1861 #24 Type V B? On Cover To Civil War Brig General John Taylor Or Is It.....

I think I may finally have found a stamp worth talking about on a nice cover.

Sent from Lewistown Pa to then Lt John Taylor (eventually Brig. General John P. Taylor 1827-1914). He was actually a Lt in the Mifflin County Dragoons from at least Jan 1861 unto promoted to Capt Aug 10, 1861. The MCD may in fact have been the first unit to volunteer for the north in the CW. Taylor is said to be buried in a bronze cannon made of melted CW cannon.

So, this is my first foray into the 1c blue Franklins of 1851-57/61. I read Jerome Wagshal's article very closely and thought I had settled on this being a 15.5 perf Scott #24 type Vb (based on the jagged fold/line at right center... until I scanned it.. and then noticed the blank space above the E in Postage.. which I only found a similar image in Type I's so now I have no real idea what to think. I am happy to stampsmarter I just don't know what to ask for to explain the gap area now???

I tweaked the contrast on the full cover so everything is darker than natural. The two others are untouched and closer to naked eye colors.
Thanks, Andy

The stamp is certainly a Ty V, #24, showing the side scratches at upper and middle right side.

Is the blank space to the right of the Postage E normal for a #24 Vb? or is that unusual? Admittedly just started reading on the 1c blues but the type V discussion did not seem to mention this at all.

Completely normal looking stamp printed from a worn plate.