A scanner will give you better focus. Scans are preferred also because they won't give skewed images. Also, I recommend purchasing a Scott Specialized Catalog. It has a wealth of information, and a used, older copy is not expensive. As to your stamps, I think everyone here will agree that your first is a 581, and your second is a 552. Both are common issues and not valuable. The cancels are more interesting than the stamps. You seem to enjoy your stamps and that is what matters.
Library was closed today and tomorrow for a music festival, so I'll have to wait to view the Scott Specialzed book for the vending machine issues
You will be the 1st to hear that my original post said 9.75 by 9.5: I was WRONG!
I re-measured EXACTLY
it's 10.0 x 9.54; now more fun begins
so much for the replies saying it's 9.75 with Scott rounding it up to 10; it's not 9.75 but a 10
it's not 9.50 either as one poster cited it as between 9.5 and 9.75; he was correct; its exactly 9.54 which I find really odd; I'll bring it to Dr Bob Stamps in Woodridge IL for his expert review; I hope he's still in business
I want to help you to understand that the "exact" gauge of your 581 is irrelevant. It is a 581. The perforation specifications given by Scott are estimations. I would put these stamps aside, look at other stamps. Then look at them again later with a fresh perspective. Do BUY a Specialized Catalog, you will find yourself reading it into the wee hours. It is fascinating.
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Posted 09/05/2025 5:31 pm
