Franklin 1851 1c Type II Vs IIIa

This ID made me nervous enough to not bid, but this stamp was up for auction on ebay this week. It looks to me like a Plate 4, Relief C or D, but I'm not certain. There is just enough of a faint upper border line to make me wonder if it is a faded Type II, although IIIA seems more likely on first glance (to count as a IIIA or III, does the "gap" in the outer line have to be in the center?).

Also, is there any possibility that this is a faded Relief A from the first three plates???

This stamp is quite likely from Plate 1E. It is a Type II.

I believe this is a Type II, Scott #7, from Plate 1E (to judge by the color and the weakness of the frame lines, which nevertheless look complete). It is an A relief, which is evident from the presence of the so-called "dingle," a small horizontal mark attached to the lower left plume that is found on A relief positions on plates 1, 2 and 3 (see arrow in image below).

Sinclair, thanks for the reply. The erasure on top threw me off (made me think Plate 4). Is it relatively common to have that degree of erasure on Plate 1-3 Type II's?

lukusw, a few positions on Plate 1E can be either Type II or Type IIIa, depending on the degree of wear of the plate when the stamp was printed. The outer frame lines on Plate 1E, especially the top frame line, were generally weak, and in extreme cases could end up broken after sufficient wear to the plate. This is why the recuts of Plate 1L were made. The top frame line in your example looks very weak, but the apparent break over the O of POSTAGE looks like it may be the result of a surface scrape. Type III or IIIa breaks do not have to be in the exact center.

It is common for Plate 1E A-relief stamps to have a weak top curved line. Plate erasure from burnishing surely caused some of it but the primary cause is short transfer, ironing-out of the design by the relief roller, and plate wear.

Dudley and Sinclair, thanks again for the info. Your assistance and willingness to share your knowledge is greatly appreciated! Every time I think I'm getting a handle on this stamp (i.e. the Franklin 1c), I hit another wrinkle.

This is why some of us find endless fascination in this little blue stamp.