Scotts #432 US stamps

#432 - 1914 - Perf. 10 - Single line USPS wmk

9¢ salmon red, deep salmon red

Printing Method: FLAT PLATE
Subject: Benjamin Franklin
Number issued: 33,000,0000
Perforations: 10
Watermark: Single line USPS wmk
Scott #: 432
Issued: October 6, 1914

Value

Used
$2 - $5
No postmark with gum (MH)
$20 - $45
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$55 - $75

Useage

This denomination was issued especially for use on parcel post packages, after the discontinuance of the distinctive stamps used for this service.

The Watermark

The watermark consists of single lined USPS letters. A stamp may show only part of a letter or letters

Scenes from the Bureau

Bureau of Engraving, Washington DC, Men printing sheets and women checking them in the stamp print room

Men working machinery at the Bureau of Engraving

A new perforation

The perf. 12 sheets having been found too brittle in handling, a reduction in the number of perforations was made which left more uncut space between the stamps and tended to strengthen the sheets. This produced a new variety, the perf. 10.

In spite of this change, which must have been quite obvious to philatelists, this second variety was largely overlooked and though current for a little over two years is almost as desirable as the previous variety.