"

Brian

Oooh, I like the sound of that! "Mint, Hinged with remnant" it is!

Thanks so much!

If you hesitate to use the word MINT, which Webster dictionary says "Definition of MINT: unmarred as if fresh from a mint (or, from the printer {my comment}), My suggestion is to describe it as "unused with original gum and hinge remnant".

That sounds a bit more descriptive of this stamp. Though I'd love to say Mint, it really isn't...even though its a nice one, it looks less than P.O.F. Especially with that monster hinge..... Thanks for your input!

Although you are correct in your semantics, fotofila, and I agree that your description is totally accurate, it is not the way the industry would describe this stamp.

The industry uses the word 'mint' to describe unused stamps with original gum no matter what state of preservation the stamp might be in; flaws, no matter how bad they might be, do not exclude a stamp from being considered 'mint'.

The term 'unused' without a qualifier refers to stamps without gum, the term 'mint' refers to an unused stamp with original gum with some sort of gum disturbance (like a hinge mark), and the term 'mint, never hinged' refers to an unused stamp with flawless gum.

I hope that helps!

Brian

Wow, such good information from you Brian!

Then MHH would be accurate?

I'm trying to make the database reflect correctly for eventual sale. (Please feel free to read to my intro if you want to know what database/collection/hoard/holymackerelmotherloadofpostage I'm referring to) Cheers!

MHH = Mint, heavy hinge. A totally accurate description. If this item were for sale, buyers appreciate mentioning the hinge remnant as well.

cheers!

Brian

Ah, so MHH(w/Remnant)...Thanks so much again, you ROCK!

About to post some C-1 pics/questions if you're interested

A guide to gum (Siegel Auctions)

Thank you so very, very much!!

Wow! Super helpful!

Was the discoloration on the gum side of the stamp caused by an earlier use of scotch tape as a hinge?

I have no idea, so I opened the hinge, this is what it looks like...

So, hinged twice?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, since it's such a nice looking stamp on the face, but here are a couple of comments you should carefully consider when looking at the last scan you posted.

Obviously, I have not seen the actual stamp, so these comments may not actually apply, but it is merely based on my observation of your last scan:

I'm so glad to have you guys helping me with your wealth of knowledge!

There isn't a tear or anything in the top right of the pic, upon inspection it is just a hairline in the gum, still gummed, but a slight line in it...almost where it settled into the paper.

I took a couple more photos...

I'm thinking I should label this MHH Part O.G. for would be buyers?

another miss?

That stamp is junk unless you can remove the 'hinge' remnant that has stained the stamp. In the condition it is in, it would not be desirable.

It has a couple of thins, the 'adhesive' hinge (dark one) has stained through the stamp. Your best bet would be to soak off the hinge's and IF the stain comes out, you have a better stamp.