Scott 538 Perf Question

Now that I have learned how to use the Digital E-Gage, I'm finding a few questions. I just purchased a 538 to fill a hole in my collection, but find that the Perfs don't quite measure the 11x10. My measurements are much closer to 11 1/2 on top, and all others as expected (9.9/10 on sides, 11 on bottom). Closeups below. Is this slight variation possible?

(Note obvious scissor cut on top/bottom, and some odd perfs on lower side left)











Was someone playing a game ... reperf? Or just slight, normal variation?

Just one more picture. I added Vertical Lines to attempt to show that the perforation holes lineup well on the right side, but then tend to creep off significantly by the time we get to the left side. Another indication that the perf on the top is slightly more than the perf on the bottom. Interesting.

This stamp has been reperforated at top and bottom - it is not a 538.

Agree with orstampman - very crudely reperforated, likely a Scott 490 (CV $0.60) that was altered (adding fake perfs) at both top and bottom to resemble the more expensive 538. Return it for a refund.

For those who'd like to see a stamp that epically fails the "Srail test," here you go:

Yep, just as I thought. Thanks again to SCF.