Scratches On Scott #698

I've been trying to upgrade my #698 to an MNH VF+. I purchased one on ebay, and when I received it I noticed some light scratches on the face. I thought it was damaged until I started looking at other ebay listings. The scratches seem to be fairly common on this issue and can be seen most clearly to the left of the tall ship's sails. Can someone tell me if these scratches are normal or if the stamp is damaged?

Rotary press issues tend to show what looks like scratches sometimes on them. This effect can also appear on the back gum side of the stamp too. Since the printing plates continuously rotate and the paper web continuously moves, these types of fine lines can appear.

jogil

I'm not familiar with your statement, could you show one or two examples of what you mean "This effect can also appear on the back gum side"......

I need a good picture so I understand!

Thanks

stampmaster, I think you are picking up on an intentional design detail. As I see it, the scratches left of that sail (my left) are meant to represent rays of sunlight flooding down from the sky. They stream in parallel down from the position of the sun, angling to the left, and continue right onto the water. I don't think they are a flaw.

That is a very nice stamp, by the way.

I agree, that's a beautiful stamp

vandal6...Welcome to the forum btw.

The only thing that caught my eye is the irregularity of the bottom left hand circle..warped just a bit as shown below.

Robert

essayk

I was asking jogil if a scan of the reverse could be shown, so I could see what he said as follows "Rotary press issues tend to show what looks like scratches sometimes on them. This effect can also appear on the back gum side of the stamp too. Since the printing plates continuously rotate and the paper web continuously moves, these types of fine lines can appear".

I wanted to see this effect on the back gum side of the stamps.

essayk, perhaps you did not understand my post. I wanted to learn what is meant by "This effect can also appear on the back gum side of the stamp too". I always looking to expand my learning of U.S. Stamps, I had never encounter this before and want to learn what it is, what it looks like, etc. and etc.

I agree, this is a great looking stamp in many ways.

Dave

stampmaster.....I am sure you could search ebay for a #698.
Someone will have a back sacn that shows the gum lines.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/698-20-Gold...778677&rt=nc

Here is an example...

Hi All

To kevin504, thanks for your reply.

jogil check out the link that kevin504 posted, is this what you were referring to when you said "This effect can also appear on the back gum side of the stamp too"?

Dave

Hi All

After rereading my latest reply, I think I've committed another senior moment.

jogil, are you referring to the Gum Ridges when you said "This effect can also appear on the back gum side of the stamp too?" If this is correct then I kno2 what your are talking about, sorry I go confused.

Kevin504 Do you also think it's the gum ridges jogil was referring to? Sorry, some how I go confused again.

I know all about gum ridges, have studied them for many years and the potential impact on how to properly examine and make correct identification of our wonderful stamps.

I must ask you kevin504, did you obtain permission to use the ebay images?

I suppose my old fashioned ideas about stamp collecting ethics is out of date now, but I for one would always seek permission first before posting an image of a stamp or anything else that did not belong to me. Please do not interrupt this as a negative comment to you, just stating me I believe and lived by for over 60 years of stamp collecting.

Dave

The Internet

Interesting, me being an old dog needs to learn something new, good! Thanks for the information.

Also interesting as in the last two months I've seen where an individual posted images but did not give the source of the images. I know for a fact the poster did not own these two stamps. But guess we just have to live with the bad part of the internet.

Again, thanks for the outstanding information.

Dave
p.s., I have 42 years on your 26 years.