Scott #17 - To Grade Or Not ....

Here is probably the best 17 that I owned as far as margins go:



I thought that I would share since I am posting a lot because I am stuck in my house.

Rogdcam, Let's see the back...

George has a wild Fu Manshu mustache.

It just so happens that after many years of looking for a key (to me) 12c 1851 item, I was able to find one and buy it in my favorite way

Here is another one that I bought recently. What does everybody think of this one?

That is a nice one and thanks for posting it. Is the third image the back after having dipped it?

No. The third image is of the stamp being held up to a light. All three were seller-provided images.

Bottom margin appears added, bottom and lower left lines drawn in.

Top margin, at least at TR appears bad, with artwork there as well.

The cancel might date this to 1851, which might interest you for other reasons I can think of.

As long as we're showing 17s:

I also own this ugly copy:






but its on this cover, so I'm happy with it!

Nice cover.

So much nicer than just two 10c stamps for the double rate.
Also, the well-known Hargous correspondence.

Also contains all 3 of the original 1851 issue stamps. A rare accomplishment.

Ok its a fantastic cover.

Chip has me beat - I can only show 2 and half of the 3 original 1851 issue stamps

(seriously, this is only a front - Chip's cover is better)

Chips- I believe that 'ugly' stamp is a triple transfer variety.

Position 49R1

I posted the stamp with the red grid to show how deceptive stamp repair and alterations can be. Both the top and bottom margins have been added and portions of the design painted in at top and bottom. I also think that this stamp may have originally had perforations, based on the look of the paper from the back. The stamp was bought from Noblespirit, a constant supplier of stamps like this. This was a pretty decent repair job and many collectors do not have the skill to detect such repairs.

The seller-provided images are photos and I scanned the stamp when negotiating a partial refund. Look how obvious the portion of red cancel is that has been added to the bottom margin.

I believe that the stamp posted above by chipg is a trimmed 36.