Question About Scott #210

Hi guys...I have a lot of #210...But I noticed that there is a #211B...Can anyone tell me how to recognize regular paper versus soft porous paper..??...Thanks.

Robert

Robert, one way to tell would be to hold it in front of a strong light.

Peter

Peter..What am I looking for..??

Robert

211B is pale red brown, if that helps at all. Also, I don't know if there are any used issues of 211B to speak of. (Someone correct if I'm reading Scott incorrectly!)

Soft, porous paper gives something of a diffuse look when held up to a light, doesn't it? It would be nice to have examples of this on the site as a resource as this question comes up a lot.

KGB..Got this quote from another thread..Now I know mine is probably NOT soft porous paper, but the picture I took does have sort of those loose fibres in the perforations...Still confused...

Robert

Robert,
The discrimination of #210 and 211B is not made on the basis of paper. They are both products of the American Bank Note Co. and are both on the same paper (within the tolerance limits of the paper supplier). The discrimination is on the basis of color. However, 211B is not known postally used. The only "cancelled" examples are in a pair bearing a mark from the office of the Third Assistant Postmaster General in 1885. Search the forum for discussions of no 211B, and you will get more of the story. But don't look for a used one, because they were not available to be used.