Is This Stamp An Essay?

Two questions:

What is it about this stamp that the seller considers it an essay, rather than a regular Scott RT14c? I can't tell any difference between his image and the one shown in Scott.

And why is this seller asking far less than the catalog value, rather than the normal five to ten times actual retail value?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LAIRDS-BLOO...AOSwWxNYuOy1




This is what the essay looks like (from Eric's website):



Jim

p.s. I showed this lot to Eric, and this is his response:

"I don't think it is a real stamp, the pink is much too vibrant. And it just doesn't look right."

Geez...given an opinion from Eric Jackson, combined with that seller - is there anything more you could want???

Well beyond my pay grade & area of expertise. But just based on what you've shown, it's an easy call. Stick w/Eric's opinion...

Sorry - didn't give specific answers to your questions:

No comment on the first question. But as to the 2nd question - easy - figures he can snag a sucker...

James, looks more like a label then anything else. Does the seller give any dimensions?


Peter

One advantage of describing one of your stamps as an "essay," rather than "a stamp on watermarked paper that has been fraudulently dyed to resemble pink paper," is that you sneakily sell a fake stamp, and you protect yourself from a buyer later complaining about a fake stamp.

"Hey, it's not fake, it's... an essay!"

Jim

It's not an essay, it's the issued design. I agree, the paper shade appears much too strong. It would be interesting to see this item in person.

I would like someone's opinion on this essay.
#184-E5b ??
It just caught my eye.

Jim - We, of course, have been warned. The text on the stamp reads BEWARE OF COUNTERFEITS!

Not a dealer with whom I have had a transaction and one with whom I will ever have a direct transaction.

jaxom, the essay you have is an essay, listed in Clarence Brazer's work on page 112 as 184E-B. There are multiple paper varieties which would determine which small letter would be used with this designation, so the next step would be to determine the type of paper used.

Hope this helps.