Try this:
"The gauge of a perforation is measured by the number of holes in a space of two centimetres." (Stanley Gibbons stamp catalogue introductions)
Buy a perforation gauge that has the teeth on the outside as well. For instance, the "Uni-Safe Perforation Gauge" is about $2.50 (search on name).
Or you can buy one made of clear plastic, but I find them harder to read. I have the specialist gauge, but use the simple one 99% of the time.
Or, if you have another stamp from this set just set it next to it and compare perts.
All of these types of stamps are embossed. The date on the postamrk can also be helpful in ID'ing the correct stamp. If the stamp is dated 98 then it would be nearly impossible to have a #39 printed in 1876. I'd say it is a #62a that was printed on toned paper like yours.
Below is a reference to my Bavaria collection: You can compare the issues to the catalog description and it can also be handy for counting perfs for comparison. Counting perfs is an important tool for the collector. In auctions where the scans are good you can count perfs to better know what you are really bidding on.
http://mitch.seymourfamily.com/mward/collection/europe/germanstate/bavaria.html
Many Thanks Mitch, I should have checked your site before I asked the question, YOU are now book marked Buddy..Hope you have a great weekend.............Bill I almost forgot Thanks to Mel for the kind thought just another great person who offered me help and I Need all the HELP I can get, and here's a place where it's easy to get. Thank YOU Mel
I find this item invaluable.
It is printed on clear plastic making it easy to check the perforations of stamps on cover.
You can get one at: http://www.slingshotvenus.com/stamps/USSpecialtyPerf5.html
I love mine.
Smauggie:
I have one of those... It is the BEST and I use it all the time.
David in Ottawa, Canada.
Hi Everyone;
@ smauggie;
Thanks so much for that link...I bookmarked it.
@ Everyone;
That site has lots of other links to pages of data on how to detect re-perfs, repairs and other stuff, plus a few names of eBay sellers to avoid.
Just sortin'....
TuskenRaider
The stamp feels embossed and I'd like to list it for sale But I don't know if it's Scott #39 or 62. I need HELP again. I can't check for watermark although 62 makes no mention of embossing, the postmark appears to be 88 on stamp and 98 at lower left corner of postcard
re: How can I check perf on this stamp without removing it
Try this:
"The gauge of a perforation is measured by the number of holes in a space of two centimetres." (Stanley Gibbons stamp catalogue introductions)
re: How can I check perf on this stamp without removing it
Buy a perforation gauge that has the teeth on the outside as well. For instance, the "Uni-Safe Perforation Gauge" is about $2.50 (search on name).
Or you can buy one made of clear plastic, but I find them harder to read. I have the specialist gauge, but use the simple one 99% of the time.
re: How can I check perf on this stamp without removing it
Or, if you have another stamp from this set just set it next to it and compare perts.
re: How can I check perf on this stamp without removing it
All of these types of stamps are embossed. The date on the postamrk can also be helpful in ID'ing the correct stamp. If the stamp is dated 98 then it would be nearly impossible to have a #39 printed in 1876. I'd say it is a #62a that was printed on toned paper like yours.
Below is a reference to my Bavaria collection: You can compare the issues to the catalog description and it can also be handy for counting perfs for comparison. Counting perfs is an important tool for the collector. In auctions where the scans are good you can count perfs to better know what you are really bidding on.
http://mitch.seymourfamily.com/mward/collection/europe/germanstate/bavaria.html
re: How can I check perf on this stamp without removing it
Many Thanks Mitch, I should have checked your site before I asked the question, YOU are now book marked Buddy..Hope you have a great weekend.............Bill I almost forgot Thanks to Mel for the kind thought just another great person who offered me help and I Need all the HELP I can get, and here's a place where it's easy to get. Thank YOU Mel
re: How can I check perf on this stamp without removing it
I find this item invaluable.
It is printed on clear plastic making it easy to check the perforations of stamps on cover.
You can get one at: http://www.slingshotvenus.com/stamps/USSpecialtyPerf5.html
I love mine.
re: How can I check perf on this stamp without removing it
Smauggie:
I have one of those... It is the BEST and I use it all the time.
David in Ottawa, Canada.
re: How can I check perf on this stamp without removing it
Hi Everyone;
@ smauggie;
Thanks so much for that link...I bookmarked it.
@ Everyone;
That site has lots of other links to pages of data on how to detect re-perfs, repairs and other stuff, plus a few names of eBay sellers to avoid.
Just sortin'....
TuskenRaider