Layout Lines On 12c Banknotes ?

While I was checking a couple of extra 12 cent bank notes for hidden faults prior to listing them, I noticed that both of them have what I think are layout line in the design, on the National the line runs full height of the stamp down thouugh the left side of the period between U.S, through the bottom of the U, crosses the vignette border, through the W in twelve and on off the stamp. On the Continental, the line runs diagonally left to right through the bottom of the U, across the vignette border and through the eyebrow of Mr. Clay. I've strengthened the lines so that its visible. A higher resolution scan would help, but 600dpi is all my scanner is capable of. Are they lay out lines?

The line on the National stamp on the left is most assuredly a layout line. Notice that it intersects the vignette just at the edge of the background shading. Chances are if you were able to discriminate dots in that shading network, you would find a position dot buried in there somewhere not far from that point.

As for the Continental on the right, that line is not a layout line (unless the siderographer took too long a liquid lunch break). I can't tell what it is, but the odd angle suggests some kind of plate scratch or wiping anomaly. Can't help you there.

Thanks for comfirming my thoughts, that the verticle line is a lay out line. My reasoning was it was "square" to the design. The line on the Continental, running through Henry's eyebrow seems to be something else. Is it common for a layout line to run through the design, the vignette border, and off the stamp. I could not tell if that line continued through mr. Clay's hair, and the cancel covers the right side of the stamp where the line would be, if it was there.

Those lines are fairly readily seen on the plate proofs, less so on the stamps, but yes, they usually run through the design as you see.

That's actually really fascinating and never seen an actual layout line on a stamp! Thank you.

Found another National with the verticle lay out line. Also took a look for the guide dot, can't really see it in the background shading line but did fine another short scratch ( marked in red ) that almost intersects the verticle line, but is not square to it, it is angled. The second National has no other lines.

Littleriverphil, that is amazing! My screen is not very clear, but it looks as if the line is not in the same position on both stamps. Is that possible?

Peter

Peter, I'd say your screen is pretty clear, they are in slightly differnt positions! To be more exact, the first National stamp had the lay oput line centered of the 9th background shading line from the corner of the inner frame. On the second stamp ( on the right, the slightly off kilter stamp ) the line is between the 8th and 9th line and just misses the period in U.S. It is possible because these stamps were printed in sheets of 200, and each position required lay out lines to line the transfer roller up with.

ILS, If you E-mail me your address I will gladly send you a ( modern ) strip of stamps with a layout line!

Peter