Perf 10x11 Help!

wert sent me the perforation gauge via email. With a bit of effort I made it small enough to be posted here. It only includes perforations that are relative to U.S. Classic collectors. If you're looking to identify stamps above perf 13 or below perf 10, then just make sure that your stamp doesn't fit into the range of this image. As stated before, you will need to paste this image into a layer in an image editing program above your scan. Instructions for matching your scan size are on the image. Right click on it and select "Save As".



I'm working on the other half that will be useful to other collectors to send to wert. Since he shared the image with me, he can have the joy of disseminating it to others.

Not me. I haven't bought anything on ebay for a couple of years. I don't find much profit buying on ebay to sell on ebay. Anyway, I am still working off a lot of 300,000 mostly Washington/Franklin stamps bought a few years ago.

Also, I am puzzled about this on line perforation gauge. If one must use a perforation gauge, the Kiusalas or Multi-Gauge would be much more accurate for US stamps. But, using another stamp is so much easier. In case the image is on line, counting the perforations and holes between the extension of the frame lines top and bottom is a quick filter. It is also possible to count the side perforations and count them on an actual stamp.

The problem I see in the initial post is an image of a 2 cent flat plate block from the corner of a sheet juxtaposed with mention of the type II rotary press Scott 539. I am surprised that anyone responded because rotary press coil stamps were from a much different sheet layout. Also the appearance of rotary press and flat plate stamps of the period are quite different. To fully understand Washington/Franklin stamps and develop a quick way to remember the various perforations and types, start with the business problem. The Bureau of Engraving and printing could barely keep up with the demand for stamps and had serious quality issues. Then, learn about the production methods used to produce the stamps, especially the development of the Stickney rotary press.

I don't see much value in continuing to respond to speculation about perforation varieties never reported after almost one hundred years. While some of the reported varieties like perf 12 x 10 and 10 x 12, type II coil waste, perf 11 sheet waste and the later perf 10 on one side anomaly are quite rare, the logic of their existence is well understood, if not well documented. Inventing new varieties where none exists is unnecessary. We have enough reported varieties. Even then new discoveries like unreported plate numbers still turn up and are reported in the United States Bureau Specialist.

It is time for more members of this forum to join the United States Stamp Society and check out various back issues, now on line, before making up new varieties and posting here.

Clark

Clark, no one intended to claim a new perforation type. There was a mistake in perforation measurement by the Original Poster and by disi making a mistake in image analysis.

The thread then spontaneously transitioned to alternative perforation measurement methods. These were intended as an alternative method to physical perforation measurement. The overlay image is an alternative way to measure perforations when the scan resolution is known and trusted that can be performed without the actual stamp in hand.

Obviously gauges such as the Kiusalas or U.S. Specialty Multi-Gauge are the best practice tools. The overlay gauge image is intended for those without a perforation gauge that yet have scanners, those analyzing scans from others of stamps with known dpi, and those that prefer to analyze their own stamps behind a computer monitor instead of making physical measurements.

Nothing will replace the Kiusalas or U.S. Specialty Multi-Gauge when it comes to definitive identification of perforations. The other tools are meant to assist in other ways.

With physical comparisons, I agree that using a known stamp for comparison is the simplest method. However, not everyone has an accurate starting reference point. Tools such as the overlay image and Don's printable gauge do provide these references. Some cannot afford a manufactured gauge. Some don't have enough stamps and or interest to spend money on a physical gauge.

I agree that it would be ideal if more members joined the U.S.S.S., but not everyone can afford it, nor have the time and or capacity to research their references.

No intention of "making up new varieties" was ever intended.

As for the ebay lot of 2c Washingtons that I mentioned, it was purely my speculation based on a coincidence in timing. As for you stating that you are still in the process of working through identification of 300,000 W/F, I am immensely jealous. I wish you luck.

Clark, you must be going bonkers with that many W/F's to sort through