1915-32 Stamp Envelopes Confusion

After many years, I decided to tackle the accumulation of cut squares that I have been putting aside. I am definitely in learning mode. Identifying the 1915-32 Dies has me straining my eyes and making some uneasy assumptions.

Here is a typical heartburn ID for me... is the cut square below a U420a Die 2 or is it just an under-inked U420 Die 1? Since the CV of the U420 is $0.25 and the U420a is $100.00 I am suspect.


Any input from our experts is greatly appreciated.
Don

Don,
I hope this helps. I love stationary.a very much unappreciated collecting area -- mainly because no one has developed a printed album with pages for collectors. (my belief) This should make identification easier. These are the Thorp Dies. SCOTT did not do a very good job in how it defines and describes postal stationary. You may want to join the UPSS. They have a fantastic catalog. Scott cross over to Thorp 1:1.



Best,
Hal

Don,
It's hard to answer your post since there is not a differentiation between the cut square in question and a cut square (maybe) coming from a catalog page.

Can you be more specific as to which is the cut square you are seeking to ID, and which is the catalog image you are tempting to link to your cut square.

Thomas

Hi Thomas,
Those images aren't from a catalog, they are just 'zoom in' of the my scans. But I am trying to use the 2017 Scott Specialized and understand that this is not the best choice. (Given my medical situation, joining new organizations and/or buying new references is not really a wise move for me.)
I am trying to ID the square on the left above.
Don

Descriptions of any of the circular dies in the Scott catalog tend to be incomplete. The UPSS 20th century catalog is a vast improvement and for real detail, my book "Collector's Guide to the Circular Dies" is the best choice.

The item on the left is Die 1, U420. Notice that "UNITED" is closer to the inner circle.
The item on the left is Die 3, U420b. Notice that the "C" of "CENT" is close to the circle around the left "1" and that the hair projects strongly at the back just above the shoulder.

Hal's post is from an earlier edition of the UPSS 20th century catalog.

BTW, there is a two day course on the circular dies being offered at the APS summer seminar in June. Details available on stamps.org

UPSS catalogs and my book are available on upss.org

While not my forte, I remember I saved a link to a website that has a wizard on these. Maybe this page will help http://dubinweb.com/USstampedenvelo...entdies.html