#114 Locomotive Questions

I have what appears to be a #114, with grill. But it appears to me, as blue, not as a pale ultramarine, which makes me wonder if it could be a #125, but that shows that it wouldn't have a grill?
Also there's some OG on back, but there is some black smudges, which makes me wonder if it is used.
So, what would the consensus be on actual Scott number and type, and used or unused?
Thanks for any help, I'm a novice at deciphering these.

It is a 114 that appears to me to have been aggressively cleaned removing a lot of the design detail, likely to remove a cancel or staining. Manuscript pen number "6" on reverse as well as a hinge remnant and has picked up printing from the album page it was previously mounted on. The large brown area on the reverse is likely glue that was used to mount the stamp at some point. What gum that is left is either not original or remained after the stamp was soaked from a cover.

That is my opinion.

I agree with Rogdcam. Scott 114.
Added ovals indicate areas where grill points appear to be visible.



Used vs unsued? The front image is rather overexposed. A darker image would show better detail. A scan would be better than a photo.

Here's scans of both sides

Ah, thank you for better pics! Strike my comment about being cleaned. My others stand.

I still think the stamp might be used but the point may be largely moot, the soiling/staining has a negative impact on the demand/market value.
Don

Gum looks played with as well, be it on purpose or by storage methods.

Much better image!
Along the lines of Don's post, the the poor centering and staining of the front and general appearance of the back would push most collectors to seek a different example for their album, thus reduced demand for this one.
I would be very inclined to soak it.

Just a regular soak in lukewarm water?

Thanks for all your help and expertise.

A dip in lighter fluid should show the grill.

I would soak it as well. I would hope that the brown glue will come off. Be careful that you don't knock that upper left perf off.