Was curious if someone could tell me if the U.S. Washington-Franklin Bluish-Gray papers all have the same or similar texture and physical attributes to the paper surface itself, as seen from the back. I'm noticing a kind of dry grainy (As opposed to fuzzy or fluffy) look, very bumpy and kind of unevenly distributed. The watermarks are not noticeable on the surface for the most part, as opposed to other paper types of the same series which have "Divots" showing the watermark clearly on the surface. As well i'm noticing from the front when closely inspecting the perfs, there seems very little "Texture" on perfs as well the perf cut seems cleaner, and border looks very-very fine kind of silvery grain to paper. As watermarks do not show on the surface of the back for the most part, are very apparent when lifting them to a light source. Disregarding coloration since i've noticed many of the same series appear grayish and yellowish as well. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated, I am saddened that an answer to any questions regarding this seem to be dismissed, is it a trade secret how to identify the gray paper aside from coloration?. if I'm on the right track or wrong track some help would be awesome, Many Thanks, Matt
Posted 03/20/2015 11:42 pm
Thanks so much for your link to Bill's info from last years Bluish-Gray paper discussion. I found the Arago.si.edu.com link for the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, has EXCELLENT pics of ALL U.S. postage very detailed and up close to see actual paper textures and the best online true to color i've yet seen. I would recommend this site to all and anyone questioning the color or type of any US stamp, my search and questions are over FINALLY lol. Please check out the site at NPM, every U.S. stamp I have that color or type from early to modern was answered. (Although some of the rare "Lake" shades are not pictured) 
