there's gotta be at least one or two Canal Zone specialists in here, please chime in!!
Thanks
I Finally found the answer: Canal Zone Scott #15 vs. #18
Scott #15 (Narrow Bar): Overprinted with an overprint known as "Form 3," characterized by narrow bars that are 1.5 to 2 mm apart.
Scott #18 (Wide Bar): Overprinted using a different press stage/form where the overprint's bars are notably wider (about 3 mm) apart. 3 Ah, but alas, that's not true (dang internet) The real difference is in the style of the "8" overprint....#15 has the "A" style while # 18 has the "B" style "8"
I collect most of California's Redwood Empire , Humboldt & Mendocino counties, including the RPOs that ran through them. Any town or city I mention is located in one or the other. My primary sources are California Town Postmarks 1850 - 1935 compiled by John H. Williams & the Western Cover Society Mobil Post Office Society RPO Catalog, MPOS U. S. Route and Station Agent Catalog, and the MPOS RPO Directory and AGT Directory California Postmaster Compensation compiled by Alan H. Patera
Surcharge types as I mentioned. The issue is you have not posted photos nor stated what catalog you are using. The Scott US Specialized has a section on Canal Zone which shows a variety of overprints (surcharges) used in that specific range of Scott numbers.
Edited for spelling as my key board is wearing out; letter falling off.
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Posted 05/26/2026 1:24 pm
