I am in the process of learning how to identify Flat/Rotary/Offset Printing, and have a couple general questions.
One: I'd like to make a template, but am uncertain which stamp to use. Is there a "best" stamp for this? Please provide scott number if you can (I am very new to this )
Two: I have been trying to identify this stamp to be certain it is a 599. Your thoughts?
For the 1908-1921 washington franklins, any denomination from 6cent to 1dollar can be used as a template with absolute certainty [any from SC506 to 518]. They will always be flat plate printings. Any stamp that is either 'oneframe line' taller or wider would be rotary press.
For the 1922-1926 series, you can be sure with a SC571 1 dollar stamps as ALL denominations lower than this can come both flat plate or rotary. SC571 is always flat plate.
The 599 coil you show will be one frameline wider than the SC571 or any other flat plate.
First of all the 1920 {and onward} are really not considered part of the actual Washington/Franklin issues (even though Washington's mug does indeed adorn it.) Am I mistaken about this?
Disclaimer: I am by no means an expert but I know enough to be somewhat helpful. If you see an error then by all means say something. I just thought this little ditty would help clear up some of the mystery and intimidation surrounding these and is only meant as a courtesy. Sincerely -Jeff
For some folks, the idea of trying to identify the Washington & Franklin issues is just daunting and frightening so, most people tend to either- just toss them in the "I'll get around to it" pile, or dive in and give it their very best shot but then get hurriedly frustrated and most folks just give up!
Does sound like someone you might know?..lol- Well, here is my best shot at showing you how to tell the difference between the stamps and their printing method so you can confidently peruse your goal of getting them positively identified and into your albums for you to enjoy!
Look very carefully at these stamps pictured below.
Rotary Press: Here we go-OK, take a look at stamps #1 & #2. Can you see the frame size difference? (not the whole stamp just the vignette) the stamps design on stamp #1 is noticeably wider than the design on stamp #2. A wider or longer vignette is usually indicative of the ROTARY PRESS.
Offset Press: Now, look at stamp #5. (It's a 3˘ violet Washington). see how it don't look as sharp and lacks the strong impression, outline & details like the flat plate 5˘ blue stamp #6? This is a great sign that it's an OFFSET PRESS.
Flat Plate Press: To I.D the FLAT PLATE printings, just flip it over and look for specks of ink. Sometimes they are very small and other times it can be so much that it looks like another stamp and is un-misstakeable!
OK that's it. Now you can dive into your pile of Washington's and Franklins and worry about what type your stamp is- I, II, III, IV, V...and so on.
More on how to type them will be coming up soon.
If anyone need assistance with an ID- By all means PLEASE feel free to contact me and I'll do my best to get you through them! I love these issues and hope some of you can learn to enjoy them as well! But in the mean time, just look below! Here is a wonderful site that will help anyone that's willing to try these.
1847.com is an excellent resource for identifying and learning how to tell what type your stamp(s) are.
Best of luck to you and happy stamping fellow stampers!
OK, since I've noticed that there were no replies, I have to assume that it still confuses some of you. Lets delve in a little deeper shall we?
The biggest difficulty in the identification of your Washington Franklins is usually between the Flat plate and offset printings. Below, I will post an example of each and attempt to describe to the best of my ability what you need to look for and with a little practice you will instantly recognize them.
First, The Offsets. Look below at the images. See how they just look bad in general? They are almost blurry and appear under-inked in some extreme cases! They just aren't as magnificent and as "solid" looking as the Flat plate press issues. They just have a look to them all their own. They actually remind me of the old comic book illustrations.
Now Look at this page of Flat plate printings- Take notice at how crisp and sharp the details are and how the colors just POP right off the page! Offset does not usually do this as well although some offsets can look heavily over inked, they still lack the details of the flat press printing plates.
Please observe below-
These same rules apply to the Franklins too. It's universal that way.
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Posted 02/03/2013 09:21 am
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