Washington Identification

New to the Forum need a little help with identification please.

A good place to start is here: http://stampsmarter.com/features/SQ...rank_ID.html

To do a proper id you'll need to learn to measure perfs, check for watermarks, and possibly to learn about printing types - flat press vs. rotary etc, and maybe more. Welcome and good luck.

Welcome.
A good place to start to learn more about your stamps
http://stampsmarter.com/1847usa/190...ntifier.html
http://stampsmarter.com/1847usa/190...ntifier.html
Don

I have done just that.been searching high and low for info on this cover I am a member of USSS.I have read the info on the distribution of the sheets I believe the stamps in the picture are possibly rare maybe 423e. Thanks

I assume you mean the two stamps that appear to be the same (the ones in the middle).
If I'm reading my Scotts correctly 423E should be perf 10x12. Are your stamps 10x12?

Unfortunately, perforation measurements are based on the number of perf holes in 2cm, not by counting the number of holes across a stamp.

Yes that is correct. I have a perf. just was not sure if I should take off the envelope .

Definitely not 423E. If you have a perf gauge use it. Clearly not 10x12

Removal from envelope: NO, absolutely no.

That said, please show us the entire envelope including the reverse side if there are postmarks on it. It appears to be a registered use.

As a longer explanation, the value of the soaked-off stamps is going to be very minimal. The possible value of the entire cover is its "postal history" - the postmarks, the use/rate, the sender/recipient, social history, etc. Some collectors get caught in the web of wanting to absolutely ID every stamp they have and destroy potentially valuable covers to determine the watermark. Try to avoid that if possible. All 4 stamps are perf 10x10 (the rate, not the count, as noted earlier), thus the 10 cent yellow stamp is either Scott 432 (CV of $1.00) or 471 (CV of $2.50). The 2 cent stamps are either Scott 425 (CV of 0.20) or 463 (CV of 0.40). The postmark date may help narrow it down also. The value as "postal history" will exceed $3, so the intact cover is no doubt be worth more than the loose stamps even if the stamp ID can only be narrowed between two possible numbers. My opinion, do not remove the stamps.

You can measure the perfs by holding the edge of the perf guide to the edge of the stamps. There is no reason to remove the stamps for perf measurement.

i will send a picture, Thanks

The wax seals add character, and hence value, to the cover, especially since they appear fully intact. You definitely shouldn't, imo, lift the stamps.

down loaded the image front and back, hello anyone home?my pref gauge reads 10 unless I am not using it correctly .thanks

I acquired about 25 covers from an estate sale this is the second one I am looking up the first one turned out to be the same Washington 491a or a type one. Thanks maybe I need to read the info at USSS again.Good Day

Everyone is home. They've answered your questions.

The 2c red Washington stamps are either Scott 425 or 463. Both perf 10 and minimal value. The difference is the watermark, which cannot be determined without taking the stamps off the envelope. Don't do that - not worth it. Nice envelope...

423e is a compound perf - 10 in one direction & 12 in the other direction. The stamps on this cover are not 423e.

But please definitely post a picture of your 491 - we'd all like to see it...




Yes - this would be a good idea!

Scanning the cover now