The W/F Frustration Continues. Any Help Greatly Appreciated.

The Washington/Franklin Id Matrix on Bill Weiss web site (free) is even easier to use than the 1847usa site; it filters on the fly and narrows down choices as you type!
http://www.stampexpertizing.com
Don

THe Martin Armstrong book sold for $9.95????? I paid over 40 dollars for my copy. Sob.

disi....not sure I'm in agreement with your statement that the watermark is the easiest point-- especially with the lighter shades- I'm specifically thinking the 6c and 10c shades.

Also, on the 454, the watermark is notoriously bad and elusive so sometimes it makes one think that one has a 491. I thought I found one and when I sent it to Bill Weiss, I told him that if he could find a watermark I'd eat the stamp. I didn't eat it, but should have had it as an appetizer, since he found the watermark on the perfs. And BTW, I did send him one later that is certed as a 491.

So, the watermarks can be really, really difficult on some issues.

I wonder if my water mark fluid is old and maybe not as effective as it could be.

Wahington Franklin designs. Suggest visiting my website and go to the "Articles" where you will find two on this subject, one being an interactive matrix you all might enjoy. www.stampexpertizing.com.

The best book on the W/F stamps is "The Experts Book" by Paul Schmid, but it runs $150.+ and is hard to find. But it is also available through my site if you check the eBooks link, for only $55.00.

"So, the watermarks can be really, really difficult on some issues.";

The single line watermark can be spaced on the sheet such that only a tiny portion of it might end up on a single copy, sometimes just the very bottom of one letter, for example, so indeed, that can be a problem. Even experts sometimes wrestle with whether or not they see a wmk on a stamp believed to be a #491 (unwatermarked)!

And nearly all professional use Ronsonal lighter fluid for watermarking.

Thank you everyone for all the great responses and advice!
First, I learned about the early plate use issue dynamics of the 2 cent.
Next, I learned that I need to stop this evening and pick up some lighter fluid!
Also, and not least of all, I will be spending some time at stampexpertizing.com.