Washington 3 Cents F Grill.

Washington 3 cents F grill supposedly to be MHR with OG but looks to me like MNH with OG. Appreciate all comments,inputs and feed backs.Thanks.

Either this stamp has been stored in near-perfect conditions and untouched by human hands for the past 160 years, or it does not have original gum. I have never seen a mint stamp from this era with clear gum.

I hope someone else chimes in, but my opinion is that this stamp is re-gummed, if it has any at all.

Brian

I agree, I haven't seen one that nice. I always go with the saying "If it is too good to be true then...". Check to make sure it is engraved. Also inspect the grill marks. Hopefully you have another to compare the indentations.

Thanks for the replies. Could someone tell me what is engraved and how do you check for it. Still learning.Thanks.

Don't worry about it being engraved ... all US stamps from this era are engraved. This stamp is authentic - it is the gum that is suspect.

Here's a link to 1847usa.com about stamp-printing.

http://www.1847usa.com/ArtOfLineEngraving.htm

If you are new to 19th century US stamps, you are in a good place here with SCF. There are some really knowledgeable people here, and if they don't know the answer, they will likely know where to get that answer.

Back to your stamp.

I see a spot on the lower/left that looks like a gum disturbance.





This is likely what the seller is calling a 'hinge' mark. That could very well be, but I am ever the skeptic. If you already have this stamp in your possession, you can send it to William Weiss for certification. $20 gets you a nice certificate. If you are considering purchasing this stamp, I'd advise against it ... but it's only one opinion. Get other opinions.

Brian

Thanks Rileysan for the details and feed backs. Bought the stamp from ebay an am in possesion of it now. The buyer seemed reputable with a red icon. The following was his ad in ebay U.S. #94 3c Washington -- VG-F MHR OG -- F grill -- cv $350. Thanks.