Is This Schermack Tiii Offset Stamp, TV Or TVII?

The stamp had 532 written on the back, but it's definitely not 532. The stamp is a bit shabby, but it looks like it could be a 534B TVII. The line in lower left "2" looks complete enough for TVII. I have all types unused & still can't decide. What do you think? (I can provide better pics in a few days if needed) Any input appreciated!

It is positively *not* 534B... here's 534B...

Hi disi123, reference Martin Armstrong's book! The black and white images are superior.

Stampmaster

Thanks...

You are correct about your stamp not being a 532... it bears the characteristics of the 533.

To prove out the 533 theory, you'll need to measure the top and bottom frame lines...

The 533 frame is not square... it's wider at the top.

Thanks for your opinion & info. What do you think of this one?

I saw the stamp on ebay as well. I knew it was not a 532 but the scan wasn't good enough to distinguish between a 533 and a 534B. I suspect a 533 and reasonable price for what you paid.

I need a copy of the Armstrong book. Someone sell me one!

Top stamp is definitely not 532. I would lean toward 533, but usually you have a break in the thin line in the left numeral "2", and I don't see that...without it, I don't see enough to effectively rule out #534B.

Type IV and VI are pretty easy to identify.
Type IV (532) -- less distinct toga rope and button
Type VI (534A) -- strong, thick line in left numeral "2"

Type VA (usually the cheapest variety) is supposed to be identified by 4 dots across one line in the nose, but...I've seen a consistent variety that has 5 dots.

VII (#534B) is the golden egg of the group. Although, I agree with you that the left numeral "2" line looks solid enough for it, I would not call it a #534B without meeting the other criteria (see Disi123's post above).

JMT, the gorgeous 2nd stamp you put up looks like a type V #533 to me.

Thanks everyone for the input. I do know how to identify the different types & have all the Types. I was mostly looking for second opinions on how the line isn't broken in the left "2"; which it clearly isn't. Is it thick enough? I can't tell for sure. I will need to take a closer look at it in person, upon arrival. The extra dots on the lip & head, sometimes don't show. If it looks like TVII I may have expertised. I've already certified(& sold) 2 used examples w/ Schermack perfs. Either way, I only have $10 invested.

lukusw, when I was still really new to collecting (a few years ago ) I was working on my set & bought a lot of Offset stamps from a seller. The picture was terrible, but the seller guaranteed the used Schermack stamp included was TVII (mainly was the only stamp I was interested in). I received the lot & the stamp looked like a TVII, so I submitted it for a cert. I also included the "533" that was included in the lot. I didn't look close enough at it. Boy was I surprised when both stamps came back as 534B(I thought it was a mistake!) I ended up selling the Schermack stamp & the rest of the lot for more than I paid for the whole lot(& it paid for both certs). So in the end I ended up with that stamp for free! It's a little faulty, but I sure am happy with it! (the thin is quite tiny, looks like it stuck to a mount in one spot). Here's my set I put together (may upgrade the 531 someday).

Jmt, very nice! I have a 534B, but only as a Schermack. Love those ID errors in one's favor!

lukusw, Thanks a bunch, much appreciated! This one is one of my better finds! I would advise anyone to never believe what's written on the back; believe in your own findings & knowledge! If there's still a question, send the stamp to someone that does know. I've came away with some pretty decent stamps, because of what was incorrectly written on the back.

This stamp is indeed a #533 Type V

To shed some light on the original "532" label. At least through the 1956 US Specialized catalog, the 2 cent imperforate offset types were all grouped as varieties of 532. By the 1959 US Specialized catalog, the current numbering had been established with the following equivalencies:
532 remained as 532 (Type IV)
532a became 533 (Type V)
532b became 534 (Type VA)
532c became 534A (Type VI)
532d became 534B (Type VII)
Thus I will put forth the theory that your stamp was labeled before the late 1950s, and was ID'd correctly as belonging to the "532 family" for varieties. Similarly, the perforated 2 cent offsets were all grouped as varieties under the 526 number.

interesting. Anyone know why they didn't stick to whole numerals (532, 533, 534, 535, 536)???

535 was already in use for the 3 cent imperf.
Scott has renumbered quite a bit of the catalog over the years and continues to do so.