#535 - 1918 3ยข no watermark, offset, imperforate - type IV
See below for details
Basic Info
3¢ purple, deep purple
TYPE IV (see below)
Subject: George Washington
Printing Method: Offset
Perforations: Imperforate
Watermark: unwatermarked
Scott #: 535
Issued: October 5th, 1920
Value for singles
Used
$2 - $4
No postmark with gum (MH)
$6 - $10
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$17.50 - $20
Value for pairs
Used
$1 - $2
No postmark with gum (MH)
$1 - $2
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$3 - $5
Plate Numbers
#535 was issued with the following plate #'s
Number only
8781-87
9019-24, 48, 50
9255-56
9323-24, 31-34, 84-86, 91, 93
9926
#535a
Double impression
#535a
A change to Offset
The poor quality of the ink that could be obtained at the time wore out the plates quickly. By switching to offset printing the plates lasted longer. The use of offset press would stay in place until the quality of available ink improved, which was expected to happen once world trade had gone back to normality after the disruption of WWI.
A fair quantity of this stamps printing went to the Schermack company for their type III perforated stamps (see below). Most desirable in pairs and multiples thereof.
Arrow Blocks
The most desirable example of this stamp is the centreline block, shown on the other issues of this group of imperforates. Here I am illustrating the arrow block which is the second most desirable multiple. There is a guide line between each row, it is where two panes meet. Value about $60 (MNH)
Earliest documented use
The earliest documented use of #535 September 30th, 1918
Favor Cancels
An example of a favour cancel
Whenever a collector or postal customer specifically requests a cancel or postmark, the result is known as a favor cancel
The 1919-21 Definitives
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