Is This A Scott 86 Or Something Else?

Hi

Grills are confusing. Points are very difficult to make out. I've scanned this stamp to get a better view of the grill in order to count the number of rows. I counted 14x16. Is there a reliable way of enhancing the grill in order to make a better identification? I read somewhere that rubbing graphite onto the stamp will improve visibility of the points. Is that recommended by experienced collectors?








I tried to crop the grill image even closer but detail is reduced to the point of being useless.


*** Moved by Staff to a more appropriate forum. ***

Interesting! I get 13x15 in retroReveal.

First of all your post is in the wrong forum. There is a dedicated board for US stamps. You will get more answers there.

As for the stamp, try to make a larger scan.

Please do not put graphite on the stamp!

Using oblique lighting and some practice is what you need.

99% sure it's an E grill (86). The graphite trick gets very mixed reviews. In this case I don't think it will be needed. I'd suggest holding it up a light at a very sharp angle. This will often give you a better view.

Thanks all. Relatively new to the hobby. Ok...the graphite idea sounds like a bad idea. Won't attempt it. Is retroReveal a tool that can help with Grill identification? I haven't heard of it before. If it is a tool collectors use I can see the benefits of it. Grill ID isn't an easy task with the naked eye. I'm willing to try any trick in the book to do this accurately. Once again, thanks to all for your help. Will try to post in correct forum next time.

Hi

Update. Did a google search on retroReveal. What an incredible free online tool. It really brings out the details. Anyone who hasn't looked into retroReveal should invest a few moments and expect to be impressed.

Do you have a link for retroReveal?
Thanks,
Robert

How To Use Retroreveal and link
http://stampsmarter.com/learning/Ho...oReveal.html
Don