#345 - 1909 3ยข Double line USPS watermark, Imperf
See below for details
Basic Info
3¢ Violet, deep violet
Subject: George Washington
Printing Method: Flat Plate
Perforations: Imperforate
Watermark: double line USPS (see below)
Scott #: 345
Quantity Issued: 418,700
Issued: February 13th, 1909
Value
Used
$6 - $11
No postmark with gum (MH)
$4 - $6
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$15 - $22.50
Plate Numbers
#345 had the following plate #'s
Imprint and number
4918-27
Paste up pairs
The makers of private coils pasted fifteen of these sheets together, end to end or side to side. These were then perforated, cut into strips and rolled into coils of 3,000. A paste up, occurred every twenty stamps, each strip being divided by the guide line running in the same direction as the perforations. The primary reason for issuing imperforate stamps in sheets being for the use of makers of private perforations, Above is shown an example of where two stamps have been pasted together.
Earliest Known Use
Earliest known use of #345, February 13th, 1909
The purpose of imperf
These imperf. stamps were issued primarily for use in making private coils for vending machines. They were printed from the same type of plates as were used for the perforated stamps of this issue, although not all the plates noted for perforated varieties were used.
The imperf. stamps (unless in coils) were issued in full sheets containing 400 subjects, divided into four panes of 100 each by horizontal and vertical guide lines. These guide lines terminated in arrows at the margins. In the perforated varieties the guide-Iines appear as straight edges at top or bottom and right or left. On the imperforate sheets they permit additional position varieties. The main purpose of this issue being for the manufacture of private coils, below are listed the private perforations used on this stamp.
Earliest documented use
Earliest documented date of use, February 13th, 1909
The International Perforation
Perhaps the most valuable example of an unused #34 is this one. It has the International Vending Machine Co. 12½ perforation, The most difficult private perforation to be found. This pair sold for $4,130 at Siegel auctions in April, 2022.
The Covel Perforation
Produced by Rosback for use by A.W. Filstrup of the Covel Co.
Double line letters watermark
1908-09 Definitive Double Line USPS Watermark Coil Issues
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