Opinions On Scott #191 -- Updated With New Scans

I need a used Scott #191. Here's one from the latest APS Circuit



In trying to evaluate it, these are my thoughts:
+ no thins, tears, or creases
+ it has 4 margins (barely)
+ the color is good (actual stamp is a bit darker/deeper red than the scan)

But here's my only negative --- the cancellation is a little too heavy for my tastes. I realize I will be buying a used stamp, but for $50 I'd like to see a little more of the design.

Am I being unrealistic or too picky? Would you pay $50 for this stamp? (The $325 is 2009 Catalog value)

KirkS

[Edit to add additional scan later in thread]

That is a terrific question Kirk.
I very much look forward to the replies.

The centering and short perf's bother me more than the cancel. At just over 16% it seams like a good price. But, I would do a little comparison shopping and see what is available and at what price before I dropped $50 on this.

Hi Kirk......

In my opinion.......$50.00 is more than I would be willing to pay....perfing and centering are my major objections.....not thrilled about the cancel either but I've seen plenty worse.

Also.....you really can't tell how many times it's been hinged......there could be a thin hiding under the present hinge.....not necessarily, but possible.

poor perfs particularly on the bottem. would pass. it is not priced at $50 for nothing.

Kirk:

A two part answer....

Part one... the short perfs are more of a detraction in my opinion.... the stamp is not sound.

Part two... if you think the U.S. post office has problems with people re-using stamps now, they had a REAL problem when this stamp was issued (think grills, and why they were used). Anyhoot, this is a good cancel for what the stamp's face value (and therefore, usage) dictates.

Ninety cents was a lot of money in those days. This stamp would have been used on an overseas letter, or a parcel. Either way, the postal clerk would have made sure the stamp was well cancelled to ensure the stamp was not re-used.

This stamp has a New York City Registered Parcel Cancel, so we may assume it was used on a registered parcel. A typical useage, and the postmarks are ledgible. You can still see the stamp's design.

For stamps of this vinatage and face value, this (in my opinion) is one of the better cencelled stamps you'd see. Most would have a heavier cancel.

David

I like this thread because everyone's opinion can be applied to any classic stamp, not just United States. Great posted opinions for learning.

Here is this stamp's competition, from a current auction on stampwants (not my auction)...$35 opening bid needed (no bids at this point), $45 B.I.N., 3mm tear through "O" in postage disclosed.





The seller didn't ask for this attention, so be kind...

I don't like tears, and upper left corner seems worn; Kirks cancel designates a type of use.

For the new to US collector,
I'll just chip in with an image of what the stamp looks like
uncancelled:

SG0193 (1870) T0041 90c commodore perry [wi a] rd.jpg

Even with the tear, I think I would rather have the $45 B.I.N stamp. It just "looks" better. However if you think like I do, I would always know the tear was there. The bottom line is can you live with the tear.

This is really helpful insight; even with the standard do-and-don't rules, there are so many different approaches to evaluating and selecting stamps.

I also each collector also has her or his own element of what "feels" right or what appeals to the individual eye.

Kirk

I would certainly opt for the first one. Tears, creases and serious thins are no-no's for me - personally. A heavy cancel would not bother me.

Regards,

George

For the record, I decided to pass on the #191, so I still have this gaping hole in my album:

In my opinion, you made the right choice. Even with the tear, the BIN stamp is much more attractive. I too, can live with a small tear. To each his own.

I think you made the right choice, too. I would not spend $ 50 on a stamp that somehow bothers me.

And it is a good thing that opinions concerning tears, thins etc. vs. heavy cancels are different. Otherwise, prices for the overall preferred stamps would explode.

Regards,

George