The Penny Black

As already mentioned...the first stamp is very very poor. The second might be worth a second look but if the ebay seller cannot be bothered to post a decent photo, it might indicate how they trade. Anyway I tweaked the photo image from ebay and from the front it is a reasonable four margin plate 6. The back may possibly not be very good.

Ok am going to sound stupid . . . . but this is all new to me.

If this is a genuine stamp, would it matter what the back looked like? If this was missing from your collection, what would stop you from buying this as long as it's not damanged. As well as bearing in mind there is a budget to how much you could spend, as in you didnt want to spend hundreds

It is a nice enough looking stamp. I was pointing out that the back might have some issues. The back is important to some collectors so it is worth pointing out any damage such as "thinning" which is some of the paper removed from the back of a stamp. The front is fine by my eyes so, as long as you are not prepared to spend loads on a possibly damage back of stamp (only my opinion anyway as the photo is unclear), decide on your budget and bid or... look around again which might be prudent if you have any doubts.
If you still want the initials J M you could consider a different Victorian stamp which has letters in all four corners. As stamps are identified by their LOWER check letters then M J is available. The stamp has reversed letters on the TOP corners so it would read J M. So... top corner letters would be J M and the bottom letters would be M J.

Ah cool! Thanks scotzm you have been so helpful. Where can I get that from, what's it called?

That particular stamp is on ebay and is quite a nice example of its kind.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301116032...:IT#shpCntId

That type of Queen Victoria stamp is very common but finding one that suits initials etc is sometimes time-consuming but worth the effort. I keep an eye out for ones that are connected to me or family. For instance, the number that cancels the stamp can also be relevant to someone too... it could be a birth year or age if it is within the range available... or indicate a town or place where someone had a connection. The one illustrated ((92)) can be traced to Bolton in England but others could be found that had the proper age or birth year of your dad.

Go for it!

Terry

Ah, now that is very cool! Tina, if you get that for your dad, please let us know how he likes it. I imagine something with that thoughtful, personal touch will be much appreciated. :)

Oh My God! It sold for £3.40 only!

I missed out on it :( If you see any more MJ please let me know.

I went to an antique fair in Sutton Coldfield over the weekend and picked up a couple of stamps - there was nothing like the penny black or the one scotzm has put but loads of other ones. I purchased a couple of cheap ones that I think my dad would like. will try taking some pictures and upload on here if I can.

I am myself finding the whole experience kind of interesting and fun! Again thanks for all the help you guys are given me.

Ok so what do you think of this?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/QV-1858-1...310753432925

Buy it!

Its close enough.

The price is good.

It may be faded, dirty, have faults, etc.....but, it has the initials you want.

It will do until you can get an MJ Penny Black, which will probably cost more.

You may also want to get an MJ 2d Blue someday to make a set.

The 1d MJ Red is a good start.

You've gone the extra mile to search for a nice gift.

I'm sure your Dad will know the effort you've made and he will appreciate it.

As you know, with any gift, its the thought that counts.

I realize my MJ references in my note should have been JM; but you probably get my over-all meaning.

Bottom line: dads can figure out what their kids are thinking a lot better than their kids think....so, go for it and make him a Happy Birthday gift.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sg43-1d-r...em43c63fb7af



This one is better and half the price. Some UK dealers will not send to USA so (if that is the case) get in touch with the seller and offer to pay for recorded/registered/or signed for delivery. It will not cost a fortune and it is for a present.

Update: this seller does post to USA

For dsome reason I thought TinaMistry was in the USA but with references to Sutton Coldfield that would indicate a more Birmingham location... Birmingham, England and not Birmingham, Alabama.

Thanks XNBer! I will let you all know how it goes down on the day.

scotzm, yes I am in Birmingham England and I have purchased the stamp from the link you said. You've been a great help. Thank you so much.

Also I took Chipg advise and contact Doug. They had a few Penny Black. I brought one for £38. Would love to show you guys but trying to figure out how to insert a picture into this