Double Line Watermark?

I know this stamp is supposed to be double lined watermarked. I can only see a single line when against a black background and with a strong light source. Is it normal too see only part of a watermark if the stamp is not in watermark fluid?

the answer to your question - yes.

I agree. I think I see two curved lines, part of a U (or an S as the OP said below).

It is an "s" single line when looked at with the light.

Paid,
I cannot tell anything from your images. If there is a watermark, it will be the double-line variety since the single-line watermark was not introduced until 1910. The Scott U.S. Specialized catalog shows this diagram of how 81 letters are spread over 100 positions, thus very few stamps will show a complete letter:

As for your stamp, I would recommend using watermark fluid or lighter fluid to more fully reveal the watemark. The fact that you are getting confusing or incomplete results demonstrates the need for a more robust detection method.

More broadly, countless countries have used watermarked paper of varying quality for over 100 years. The ability to detect these also varies. Some watermarks are readily obvious when laid against a dark surface, others when backlighted, others will need fluid, and even then some will remain challenging. There is no "one method" for all watermarks, although fluid tends to be the most reliable method for U.S. stamps.

Paid - nothing personal but your images all have a problem. They are a good size but the clarity is poor. Many of us have flatbed scanners that can be had for $100 or less in some cases.


If your images start out on a phone this is a better way to archive all of your two dimensional treasures.

Thank you for the input.