US #505 Five Cent Die Error And Other News Of The Day

Hi Everyone - I am fascinated by this error of using a 5c transfer roll on a few locations on a 2c plate. Is anyone aware of any good articles or books with detailed background of this? I wonder about the buzz it would have created among the philatelic crowd when it was discovered.

On a related note, what old publications would one search to get a feel for what collectors thought of the endless production of "new" stamps during the Washington/Franklin production period - watermarks, perforation, paper, printing methods, etc., etc. It would seem that something new would be popping up every month - what did collectors during that period think? Were these recognized as new stamps by Scott immediately ... did the post office give heads up on changes or were they just released and collectors noted the changes. Thanks in advance.

Hi canyoneer. If you put the Scott number of your variety in the "search" function on top of this page you will get quite a few hits on this forum, with pictures and all.

Peter

Hi Canyoneer,
There are 2 books out there that are the "bible" for the WF's:
-- Paul Schmid, "The Experts Book"
-- Martin A. Armstrong, "Washington Franklin's 1909-23 (I think 23)"

I've had them both, but lost my Armstrong. The reason why I like the Armstrong book, is that it is like reading a story-- it takes you through the history of each issue, and you end up with a pretty good understanding of why each issue happened, and it's just a fabulous book.

From your original question, I can't recommend this book more strongly for you. It is out of print, it's paperback, and you can find it sometimes on eBay, or from any of the philatelic literature dealers out there.

Good luck, and if you find mine, please read it and return it! :)
Hope this helps, Ray

There are too many fakes out there. I have both books. But,I'm sure I have paid a lot of money for my MNH fakes over the years. It has actually poisoned me and it will be a while before I entertain W-F stamps.

Jack Kelley

There was a five part series in The United States Specialist beginning with the Feb, 2012 issue that was very comprehensive with regard to Sc 505.

"The 1917 "Red Error", Part I: What Actually Caused the BEP's "Blunder"?"; By Kevin G. Lowther.

Part II, May,2012
Part III, June, 2012
Part IV, August, 2012
Part V, October, 2012

Also in the same publication were articles by Larry S. Weiss on Sc 505:

"5c Red Errors Used as 5c Stamps", April, 1984

"A Census of 5c Red Error Covers", August, 1984 (Part I) and September, 1984 (Part II)

"A Census of 5c Red Error Covers -- Update", November, 1984

Also see pp. 216-219 in:

United States Postage Stamps, 1902-1935
Max G. Johl
(Quarterman Publications, Lawrence, MA; ISBN: 0-88000-069-4)

Available on line at:
http://www.stampsmarter.com/learnin...earning.html

The United States Specialist back issues are available for members at:
http://www.usstamps.org/

Most of the new stamps came about because of production problems, and the bureau did not discuss production with anyone. Once the stamps were produced they let everyone know about FDC's, etc, but not before. That is part of why some of the coil and sheet waste stamps are so rare, no one knew to look for them.

Carbon 12 - Thanks for the great references! Just starting to dig into the stamp smarter site and am thoroughly engrossed in the articles now. The back story of how stamps were created, papers, etc. is fascinating to me.

For sale on eBay:

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/401360396596

Lurking in a local library may be the book Fabulous Stamps by John W. Nicklin (1943), reprinted I think, telling stories of the major philatelic discoveries. This story is on page 41, with a 1943 price of $20 given for #505, $40 for #467, $2750 for the #486 single in block of 9. Somebody can drag out the inflation calculator. Keep in mind that if you had the money at the time (possible then, other luxuries were maybe harder to get), you would have run home and hinged the stamp in your album.