It has been over three months since I last posted, mainly due to my scanner being unavailable because of house remodeling. But I am back now!
In the meantime, there have been several local stamp club auctions. U.S.A. stamps are always well represented. I therefore added to my U.S.A. collection, which is part of my 1840-1940 Deep Blue (Steiner pages) WW collection.
There is an "F Grill" noted on the stamp reverse (not shown). CV is $275, but I picked up this presentable example for 15% CV. Many of the stamps of this era have small margins.
(Note: 10%-20% CV cost was the usual for this group of stamps at the club auctions.)
The 1873 CBNC stamp issue can have secret marks, but not always.
This 12c stamp has a CV of $135.
Bur this one does! Note the crescent shaped tips of the balls of the "2", rather than round shaped, as seen with the other printings.
Scott 166 CV is $275.
Unfortunately, the 30c and 90c was not produced with secret marks. However, the CBNC 90c was issued with a "rose carmine" shade and a white (rather than yellow) paper shade. Also, check for ribbing.
This 1917 $2 "type" (the 1902-03 stamp is perf 12 and watermarked) has a CV of $40.
CV for the homely (design wise) Post Office 30c is $25.
As my daughter works for the State Department, I am rather partial to the deep green 1873 specimens. ;-)
The 1c has a higher CV ($75) than some of the other lower denominations.
This stamp was not from the club auctions, but purchased from a U.S.A. dealer. CV is $250. Note the rather generous margins. Nice!
Out of the Blue
My next post will feature some classical era WW stamps - zeppelins, and an iconic Hong Kong stamp!
Comments appreciated!