3 Cent Plate 2e, Maybe

Did you have a look at the my possible 96-97R2L? I took a few minutes to compare to the Steven Rueker site. I think it may be.
I just find it funny that you posted the 76R2L at about the same time I pulled a possible pair from that same vertical row.

It looks plausible based on the spacing and a quick comparison with Steven Ruecker's reference images, but I didn't try to confirm it because of the grainy image. It's a shame that most of the frame lines are trimmed off (see careless postal clerk reference above).

Sure enough, it seems more of my stamps are hurt rather than helped by the careless clerk. I will use the camera tomorrow evening and do a better job on this. As always, thanks!

The right side stamp, has a diagonal gash running across the top of the lower left diamond block. This matches the 97R2L image on the Ruecker site.


EDIT:It seems I do things backwards. After taking the picture above, comparing it to Ruecker's images and posting here, THEN... I reviewed the plate 2 chapter in the Chase Book. Chase notes a shifted transfer for 97R2L. I think we can see that with my stamp. That may be what I had described as a gash.

Stampcrow,

Yes, I can confirm 96-97R2L. The guide dot for 87R2L rides low and is barely visible above the top frame line of your 97R2L.

Nice catch on the guide dot. Thanks
Marked and sleeved.

That's some pretty good sleuthing, Stampcrow, identifying those positions with the spacing and Chase's description of the shift.

I mentioned this before but, if you haven't started one yet, a database recording your 3-cent imperforates will become very useful soon with this large collection. I record Scott number, year range of printing, color, plate, plate position, postmark date and town, recut and printing varieties, defects, acquisition specifics, and storage location.

Since I've primarily specialized in color study, I have some of my stamps stored by color, others by plate position, and others as miscellaneous. I hope you'll expand your study of color. I think it's an essential part of collecting this issue, as it will help with identifying plates and period of printing. Conversely, identifying the plate can help with color classification.

Here is another pair I've attempted to plate. You might recognize this pair from an earlier thread. I came up with 46L-47L2L. I'm of course less then certain.
For those keeping score at home, here is the why and how of my conclusion.

First, having inner frame lines, means Type II. Not orange brown Type II, narrows the possible plates. Those being; 1L, 2L, 3 and 5L. L=late.

Secondly, the right hand stamp shows a guide dot. That narrows the possible rows of each plate. Those being; third, fifth, seventh and ninth.
With just those two observations I narrow the search from 2,600 to 320.

Next I look for any re cutting. The left hand stamp shows, 'one line recut upper left triangle'. That's a pretty common recut. The right hand stamp, however, has 'two lines recut upper left triangle'. That narrows it a little more. Having them as a pair, even better.

Now I can go to the U.S.PCS site and check their Plating Guide. I'm only looking at the plates I mentioned. I'm noting stamps, only from rows with guide dots. And, that have 'two lines recut upper left triangle'. Then I look for stamps that would be to the left with, 'one line recut'. That created about a dozen possibilities. An example is, plate 1L has only one position with two line recut, that fits my row criteria, 65R. So, I look to see if 64R is listed with one line recut. It is not. Plate 1L is eliminated that quickly!

I then went to the Steven Ruecker site. Looked at photos of the dozen or so stamps still alive in this search.
This is when I look for more subtle clues. A good one for me was, the right side stamp, left (edited for proper content)inner frame line. You can see it is unusually close at the top. Crooked lines seem to be a useful "tell".

The closest match I found for this pair was, 46-47L2L.

Heck, Stampcrow, you don't even need the plating prints! I agree, it's 46-47L2L. On the right stamp, it's the left inner frame line that is curved more than the other frame lines. It's hard to see in your image, but 47L2L has two lines recut in the upper left triangle. Also, Chase called the guide dot on 47L2L a double dot, though I sometimes can't see a double dot where he saw one.

YESSS! Phew, I would have been disappointed in myself if I had fumbled this one.
I'm going to edit my post to include the left "inner" line information you have provided. In case anyone is learning along with me, I don't want to pass along bad info.

Guys this is a very informative thread. I learn so much reading through these posts. Here's a 10A I have with what looks like--after seeing the examples posted by Classic Coins--Chase's handwriting. If plated correctly, it is position 13L2E.





What do you think CC?

I would say the notation on the back are from Dr. Chase. Check out 26L2E below.

Yeah, the horizontal lines on Chase's Es were typically curved with the ends pointing down.

Awesome display page, Stampcrow!

That is awesome! Another great reference piece from you Stampcrow. Thanks for sharing it with us.