3 Cent Washington Grill Verification

I'm new to grills so I just want to verify that these are right. Thanks in advance for the help.

E Grill



F grill

Yes, based on the number of points that is correct.

Can you help with this? I feel it has part of a grill but then if I look at it differently and I don't.

The first thing you need to learn is how to not use graphite. Graphite should not be used or recommended. Your stamps show why.

I searched previous threads and this site was recommended numerous times. I did see some people with a different opinion.

http://stampsmarter.com/learning/ID...8Grills.html

Eventually some graphite will find its way to the front of other stamps whenever the back of the stamp makes contact or transfers graphite to the inside of a glassine envelope, approval card or someone's thumb. This is especially unfortunate if the recipient stamp is yellow or orange.

I think graphite can be used when there is no other option - when the grill is impossible to see otherwise. It is not something to be used indiscriminately. For your last stamp - it's hard to tell - guessing 12x17 though - F.

Thank you all for the help and info.

Watermark fluid, or more specifically lighter fluid because evaporation is slower, and strong light at an angle to the stamp while moist will reveal any grill.

Alternatively, careful examination in oblique light with 15x loupe should expose any grill points. Bank Note series grills are the most difficult to see. Some 1869 grills may also be difficult to pick out, but I haven't had much difficulty seeing 1868 grills. Unfortunately, few collectors have invested in high quality optics for examining stamps. If every collector owned and used a high quality 10x or 15x magnifier, returns of badly described stamp on ebay, HipStamps or Delcampe would mushroom.

Adding graphite simply makes the back of the stamp dirty and creates a hazard for other stamps.

I totally agree. A modest investment, with a potentially big return.

Thank you all for the information. I'm not brave enough to try and erase them so I've put them in mounts and in a stock book. I will remember your tips for the future. I'm going to look into lights and magnifiers this week. I will eventually attempt watermark and/or lighter fluid. But, I worry the stamps will be weaker and I'm not the most gentle person. Again, thank you all for the advice.

You will want to practice on inexpensive stamps. Both for viewing and for handling.