How To Determine Scott Numbers When On Cover?

Hello,

I have posted some bad/aged looking covers on another topic. But now my question is: how can I determine the scott numbers for stamps still on cover. The eventual watermarks are ofcourse..ahum..i think..not visible.

Pretty pictures, and useful for looking at details of the stamp design, perfs etc. However, for your larger question it might help to be able to see the postal markings for period of usage and source. A clear shot of the CDS (circular date stamp) is enough if that is the only postal information on the cover. But if it has additional markings with dates, they might be useful as well. Discriminating between actual covers and stamps on piece is important too, since rates for various classes are often time limited and may help form a "window" to the information you really want.

If all these covers and stamps are from the same correspondence, then looking at the dates of usage might suggest which stamps may have come from the same source and could be expected to be of the same type. Then you have the basis for cross matching the results of your study of each stamp. {E.g. One shows something, the other does not, but both must come from the same sheet, therefore...}

Have you tried looking at the stamps on cover while they are wet from a small splash of watermark fluid? Using it probably won't hurt the cover any more than the stamp, but if you have doubt, do a small test on part of the flap or someplace on the reverse before you brush or drop it onto the stamp. Keep the ambient room light low, but keep a strong variable light source aimed at the cover, then while the stamp is wet try angling the cover in the light.

Others may have additional suggestions.

Thanks for your reply. I did not try to wet them yet..and am actually a bit carefull doing so.
Now the covers, or atleast whats left of them are not so nice to say the least,but don't want to damage them any further.

Here is the link to the complete pictures of them:

https://goscf.com/t/46929&whichpage=3

But if I understand correctly,if I cannot find the watermarks, there is no way in telling what type they are.

On the other hand, when you look at the covers/enveloppes it might not hurt in soaking them intirely?

Thanks again and regards from the netherlands.

Remco

the 4 cents are most likely 495

2 cents most likely a 492 but I base alot of this on the 1921 date on one of the covers and the covers look same time period

Remco, please do NOT soak the whole cover; you will remove the stamp. Of course, that way you can tell whether it has a watermark or not, but you loose the value of the complete cover.
There is a way of checking for watermarks on piece, but at the moment it escapes me. I will get back when I find it or think about it! In the meantime you might be able to come up with something if you use the search function on top of this page?

Peter

I am searching Peter, inam searching ;).

Remco

I wouldnt take it off, it could be a 457 if it has a watermark but those were issued in 1915 so you are hoping a company who is mailing comercialy is holding 6 year old stamps when they mailed it.

I will not take them off.
Did not find clue's though, so I must be searching wrong or using the wrong search terms.

Just will wait paitiently for eventual more assistance.

Thanks all! And enjoy the weekend :)

Remco

Search Washington Franklin identification tool, another member just posted this interesting tool. The tool enables you to get very close to the id of the issue.
You might try wetting the stamp with watermark fluid then hold the envelope over a strong light source such as a bright flashlight you might be able to see the mark (only one layer of paper and the stamp).

Only one layer of paper?