What you have here is called a "straddle pane" example, or in this case more properly a left-to-right position C straddle. The "position-C" business refers to the plate layout classification system devised by M. Jack Reinhard back in the 80's as I recall. The presence of the upper guide arrow on the right side of the stamp is the chief characteristic of position C which only comes from one position in the left pane of a 200 subject plate.
However, there is a bit of a problem here that you will want to look into. Since National did not normally run perforations down the center gutter, the straddle stamps normally have a straight edge on the "long" side. You might want to verify that the perforations on the right side of your stamp are original (although they do not appear to be based on what the scan is showing). Overall that is a small loss for a stamp that is very impressive. Straddles are to me some of the most interesting of the regularly produced plate position varieties. It's a nice thing to have.
(Lest I forget: straddle stamps from the top and bottom rows of the plate are frequently used to fake imperforate stamps, because these positions were oversized in relation to the rest of the positions. So trimming the perfs and leaving the bit of adjoining stamp showing, makes them look like the real deal for an imperf single. You are fortunate that in this case someone from the past opted for extra perfs rather than none at all.)
Quote: However, there is a bit of a problem here that you will want to look into. Since National did not normally run perforations down the center gutter, the straddle stamps normally have a straight edge on the "long" side.
I was hoping someone would comment to that effect. I thought the same thing, but in the end decided the reperfed right side has zero impact on the appeal or value of this stamp. If the perfs do check out, then add one more positive point to this stamp!
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Posted 07/15/2013 3:30 pm
