1851 3c Washington - Double Left Line

Also, not as critical with this stamp, but the appropriate way to undo a folded over corner is do it when the paper is wetted and more pliable.

I can confirm this is position 49L3, as tgswanner proposed.

I am interested in how you came up with 49L3. What features should I be looking at? I am not sure which features are constant and which fade away. I eliminated 49 because of the large guide dot. I figured some portion of that would show on my stamp.



Another question, the 49L3 on the left looks straight across at the bottom of the "S" whereas the one on the right appears to lift up with the curve. Is that a plating feature that is used or does this vary?

The stamp is a B-relief stamp so it cannot be 59L3.

The best way to plate 3c stamps is to use an educated guess on which plate to start at and then identify the relief. After that, use whatever you can. In the case of this stamp, the frame lines are the key. Look for the points where they are closest to each other and at what points are they the farthest apart. Also compare shapes of frame lines as you look down the stamp.

When plating, you cannot get hung up on individual features that may not be consistent. The shape of the frame lines and there spatial relationship to other features is consistent and easily observable.

jaxom100, To confirm your stamp as position 49L3 I downloaded your stamp image and compressed it vertically to emphasize the curves in the side frame lines. Then I compressed an image of a 49L3 from my collection and pasted it to the right of the image of your stamp. Your stamp is on the left in the composite image. The distinctive curves in the outermost frame line of both stamps are a match.

The full image of my stamp, which shows the big guide dot, is included below. The guide dot on your stamp must have been obliterated by the paper damage.

jaxom100, The feature that you described at the bottom right corner of the lower label block could be useful to plating, but shape of it would be more affected by inking variations than the curvature of the frame lines. Therefore I would call this feature a much less useful diagnostic.

sinclair2010 and Classic Coins once again giving priceless guidance.

Thank you, stampcrow.

Just saw all the great posts correcting my post. Sorry for obviously not paying attention. Such good information and description of the processes here. The compression technique example is so clear and useful.

Thanks for the feedback, Jbodo.