#88 Or #85 Grill Problem

I am aware that some students of the 1861-68 issues have begun to regard the earliest issued grill types as "experiments" with limited circulation in limited markets. But to an essay-proof specialist, the term "experimental grill" carries a broader meaning than that, encompassing a number of imperforate and essay items that never saw circulation in public at all.

Which type of "experimentals" did you have in mind?

FWIW all of the imperforate grill tests on stamp paper that I know (I'm a little out of my element here) which used the issued stamp design were in pale tones like the early issued stamps. But some in other designs included a sizable range of colors.

Essay, referring specifically to Scott 79, 82, 83, 85, 85C...Grills A, B, C, D, and Z.....

Ray has a good point regarding the early issued grills, which he called experimental. Here are some pages from the award winning exhibit by Richard Drews of this material. Note the pattern of colors for the three cent:

Discussion of issued all-over A-grills:



Discussion of issued B and C grills:



Discussion of issued D grills:




Discussion of issued Z grills:



The uniformity of pale shades is quite evident. But so you know that I wasn't just being picky, here are some of the essay pages for experimental grills that go with these:





There are experimental grills and there are experimental grill issues.