1857 Franklin 1c Types

First post here. I have two Franklin perforated 1c that I think are both Type IIIa (Sc#22), but wanted a second opinion.

The first I lean toward IIIa because I don't think I have the luck of having a type III and I think there is a hint of blue in the bottom perf just to the left of "C", giving a "solid" bottom frame line. At the top of the stamp, the bottom of the design of the stamp above it is visible, and looks complete--a type I or Ia. Does anyone know if there are plate positions that have a type I/Ia above a III or IIIa? I am new to plating, so forgive me if that is a foolish question.

The second stamp I think is IIIa, but the top frame line is so asymmetric in strength that it made me wonder if there is a faint blue line in the upper middle perfs, making it a type II??? Any help appreciated.

If you stick with studying the 1c stamps of 1851-61 you will learn that your two stamps are fairly easy to identify. The first is a Plate 12 stamp and the second is a Plate 11 stamp. The Plate 12 stamp is 63L12 with a really nice DT (see the Neinken book). Neinken calls the position a Type II but also illustrates a break in the top line in the diagram of the position on pg. 402. FWIW, I believe there are several Type IIIa positions from Plate 12 that Neinken calls a Type II. The elements of a Type I stamp above this position is an immediate "tell" that this is a Plate 12 stamp.

The second stamp is a Type IIIa from a B relief position. The bottom right plume is very distinctive on B relief stamps from Plate 11.

Lastly, only Plate 11, 12, and the 1875 productions show the heavy blue dot in the white oval at the 9 o'clock position.

If there is anybody out there still interested in holding a physical book, I have a set of the Ashbrook books on the 1c stamp for sale on ebay right now

In order to neutralize the shameless plug for my ebay sales, I should remind everybody that the USPCS, which I am a member of, has made it possible for cheapskates and those that do not have an affinity for books, to download the Ashbrook books and many others for free.

To add to this, you may find yourself doing both (as I have) in order to access these amazing books at work. Not saying I advocate diverting your attention from your job, but rather giving yourself some nice reading material during your breaks :)

Brian

Thanks! That greatly helps. You may have just added plating to my interests :-)