Defination Of Imperforate Stamps

When the guide lists a stamp as imperforate, can it mean only 1 or two sides does not have perforations, or do they mean entire stamp?

Usually it refers to the entire stamp. Note that there are stamps with straight edges on all sides that are NOT imperforate ... because they have straight-line die-cuts. Scott US 2531A is an example.

The catalogue is refering to the dictionary definition
Imperforate..adj not pierced -a postage stamp not perforated for separation.

JessEm...Here is an example (well two examples) of imperforated stamps..Not to be confused with rouletted stamps.

My use of the term 'imperforate' is when a stamp has a imperforated side when it should be perforated. This could be on any side.

Some Canadian issues. like Scott 143 are available with all 4-sides perforated, with all 4-sides imperforated (Scott 143a), opposite vertical sides imperforated (Scott 143b), opposite horizontal sides imperforated (Scott 143c), and also just with the right side imperforated (Scott 143i).

Keep in mind that some stamps are issued as coils which will have a straight edge at the top/bottom or left/right. Also some stamps are issued as booklets which result with straight edges only any of the sides (1 or 2), and finally some stamp sheets were divided by cutting them into sections, which result in straight edges on any of the sides (1 or 2) - I do not classify any of these as imperforated.

Here are the stamps referenced:

Scott 143:


Scott 143i:


Scott 143a:


Scott 143b:


Scott 143c:



- stamporator -

When I see the word imperforate I take for granted
it means all sides are cut, no perforations
or rouletted or serrated etc, etc.

Look in any catalogue. Imperf. = all sides.

If there is an error and rows of perforations are missing
either horizontally or vertically as in stamporator's
examples 143b and 143c then I would consider that
as an imperforate in between.

Not to get off topic, but those stamps from wert and stamporator are gorgeous!


-IBFS

Yes, nice stamps! Thanks for the informative posts.