Riverside Stamps
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Suspect Scott #385 Unused Single.
This is an often faked coil with a catalogue value of $45.00 as an unused single. The Experts Book states that this coil can be made by adding perforations to a trimmed imperforate #383, adding perforations to a #383V imperforate coil, trimming the perforations off the left and/or right of a #374 and trimming the perforations off the left and/or right of a #374a booklet single.
The watermark is not clear but appears to be in the corners. It’s impossible to tell if they are single or double line or to tell orientation.
The suspect has a width of 21.25 mm at the top and 21.5 + mm at the bottom which makes the suspect an ideal width coil.
The next two images show the suspects perfs overlaid on genuine #374 perforations.
As can be seen the fit is very good, the perforations are straight and the top and bottom rows of perforations are parallel with each other. The perforations show all the signs of being genuine – slightly out of round, pulled paper fibers on one side of the hole and pressure ridges.
The perforations gauge out at 11.940 at the top and 11.953 on the bottom which is well within the range of 11.93 +0.1/-0.05.
The edges also compare well with genuine cut edges of a #374 booklet pane. Left edge of suspect is on the right and the genuine edge is on the left.
Left edge of suspect vs. genuine.
Right edge of suspect vs. genuine.
Conclusion: In my opinion the edges and perforations are genuine but I’m unable to ascertain if the watermark is single or double line. In my opinion the suspect is either a genuine #348 or #385. I'm sending this suspect to the A.P.S. to be expertized on 4/6/15, stay tuned.
Reference material used:
- The Expert's Book. A practical guide to the authentication of United States stamps. By Paul W. Schmid
As always comments and suggestions are always welcome.
To Contact Riverside Stamps:
Email:
Mike Girard - Owner / Operator / Web Master:
g1rardmn1099@comcast.net
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I am a member of the American Philatelic Society
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I am a member of the United States Stamp Society  USSS #: 16733 Visit the United States Stamp Society Website at www.usstamps.org |
I am a member of the Perfins Club
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