Regummed? A Poll, Sort Of...

There are people here who do this professionally, so perhaps a few opinions are worth just a bit more then that.

2, because no one can be 100% sure from a scan.

May I add it looks like it was recently separated from a multiple. Regumming, then separating is a possible way to get this look.

You should also post an image of the front of the stamp and not play games. If you are wondering if this is a flawless stamp, I doubt that very much. I am of the opinion that a that at least some work has been done on the perfs. It is difficult to do much analysis because I am only on my phone.

I will say the right side perfs seem right in all ways.

If I owned this stamp, I would post an image of the front in a heartbeat.

I am looking on a PC screen, and it is a high res image. Obviously it's always best to see an item in person.

OP states it's from the 1920's, so possibly could be from the regular issues. Given the shape, something in the 567 range to the $5 573?

The responses to this thread, when taken as a whole, are quite useful. The journey can be just as (or more) satisfying as the destination. Thanks to all for taking the time to respond.

I would suggest that some additional information would be helpful:

1. Flat plate or rotary? Flat plate U.S. stamps should have some setoff, spots of ink received from sheet of stamps stacked underneath after production. Absence of ink spots on flat plate stamps is an flag for regumming. Rotary stamps do not share this condition.

2. Catalog Value? Low value stamps typically do not warrant extensive alterations. I have seen filing of perforation tips on high value stamps as it takes some time to perform this alteration. Not seen very often on low value stamps.

Additionally observations:
1. The gum is smooth and even. Regums are typically uneven or clumped. Have even seen brush strokes in some. Not seen here.

2. Color of the gum is toned, perhaps from age. Regums typically employ a different gum than the original and can be indicated by the color. Gum can be removed from an old inexpensive stamp and used to regum a higher value stamp, so not always conclusive.

3. There are a couple of spots in/on the gum. If these are on the surface (pressed into the gum) then considered contaminants), if mixed in the gum, then an indication of regumming. Original gum is remarkable clear of contaminants but not always.

4. Gum is textured. Not typical, but have seen it before. Could be the result of storage/environmental conditions. The stamp is 90+ years old and much could have happen to it over time. Have seen many patterns in the gum from age or impressions.

5. This stamp appears to be flat, regums tend to curl.

6. Regumming over a multiple/block can result in clean perf tips after separation however the perf cutouts would show gum flowing over the edges upon close examination/magnification. Cannot determine from this photo.

7. Filing of perforation tips can yield fibers yet typically shows a uniform edge/side. Filing each tip individually is time consuming and I have seen this but only on one high value stamp. Known filed examples can be used for comparison.

Many stamps that I have seen could be labeled as regum yet more likely qualify as disturbed gum. Heat, humidity, pressure, stamp mounts and other factors can cause changes to gum/paper. "Sweated Gum" is a term that describes changes that can yield gum on perforation tips/holes yet still not a regum (that being an intentional action to alter or deceive).

I would give this a 3, most likely original pending a physical examination.

All free observations and worth the price paid (zero). I am not a qualified expert, just a 50+ year collector with extensive hands on experience.

"Flat plate U.S. stamps should have some setoff, spots of ink received from sheet of stamps stacked underneath after production. Absence of ink spots on flat plate stamps is an flag for regumming".

Why? They were stacked wet and then gummed, and then perforated. So any offset (or setoff, if you prefer) is on the paper not the gum. And many flat plate stamps did not have offset to begin with.

I don't know enough about this. Sorry.

I had two posts on my mind and mixed my comments. Good catch, revcollector

Maybe around centre third correcting hinge removal.

And this is why I gave up collecting unused/mint og stamps!!!

I enjoy this post

And my opinion is that stamp has original gum, I rate as 2

"There are people here who do this professionally, so perhaps a few opinions are worth just a bit more then that."
But do the people who post these kind of questions have any idea who (what screen names) those people are??