US 1879 Postage Due? Help Identify?

us 1879 postage due? help identify?

Left to right: Perf 10 J56; perf 12 from most likely to impossible, J39 (double line watermark), J32 (no watermark - unlikely), J46 (single line watermark - unlikely), J30 (vermilion no watermark - glows orange under long wave UV, virtually zero probability); J23 (bright claret); J61 (perf 11 carmine rose). The aspect ratio of the small 2 cent due suggests horizontal grain paper which would limit the choice to J39 or J32 (unlikely because the ink would run if soaked). Double line watermarks can often be seen in strong back light if watermark fluid is unavailable. Soaking the small 2 cent due in water is not recommended.

cfrphoto you're the greatest..thanks for helping,,

Mr.cfrphoto..regarding american bank note postage due,the image attachment contains two number 2s and one number 1..the squared off frames of the 1 cent seem to differ from the squared off frame of the 2 cent..?? please tell me why..?? see image..

I don't see what you're asking about, the frames on all values are the same. They appear different because of the amount of ink, the shade of the ink,( the yellow browns versus the red browns) and any varying storage conditions over the years.

I have to disagree with Phil just a bit here. The frames are not all identical. Here are the left sides of the two denominations you gave as examples:




I think in this view it should be fairly easy to see that the frames are not identical, and that the differences have more to do with engraving than any of the factors to which Phil pointed. Note in particular the greater complexity of the shading in the area above and to the left of the word "POSTAGE." So also the line definition in the engine work of the ovals in the vignette frame. As to why? "Artistic license" is my immediate response. The designers sought to add variety to the series in subtle ways like these.

However, everything that Phil said does apply to two stamps of the same denomination. Whatever differences you see between the 2c stamps are not the result of design or engraving. They may be the result of printing, but that needs to be assessed case by case.

Do you have something to point out for the 2c stamps?