Newfoundland 82 Imperf Cover

I recently acquired a cover dated 1902 with a strip of three Newfoundland Sc. 82 imperforated stamps. This is the first time that I have seen imperforated NFLD stamps on a cover. How infrequent was imperforated NFLD stamps put on or shown covers?

Because it is on computer and not in person, not sure that they are #82. They look more orange than vermilion. #81 not catalogued as imper pair or otherwise on cover. As well proper usage dated from Dec 4, 1897 until June 18, 1898. Late use in 1902, date hand written, I would be suspicious it may have been fabricated. Time to send it to Vincent Graves Greene foundation for certificate of genuiness. I believe it would be worth it, especially if found genuine even as an #81.
Note that the catalogue has a clause about imperf pairs after the Royal Family issue noting that they "Newfoundland imperforates allways are proofs on stamp paper or "postmasters perquisetes." // These items were not regularly issued, but rather were sold or given to favored persons.

Edit: add 1 after 8 for "18" and add next paragraph about note from catalogue

It does look like there's a few postmarks with actual 1902 not written in so I don't know how much that piece matters. It's hard to also tell colour shades online for sure but the only imperf strip I've seen in person was definitely vermillion. There is a BNAPS exhibit that mentions:

"One "variety" of the orange Edward imperforated between is listed in several catalogues, used only, but it is most probably the vermillion Edward described improperly. It is not listed in the Newfoundland Specialized Stamp Catalogue for that reason, according to the editor."

Source:
https://bnaps.org/ore/Dyer-EdwardAl...lexandra.pdf


I could have sworn I saw an imperf pair or strip on cover of these sold a year or two ago at auction but can't find the link anymore.

Interesting cover. Yes, I definitely agree with the recommendation to send it in for a certificate before the return window expires. How thick are the "stamps"? Are they normal stamp thickness, or are they printed on a thicker paper or cardstock?

It is hard to tell from the scan, but from the darker shadow at the right edge, it looks like it could be a thicker cardstock, meaning this may be a plate proof illegally used as postage. Also the gap in the blue crayon marking where the stamp meets the envelope, especially on the "4" makes it look like it is thicker than regular stamp.

As No1philatelist said, "These items were not regularly issued, but rather were sold or given to favored persons." An official from the Finance Department could definitely meet that criteria where he received some samples as proofs, and later accidentally or intentionally used them to mail a letter.