US 2c Perf 11 Washington On Cover - Type ID / Scott Number Please

Good Afternoon All,

I have a 2c Perf 11 Washington which measures 18.9 mm wide and 22.2 mm high. I believe it is a flat plate print "Flat Press (Stamp design 18½-19 x 22mm)" versus "Rotary Press (Stamp design 19½-20 x 22½-23mm)" I've looked over all the types at Stamp Smarter, Collnect, Sweedish Tiger... and to me I still can't make the call... and with the stamp on the cover - I don't know how to get a definite Scott Number as I can't get to the watermark.

I can also clearly see ink on the stamp at a sharp angle in the light - print quality is good.

"The key to separating offset from rotary and flat plate is to realize that the offset stamps were not engraved... All engraved U.S. stamps will clearly show raised ink when held at a sharp angle to light....In many cases a stamp can be identified as offset just by looking at it, the color and printing quality are that poor." - Stamp Smarter

Flat plate. The guidelines and straight edges are the giveaway here, where the press sheets of 400 are cut into panes of 100 for sale.

What is the postmark date? This may help narrow down the options.

And sometimes one just has to be satisfied with narrowing the ID down to two items differing by watermark and leave the stamp on the cover.

Thank you John. The date is Nov. 6 2:30 PM 1922 Rockford ILL.

Here is another from Mar 14 1923 9 AM Rockford ILL.

I would like to know if anyone believes either of these stamps I've posted here are Type IA please. Keep in mind - they are both used on cover so there is that wear and tear to consider.

This image however has both a very defined toga button and a very solid line in the ribbon.

REFERENCE: "Type 1A Vs Type 1: Characteristics Of #500 Vs 499"
https://goscf.com/t/46191

"So, to me it seems that the most consistent traits of Type Ia vs I are:
#3: Toga button outline is heavy RELATIVE to the heaviness of the rope lines
AND
#5: Presence of a mark in the 2nd line space of the 2nd curve of the left right ribbon"

18.5 x 22 Perf 11 - Flat Press (Stamp design 18½-19 x 22mm)

CHOICES:
WM: single-line
I
461

WM: none
I
499

WM: none
IA
500



Comparing this stamp with the stamp above - I'm leaning more toward a Ia here.

... And to complicate things more - I'm seeing traces of a double impression.

Perf 11 19 x 22

Nov 16 1922 7:30 PM Joliet ILL.

Your two stamps are type I. They are not type IA.

That said, I agree it comes down to a watermark determinations between 461 and 499. You noted the postmarks are dated late 1922 and early 1923, which will make these 499, without a doubt. Please do not remove the stamps. Also, please show us images of the entire covers. Thanks.