New Scans For My Scott #24's Cover!

I just won this cover this morning, so this is the seller's image. I threw out a low-ball bid and to my amazement I won it. I like it anyway.



Look at my last post on this page for even better scans!


Edit: I replaced seller's image with my own.

A wonderful cover. Mount Vernon, Ohio, is just 20 minutes north of me. So rare to find nice clear "year" postmarks, the key to identification of EKU! And the sender put the stamps on the letter one at a time, obviously, but why sideways? And apparently no torn perfs! Great find!

Thanks! Do you think $30.00 +/- was too much for it?

I'll have to wait until it shows up so I can scan the stamps better than than provided. This is what I was able to find out about them so far:
Scott #24 is Type V. This stamp occurs with perforations, only. These are from plates 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10. The characteristics of type V are:

* Both upper and lower frame lines are broken, and
* The side ornaments are cut away.



Edited to add information

think of this as purchasing three single 24's..

Is it a strip of 3 ? or 3 individual stamps ?

Here is the #24 design template

I believe almost certainly it's 3 singles. What's that 20} in the UL corner though? Also, I didn't quite pay 30.00 for it that was just a ballpark and was a little higher than what I actually gave.

Little Quiz: Why should you HOPE HOPE HOPE it's from Plate(s) 9 or 10?

[answer tomorrow]

I know, I know, I know why! :)

Why? Oh C'mon man! you guys are killing me... Does this have anything to do with it?

I grew up 25 miles directly south of Mount Vernon, so I like this cover! (doug222 - you are southwest ). I think the price was in the ballpark - nice cover

Well, you are indirectly right. For either Plate 9 or Plate 10, this May 1859 cover would be an EKU (earliest known use). The current EKU date for Plate 9 is August 1859. Sorry I can't help identify the plates, but someone here probably can.

Searching for EKUs is one of the last wide-open fields of research, since in most cases, no one will ever know the true date; only the cover (or occasionally, a loose stamp) in hand proves your case. In pre-computer days, I used to carry a list of 200+ Scott numbers to stamp shows, hoping to strike it rich. But I never did.

And the target is constantly retreating. If Scott says March 18, 1875 is the EKU, and someone shows up with a March 16, then the rug is pulled out from under you, and you're just another wannabe, your 15 minutes or 15 months of fame all used up.

Well I seek no riches just a head full of knowledge. I'm actually happy to give stuff to people that truly appreciates it as that is the true treasure in life if you ask me. When this comes in the mail I will scan the cover and most importantly the stamps at a high resolution so someone that knows their stiff can take a poke at plating these puppies! I truly am very super grateful for your wealth of knowledge and help! Most sincere- Jeff

I have another 1859 date stamp on a blue Franklin if you want to see it?

Full cover:



Close-up of stamp:

As I said, I know nothing about plating, but if it's a Plate 9, you have made a major find. It's unlikely to be a Plate 10.