SC #261 Or #276? Type I Or II?

I suppose that this #261 (because I can't see the watermark), and type I, with the broken circles. I will appreciate other opinions.

It is definitely a type I.

Are you checking for watermark on a black background?

The watermark on the $1 denomination will have a vertical orientation.

Hi tomiseksj. 2nd scan is made on a black piece of mount (so, it is black background, if you think about that)... 3rd and 4th photo are made exposed directly on a hard light... if there is any other option to look for a watermark (i don't have fluid in this moment), please, let me know.

You'll need fluid to test for watermark. There have been some posts about using software to "extract" a watermark but I have only used watermark fluid (Ronsonol (Naptha) lighter fuel) and a Roll-a-Tector.

If there is any sign of the watermark, it will be visible on this scan...

Btw. can you see the grill on this stamp? 2nd photo is the same, but enchanced in the photoshop...

I see indications of what might be a watermark on the image two above and indications of what might be a grill on both of the images directly above this post.

If those were my stamps, I wouldn't feel confident in making those determinations until I had dipped the stamps in watermark fluid.

Thank you, Tomiseksj. Btw. do you have an experience with the medical benzine using for looking the watermarks in the early U.S. stamps? I know that it will not harm the stamp itself, but, I am not sure what it can do with the ink cancellations!?

I just made a call to all Philatelic stores in Croatia, and none has the WM fluids on their stock.

filipo can you get liquid lighter fluid like Ronsnol or Zippo fluid in Croatia? I'm sure you can someplace look in the hardware store, grocery store or one of those Dollar stores they should have it. That will work the best lay stamp on a black surface face down and put a drop of the fluid on it enough to wet the entire stamp and the watermark, if there is one will show up. Best of luck!

P.S.
Also, there should be no grills on this series of stamps so that likely is just an anomaly in the image.

Hi ILS, thank you for the suggestion... I can found Zippo fluid, of course... but, I more believe in medical benzine, because I am using it in so many occasion, and I am sure that it is going to dissapear in a couple of moments, without leaving any traces. In fact, it is using for the cleaning of the open wounds... and, also for the all kind of electrionic devices, which are very sensitive.

I believe Zippo fluid will works fine on the stamps for the watermarks, but, are you sure that it doesn't leave any traces?? Maybe some unvisible to our eyes?

In fact, I am 100% confident for the benzine on the stamps itself... but, I am afraid that will not spread the ink cancellation somehow... because, that medical benzine is also using for the cleaning of different ink spots etc.

Btw. stamp with the grills is Pictorial issue 1869 3c, and it should have a grill.

filipo I honestly don't know if there is any microscopic traces left although I doubt there is, but as far as your medical benzine goes- why don't you just try it on an old or damaged stamp of a similar kind first and see what happens? I'm not familiar enough with benzene to tell you if it will effect the cancellation ink but I can tell you that Benzene has been used for decades without any ill effects (on stamps anyway) but it being a medical grade product I couldn't tell you with any certainty? As far as I know these issues aren't printed with any "fugitive" style inks so I would imagine you would be OK. Let us know how you make out OK?

Respectfully, Jeff

EDIT:

Maybe you can figure out the number another way? Maybe this will help out but I think you already may have this information? If not I'll post it here.

Filipo,

I have no experience using benzene so I can offer no assistance in that regard.

I have used Ronsonol (Naptha) lighter fluid as well as Zippo to test for watermarks since I began collecting in the late-1970s. To date I have seen no signs of damage due to my use of either fluid.

Steve

I just tried it with Benzine... but, I didn't think about how I will make a photo or scan... so, I just made a swift shot with my mobile phone... However, I think that it is visible what it should be an USPS watermark from that time:

this was the best I was been able to do... scanned, with a dark background, in the fluid...

does it seems to has a watermark or not?

THE opinion, please :D

Yours is the Type I, double-line watermarked Scott 276. The rectangle on the watermark image below approximates the watermark that is on your stamp.

Tomiseksj,

thank you VERY much for your time and knowledge you spent on this. I am smarter now somewhow, but, I am just curious does this reversed and inverted watermarks are listed somewhere in that variations (like Commonwealth in SG), or they are not of the importance at all? I think that Scott doesn't list them at all.