Franklin Ultramine Fake?

Hello!
I could really use some help determining the scott# for this stamp. I can not locate a blue/ultramarine Franklin in a 15c denomination anywhere online. I am beginning to wonder that it is part of the Washington/Franklin series 1912-1914 where/when they reused colors trying to use up the leftover paper/ink...through all the color and denomination change attempts to its final design.
I realize the stamp is badley damaged. However it is attached to an original small shipping crate that dates over 100 years old. It will probably be more of an oddity/curiosity item then have much resale value. However, this stamp is plaguing my dreams so I thought I would stop lurking and reach out to all of you.
MB

Color changeling due to sun/light exposure or chemical.

Agree with redwoodrandy. Note the exposure has been so strong as to fade out much of the cancel also.

If exposed to light would it not bleach it? It is very blue. If it was a grey issue would it not turn more to the white spectrum and not the reverse?

That stamp needs a burial at sea.

Why not send your image to the webmaster ?
"We preserve and promote our community's rich history."

http://geneseoapog.org/jam-kitchen-bonner-hotel/

Good idea.

There are multiple chemicals used to make the normal gray of the 15c as is true of many ink colors. The parts do not deteriorate at the same rate necessarily. The reddish component here (there is a reddish component) has faded the most first, leaving the bluish component at this point in time. So it is bleached out, just not completely.

Many of us, redwoodrandy included, have seen this color change often enough with other 15c grays. This not a rare thing.

Rodgcam,
Must agree with you it's really rough!

Rodd222,
Thank you! After many years of no information on the box and company, I finally found that website! I set off an email a few days ago. I have just been confused with the stamp. I work with color all of the time and the responses are reverse of what happens on other items. I'm just trying to learn why/how if it's grey it turns blue. I truly appreciate everyone's responses!

Hy-Brasíll
Thank you for the detailed info! It helps a lot!