#26 Or #26A?

#26 or #26A? The vertical frame lines extend well past the diamond blocks, so I think that this is a #26, but I want a second opinion.











The left outer frame line nearly becoming an inner frame line is very similar to the #26 examples at http://www.uspcs.org/the-1851-1860-...51-3c-issue/. This also adds to my belief that my stamp is a #26. I don't know if this is a coincidence or not.

Your stamp is indeed a #26. The line at left is the centerline. Some 1857's come with perforated centerlines but your centerline perfs have been added to what was a natural straight-edged stamp.

Frameline locations can be quite variable. One piece of 1857 trivia that has been handed down a few times is that you wont find a Type IV that shows a left frameline touching the lower left diamond block. So far I have found this to be true.

Thank you for the confirmation and great additional info. I noticed the reperfs when it arrived. Would cutting them off be considered an even worse alteration? Ryan

I believe that the stamp should be left as is. It would serve as a useful instructional tool. I used a few images of bonehead modifications in the Expertizing class at the APS Summer Seminar in 2014. Bill Weiss, Irv Miller and I will be reprising the class at the 2015 APS Summer Seminar.

Cutting off the fake perforations would remove the center line and nullify the value of the stamp for plating. Also, the cut would be no more authentic than the original with the fake perforations.

Clark

"Also, the cut would be no more authentic than the original with the fake perforations." I understand, but it would at least return it to its original appearance.

"Cutting off the fake perforations would remove the center line and nullify the value of the stamp for plating." I had not thought of that. Great point. Thanks for your input.

Feel free to use it's image for your class. Contact me if you want a higher resolution image.

Percentage wise, how much do the fake perforations devalue this stamp?