Distinguishing Scott 107 From 69?

Are there any key features to distinguish scott 107 from Scott 69? I see a stamp in an APS circuit that looks like this 12c issue, with a later (maybe 1880s) type cancel that you typically don't see on a Scott 69. I realize it could just be a late use, but possibly a 107 also. Is there an easy way to distinguish the two?

Matt

This one is trickier than first glance. I'll let others comment first, but I already have my opinion.

69 on the basis that the white shirt collar engraving is not prominent and it does not look like hard white paper in texture.

#69. Scott #107 is a special printing, printed on hard white paper from a new plate of 100 subjects, and would have no gutter between stamps.

Good job, Phil! By picking up on the fact that the OP stamp is a straddle pane copy, you nailed it! You also got the white paper detail in. Shall we say that the impression on this one is or is not "prooflike?" (Not that we need that to know what this stamp is.)

Please, please, please -- point us towards reliable reference material for differentiating the 1875 reprints! I have a similar "if wishes were fishes" situation with the 15c (#77 or 108) and really want to learn what to look for! Scott is not much help here - same type number, and highly subjective "distinguishing" features.

Thank you all for the comments! It sounds like this one can't possibly be 107 because of the straddle margin.

Matt

Better late than never......let me explain the original comment.

Without knowing the exact size of the plate used to print the reissue, one can easily be fooled into thinking it is a reissue because;

1. The cancel is obviously way too late for a in-period use of #69;

2. One might be aware that there was greater spacing between stamps on the reissue plates, so the big left and top margins might convince him it is a reissue.

So by combining #1 and #2, it can easily be confused for a reissue. Once you know the size of the plate, it is then obvious that a straddle pane copy such as this one is impossible. Also, of course, as noted by essayk, the color and impression of this stamp are unlike the reissue.

Thanks Bill!

Matt