Plating A Pair Of 10A Stamps

I recently bought this pair of stamps. It has been a long time since I've tried to plate these, and I wonder if anyone here would be up for the fun of plating it or helping me to plate it. I think it is plate 1E and I'm pretty sure both are A reliefs. I don't see a lot of distinguishing features other than a little miscut on the upper right frameline of the left stamp.

Hi Philazilla --

I plated your #10A pair to positions 79-80L1 -- but without a significantly higher quality scan from which to work, the state of the plate is uncertain (i.e., Early or Intermediate).

If you want an opinion as to the state of the plate, I am happy to take a closer look -- but will need a 1200dpi scan from which to work. That said, unfortunately the SCF file size limitation will preclude you from posting a higher resolution scan online. Consequently, if this is something that would interest you, please get in contact with me through the SCF direct message utility so that you can email me a better scan.

FYI -- before scanning, please soak and press the pair so that the paper is completely flat -- as it appears that there may be some paper bends that are distorting the curves in the BFL's. After soaking and pressing, please scan the pair at 1200 dpi.

Regards // ioagoa

Thanks ioagoa! It looks to me like 79-80L1i. I'll see about getting. better scan. This scan is from the auction website (scaled down to fit the image size requirements here). I believe the image is flat, but I'll do my own can shortly.

These would be my first 1i stamps - and I have had dozens of 10/10As.

Hi Philazilla --

I found your stamp on Siegel's website and downloaded the image -- but unfortunately still only 350dpi -- which is not suitable for plating work (at least not for me) -- and especially when it comes to separating out 1E from 1i where the only difference between the two states resulted from re-entry.

As an aside -- this pair was not all that difficult to plate to its position -- as the left stamp has its LIL running up way too far -- which quickly narrowed down the possibilities to only a handful of positions.

On the other hand, nailing down the state of the plate -- at least for me -- is a process of first studying confirmed copies from each the Early and Intermediate states of the plate to identify the consistent differences that resulted from re-entry -- and then applying those characteristics to the patient stamp.

This process can be challenging -- as both states of the plate wore quickly after being put into production -- making the impact of plate wear a significant factor to consider -- and in addition to that -- differences in inking and impression add to the challenge.

When you have the stamp in hand, I would very much like to get a 1200 dpi scan for further study (if that is something you would be comfortable sharing with me).

In the mean time -- I am curious as to what you are seeing that tips the scale toward the "intermediate" state of the plate?

By the way -- nice cancel on that pair -- and very scarce.

Regards // ioagoa

edited only to correct spelling errors

I sent you a higher-resolution scan. I am guessing it is the intermediate plate because the impression looks a bit more worn and seems to match the 2c plating examples here: http://stampplating.com/ But I am a total novice at plating.

Hi Philazilla --

I studied the high resolution scan you sent me of your 79-80L1 OB pair this evening -- and I am confident that it is from the Intermediate state of plate 1 -- so 79-80L1i.

I also sent you a couple of reference scans of examples from both the Early and Intermediate states of the plate for you to compare to your stamp -- but unfortunately, due to the SCF file size limitation I am unable to post them here.

Regards // ioagoa

Philazilla and ioagoa, thanks for this thread and posting the follow up here as well!
A pair of OB stamps with that entire cancel showing seems pretty special.