Should I Discard? HI

Hi
This looks totally messed up -should I discard?
Please ignore my ignorance- mew member who knows little.

This is a common stamp from the early 1900's in very bad shape. It is up to you what to do with it - I would cast no aspersions your way if you tossed or burned it.

If there were something scarce or odd about the cancel or stamp, it could be useful to someone. This stamp, however, I have serious doubts anyone would want it, except for a paper/design project

Personally, I would save it in a separate container with other damaged stamps. My wife uses these in making collages, and she has a nice selection. Shown below is a U.S. 1997 yellow rose stamp I have donated.

Or, you could keep a topical, or reference collection on types of damage to stamps. This appears to be "damage by insect", but I don't know the particular culprit.

It really depends on what your interest is. If you are collecting stamps for enjoyment and you don't have this stamp, then keep it as a space filler. If on the other hand you are not interested in collecting stamps and are trying to get rid of what you have, then you will most likely not be able to sell it or give it away. If it was my stamp, I would dispose of it.

You could use it to determine flat plate vs rotary printing in the washington franklin series. This is flat plate. A rotary stamp will be taller due to press distortion. Cut it down the middle or whatever so you can compare the size of a stamp you are trying to ID. Keep it in a little box like an old matchbox so you don't misplace it. You'll find out all the details on this subject on Stampsmarter.com.

Thanks all
Much appreciated