Scott #15 - Dot In Flower

Watermark, I have amended my post to say constant plate "features" to avoid confusion and remain consistent with your post. However, they are flaws (as opposed to design elements) on the transfer roll. Even Whitworth mentions "Examination of early proof sheets indicates a number of constant flaws were present..." when he discussed these constant plate features. Boggs also repeatedly refers to the well-known crack on all the 3d beaver stamps as a "flaw".

There are several plate features on early Canadian stamps that I would describe as "flaws" even though they appear on all positions. I think the word "variety" is more indicative of a difference between plate positions that creates a collectible stamp version.

On the other hand, I would agree that adding the word "plate" before "flaws" is more indicative of a plate-able variety.

Watermark, thanks for the additional info..Noticed the same broken frame appears on the Scott #4 also...Interesting.

Robert

Wert, you are correct about #4 (3d beaver) showing the same type of design anomalies as #15 (5c beaver). The CANADA POSTAGE band at top, the central crown area, and the main beaver portrait on #15 are all adapted from the original die used for #4. Some of those dots to the right of the crown on the #4 also correspond with the plate feature dots already mentioned here on #15.

I also noticed a smudge in the N of CANADA on 3Dadeo's stamp. And there is a mark in the margin at top center. Also looks like a small vertical line in the top center of the R of VR.

Just noticed that jimjung..good eye.

Robert

Sorry if it took me a while to get back Robert ! I agree with Watermark for the plating of 3Dadeo's stamp. For yours, it is from position 14 to me (state cannot be determined). The distinctive factor I used for plating your stamp is the sideways "v" mark below the oval under the "I" of the word five. The dot in the flower is not a constant on any position.

I couldn`t confirm position 14 with my books. I have one that doesn`t have a plate position in Whitworth`s Decimal Issue of Canada. I have found Re-entry 30 (Upper left corner) and Plate Flaw 63 (dot above the sun on the right side) on this stamp. Any ideas to the plate position.



I am trying to buy a copy of Whitworth`s THE FIVE CENTS BEAVER STAMP. Where can I get a copy? I've tried a number of places but no luck.

jimjung, I haven't found a copy either.

Jim, I am leaning toward Whitworth's Pos. 78, State 7/8, R30 or 30a.

So my stamp is Plate 14 as Coriandre indicated..( btw, thanks Coriandre )

Robert

Hi Robert, Your stamp is plate position 14 not plate 14. The state of the plate is not certain although according to Whitworth the flaw 76a is first mentioned for state 5.

Gotcha watermark...A slip of the tongue...
Was it because of the sideways "V" that Coriandre mentioned that classified it as position 14...??

Robert

Yes that mark only exists in that position. I missed it when I first looked at your stamp. It would be considered a constant plate flaw/variety and may only have occurred during state 5 of the plate. It is believed the five cent plate under went 10 repairs during its use resulting in 11 states of the plate. A lot of the stamp positions can be plated to position and state depending on what changes in their designs may have occurred during the repairs. A lot of the individual stamps can be plated to specific states of the plate. Some marks only occurred in one state and some may have shown in several states. A good reference on these is THE FIVE CENTS BEAVER STAMP OF CANADA by Geoffrey Whitworth. If you want a copy try searching the web. They are usually available even though they are out of print.

Went to 6 book stores Mike and all sold out..maybe ebay might have one.

Nothing on ebay either..

Robert

I would recommend checking ebay and using GOOGLE search engine from time to time. Type in title of book and last name of author. I saw one for sale a few months ago. I have a very well worn copy I have used for years. I got it new in 1985. The paper back cover is loose and has some damage and a few of the pages have become dog eared over the years. Still find it invaluable as a reference for these stamps.