1851 3c Imperf Heaven Or Hell

http://stampplating.com/identify-plates

Above is a good overview of differences in the plates.

This stamp - fine inner line recut, color that appears 1855 or later (if one believes the scan).

Sorry John, I lack the confidence to assume that I could guide someone more than just offering an opinion. But since you asked here goes.

I look at the stamp in question and first impression (pun intended) is it lacks the quality of an Orange Brown impression. Also on my screen, as I stated above it appears to be more like yellow rose reddish color.

That's a color from the later plates. 4, 5L, 6, 7, and 8.
This stamp to my eyes has plate 5L characteristics. Most prominent being the inner frame lines faintly recut.

Sorry tx looks like I was typing as you were answering.

stampcrow - we think alike

The main reason I mentioned that it might be worth plating is in the off-chance that the scan color is somehow way off, and the stamp is more orange than it looks in the scan.

If so, there are some OB plates that have fine inner lines. I think the odds are quite low that this is anything other than a 5L Scott #11A.

Thanks for that link. I was looking for something like that. Very useful. That should help me narrow it down better in the future. I will poke around on 5L and see if I can find it.

No luck finding it, but there are several that come very very close. It certainly seems right - especially on the left side of the plate. Good enough for me. Calling it 11A like most of them and moving on.

85L5L. #11A.

Yes. I saw that one and had rejected it because the left corners seemed a bit off, but looking more closely, yes that's it. just a bit more wear on mine. Amazing. Thanks.