Recut Identification

My first question as a member of this forum. Can someone help me to understand how to determine if a stamp has been recut. Specificall SC-US #16. I purchased a cover that was listed as #14, but want to verify if in fact that is what it is.

Thank you,
Bergie

Hi, Bergie, and welcome to the Forum.

In general, recut lines in classic engraved stamp designs show up darker than surrounding lines, and sometimes obviously do not follow the contours of the original engraved lines. In the case of the 10-cent issue that you illustrate, the recut lines would be either the top frame line above "Postage" or the bottom frame line under "Ten Cents" (or both). Neither is recut in your stamp--you can see that both frame lines are very weak and/or broken. For comparison, here is an image of Scott #16 taken randomly from an ebay search:



Notice the clearly visible dark curved frame line indicated by the arrows, as opposed to the lack of one in your example. You appear to have a #14, as advertised. A very nice one, I might add.

Dudley,
Thank you for the info, I appreciate the pic and explanation.

Bergie

Bergie

If you still have the exact cover description, please provide it!

Dave

Bergie, please also provide an image of the entire cover. We kind of crave like a heroin junky enjoy seeing desperately wanting to see any noteable example of postal history.

Ok guys, here is the cover with the enclosed letter as it appears. The cover is dated Oct 9th, SAN FRANCISCO Cal., no year date. The enclosed letter though has a date of Sept. 30th, 1856. The letter speaks of a debt that the author will soon repay if everything goes well.
Thanks,
Bergie

Bergie, how about the description you mentioned, do you still have it?

Dave

Great explanation on recut, many thanks!