US #10A/11A Radial Lines In Bottom Label Block

I first noticed these lines radiating out from the lower left of the C in CENTS in the bottom label block of the US 1851-57 3-cent US imperforate stamps about 20 years ago. This weekend I browsed through my collection and found about a dozen of the stamps that clearly showed at least four radial lines, with a few of them showing that probably five total lines are present.

So far, all examples I've examined are B-reliefs, including a #10A specimen, and closeup scans of five of the clearest ones are shown here. The placement of the lines seems consistent regardless of position. Inking inconsistencies can make them look somewhat different from each other. From top left, these are 70L1L, 47L1L, not plated, 65R3, and 69L1i.

Many more of my stamps show evidence of these radial lines, but most are poorly defined. The lines show up best on under-inked specimens.

I'd appreciate any feedback.

Hmm, it seems very relevant that all are relief B.

I wonder if there were some metal shavings left behind. Like angel hair still attached to the C.

Made me curious classic coins - bingo...there it is, just as you pictured!

I would have to look through my stuff longer and more carefully but I did find a Type III/IV stamp with the same characteristics. That would suggest that it comes from the die. If I have time later I will look some more.

Here's a couple that I picked out real quick. These two seem to have an almost identical single line radiating. I think they are both B relief. One is plate 3 the other plate 5.

Interesting. Thanks Sinclair. I haven't looked at my perforated 3-centers yet.

Stampcrow, I can see the radial lines on both of yours.

OK, here's the first A-relief I've found with the radial lines - 58R5L:

I wonder if at this point you might look at other areas of the label blocks. See if there are other repeatable marks. The next largest area is between the S and the P.

Here is a type IV.

Yes, it's on the die. Some areas of the labels were gouged out around the letters more deeply than other areas. The area next to the C is most prominent. I don't recall seeing anything in the literature about it.

They don't show well in my scans of die proofs (heavily inked, so both shallow and deeply gouged areas of the label blocks are fully inked on the paper), although they are clear enough when looking through a 30x stereo microscope.

An india proof of the reprint shows the marks well.