Although the description of the varieties accompanying the cuts, should be sufficient for the identification of any die variety, the writer has found that a system of line prolongation is very useful whenever, due to die deteriorations, a stamp appears to possess features which are not found in the descriptions. The system is based on the position of five letters which differ greatly in many varieties. These letters are:--
1) "U" of "U. S." 2) "P" of "POST." 3) "T" of "POST" 4) "W" of "TWO." 5) "E" of "CENTS."
and the measurements are made as follows:
The left stroke of "U" is prolonged downward. Observe the line with regard to letters "O, C, E" and "N."
The upright stroke of "P" is prolonged downward. Observe line with regard to letters "C" and "E."
The central stroke of "T" is prolonged downward. Observe line with regard to letters "W, O, C" and "E."
The left stroke of "W" is prolonged upward. Observe line with regard to letters "S" of "U. S." and "P" of "POST."
The left stroke of "E" is prolonged upward. Observe line with regard to letters "U." and "S."
The student who employs these measurements will find that, taking the various dies belonging to one class, _one_ of the above mentioned five line prolongations is sufficient to clearly differentiate any variety of that group from any other. For instance, Class one includes but two varieties. In Var. 1, a line prolongation of the "T" of "POST" cuts through the "O" of "TWO;" in Var. 2 it passes along the second stroke of "W." In case of doubt that single measurement is decisive.
As an additional safeguard to the collector the characteristic line measurement is mentioned at the end of the description of each variety.
Bust points to intersection of second and third stroke of "W."
Narrow "U" far from oval line. Buff and Orange.
"POST" 7-1/2 mm. There is generally a dot near top of left bar of "U." "U. S." close. "P" nearly vertical. "T" of "TWO" far from left oval; "WO" close; "OC near; "S" of "CENTS" near right oval. Figures of value are exactly in centre of the side ovals. Nose near left oval. "E" line through left stroke of "U." Envelopes only.
Narrow "U" touching line below. Dark Manila.
"POST" fully 8 mm. "P" vertical, much above level of "O." "O" turned to the right. "ST" wide and "T" far from right oval; "WO" very close; "OC" close; "CE" close; "NTS" near inner frame line. Nose near left oval. "E" line to left of "S" of "U. S." Wrapper only.