The Franklin Rotary Press Rarities Scott #'s 594 & 596
WASHINGTON/FRANKLIN STAMPS OF 1908-1922
The "Washington/Franklin" series of United States postage stamps of 1908-1922, also known as the "Third Bureau Issues", are perhaps the most difficult US stamps to identify. In addition to new techniques for printing (i.e. rotary press, offset) and ways of offering stamps to the public (coil stamps) a new watermark (single-line USPS) was used for the first time. Additionally, an odd type of paper, known as "bluish" paper, was used for a brief period in 1909.
There are four major elements that need to be understood to conclusively identify Washington Franklin stamps:
Design: Five designs—A138, A139, A140, A148 & A149. See Section 1 below. Perforations: Imperforate, perforated, and both horizontally and vertically perforated coil stamps. See Section 2 below. Watermarks: Single line, double line, or unwatermarked. See Section 3 below. Press Type: Flat plate, rotary or offset. See Section 4 below.
There are four minor elements that also need to be understood:
Paper: Two varieties—wood pulp and "bluish" paper. See Section 5 below. "2 CENTS 2" Types: Nine types—I, Ia, II, III, IV, V, Va, VI and VII. See Section 6 below. "3 CENTS 3" Types: Four types—I, II, III and IV. See Section 7 below. Design Size: 19½ to 20mm X 22mm—only important in identifying two rotary press stamps, Scott 545 & 546. See row 8 of Identification Table at bottom of page.
Following are explanations and illustrations of all these variables, and at the bottom of this page is a table that can be used to easily identify individual Washington/Franklin stamps.
Section 1: The Designs
Washington Franklin stamps come in five different designs:
A138: Franklin, "ONE CENT" spelled out below portrait. Only one value. A139: Washington, "TWO CENTS" spelled out below portrait. Only one value. A140: Washington, value in "2 CENTS 2" format below portrait. Values from 1 cent through 1 dollar. A148: Franklin, U.S. POSTAGE in curved label above portrait. Values from 8 cents through 1 dollar. A149: Franklin, landscape format, two colors, only two values; 2 dollars and 5 dollars.
See below for illustrations of each design.
The "Washington/Franklin" series of United States postage stamps of 1908-1922, also known as the "Third Bureau Issues", are perhaps the most difficult US stamps to identify. In addition to new techniques for printing (i.e. rotary press, offset) and ways of offering stamps to the public (coil stamps) a new watermark (single-line USPS) was used for the first time. Additionally, an odd type of paper, known as "bluish" paper, was used for a brief period in 1909.
There are four major elements that need to be understood to conclusively identify Washington Franklin stamps:
Design: Five designs—A138, A139, A140, A148 & A149. See Section 1 below. Perforations: Imperforate, perforated, and both horizontally and vertically perforated coil stamps. See Section 2 below. Watermarks: Single line, double line, or unwatermarked. See Section 3 below. Press Type: Flat plate, rotary or offset. See Section 4 below.
There are four minor elements that also need to be understood:
Paper: Two varieties—wood pulp and "bluish" paper. See Section 5 below. "2 CENTS 2" Types: Nine types—I, Ia, II, III, IV, V, Va, VI and VII. See Section 6 below. "3 CENTS 3" Types: Four types—I, II, III and IV. See Section 7 below. Design Size: 19½ to 20mm X 22mm—only important in identifying two rotary press stamps, Scott 545 & 546. See row 8 of Identification Table at bottom of page.
Following are explanations and illustrations of all these variables, and at the bottom of this page is a table that can be used to easily identify individual Washington/Franklin stamps.
Section 1: The Designs
Washington Franklin stamps come in five different designs:
A138: Franklin, "ONE CENT" spelled out below portrait. Only one value. A139: Washington, "TWO CENTS" spelled out below portrait. Only one value. A140: Washington, value in "2 CENTS 2" format below portrait. Values from 1 cent through 1 dollar. A148: Franklin, U.S. POSTAGE in curved label above portrait. Values from 8 cents through 1 dollar. A149: Franklin, landscape format, two colors, only two values; 2 dollars and 5 dollars.
See below for illustrations of each design.
Section 2: Coil Stamps
Coil stamps were designed for use in dispensers and vending machines that could supply stamps one at a time. The first Washington/Franklin coils were issued in 1908, in strips of 100 that were perforated either 12 horizontally or 12 vertically. See image below.
Coil stamps were designed for use in dispensers and vending machines that could supply stamps one at a time. The first Washington/Franklin coils were issued in 1908, in strips of 100 that were perforated either 12 horizontally or 12 vertically. See image below.
Section 3: Watermarks
Washington/Franklins were printed on paper that was marked with single line watermark (190), double line watermark (191), or unwatermarked.
Washington/Franklins were printed on paper that was marked with single line watermark (190), double line watermark (191), or unwatermarked.
Section 4: Press types: Intaglio—Flat Plate & Rotary
Intaglio printing, also known as "recess printing", is done from a plate that has lines etched or carved into it. When ink is applied to the plate, it collects in these lines and grooves, then after the surface of the plate is wiped clean it is run through a press under pressure. The pressure forces the ink from the grooves in the plate onto the paper, which form tiny ridges that, when dry, can be felt with a fingernail drawn lightly across them. A flat plate press, as its name suggests, utilizes a flat printing plate that is run through a press, then re-inked, wiped, and run through the press again. A rotary press utilizes a printing plate that has been formed into a cylinder, which allows for faster feeding of the printing sheets through the press—the plate is inked, wiped and impressed into the paper in one continuous action. Because a rotary press plate has been rounded, the image will be somewhat distorted. For stamps this means that the design will be slightly higher or wider than it would have been on a flat plate press. Also, the difficulty inherent in inking and wiping a rotary press plate while it was in motion meant that early rotary press stamps usually show a considerable amount of "plate tone", a sheen of ink that would transfer from the incompletely cleaned plate onto the stamp. See illustration below.
Intaglio printing, also known as "recess printing", is done from a plate that has lines etched or carved into it. When ink is applied to the plate, it collects in these lines and grooves, then after the surface of the plate is wiped clean it is run through a press under pressure. The pressure forces the ink from the grooves in the plate onto the paper, which form tiny ridges that, when dry, can be felt with a fingernail drawn lightly across them. A flat plate press, as its name suggests, utilizes a flat printing plate that is run through a press, then re-inked, wiped, and run through the press again. A rotary press utilizes a printing plate that has been formed into a cylinder, which allows for faster feeding of the printing sheets through the press—the plate is inked, wiped and impressed into the paper in one continuous action. Because a rotary press plate has been rounded, the image will be somewhat distorted. For stamps this means that the design will be slightly higher or wider than it would have been on a flat plate press. Also, the difficulty inherent in inking and wiping a rotary press plate while it was in motion meant that early rotary press stamps usually show a considerable amount of "plate tone", a sheen of ink that would transfer from the incompletely cleaned plate onto the stamp. See illustration below.
Press types: Offset
Offset printing is a fast, reliable and efficient method for printing. It was first used for printing stamps during the World War I as a cost-cutting measure, however the stamps, which lacked the fine detail of intaglio printed stamps, were unpopular with the public, who considered them ugly and cheap-looking. The use of offset presses to print stamps was discontinued in 1919, although offset was later re-introduced for printing stamps with marked success. The image of an offset-printed Washington stamp is coarser and less detailed than an intaglio (i.e., flat or rotary press) printed stamp. Also, the ink lies flat on the surface of an offset printed stamp, while intaglio printing leaves a fine ridge of ink on the paper. In addition, some of the colors in the offset Washingtons are sharp and even garish. See below for general
Offset printing is a fast, reliable and efficient method for printing. It was first used for printing stamps during the World War I as a cost-cutting measure, however the stamps, which lacked the fine detail of intaglio printed stamps, were unpopular with the public, who considered them ugly and cheap-looking. The use of offset presses to print stamps was discontinued in 1919, although offset was later re-introduced for printing stamps with marked success. The image of an offset-printed Washington stamp is coarser and less detailed than an intaglio (i.e., flat or rotary press) printed stamp. Also, the ink lies flat on the surface of an offset printed stamp, while intaglio printing leaves a fine ridge of ink on the paper. In addition, some of the colors in the offset Washingtons are sharp and even garish. See below for general
Section 5: Bluish paper
For a short period in 1909, some US stamps were printed on paper that had a 35% rag content rather than 100% wood pulp as usual, giving the paper a somewhat grayish hue. These are known as "bluish" paper stamps, and can best be distinguished by comparing the backs of the stamps against those of known 100% wood-pulp content. See comparison below. These stamps were printed in 10 denominations: 1 cent, 2 cents, 3 cents, 4 cents, 5 cents, 6 cents, 8 cents, 10 cents, 13 cents and 15 cents. All are uncommon to very rare. Stamps were only issued in Washington DC, so any used specimens must bear contemporaneous Washington DC cancels.
For a short period in 1909, some US stamps were printed on paper that had a 35% rag content rather than 100% wood pulp as usual, giving the paper a somewhat grayish hue. These are known as "bluish" paper stamps, and can best be distinguished by comparing the backs of the stamps against those of known 100% wood-pulp content. See comparison below. These stamps were printed in 10 denominations: 1 cent, 2 cents, 3 cents, 4 cents, 5 cents, 6 cents, 8 cents, 10 cents, 13 cents and 15 cents. All are uncommon to very rare. Stamps were only issued in Washington DC, so any used specimens must bear contemporaneous Washington DC cancels.
Section 6: Types of the 2 cent Washington (A140)
Several minor variations in the design of the A140 2 cent Washington stamp exist.
They've been given Roman numerals to distinguish them.
Section 7: Types of the 3 cent Washington (A140)
Several minor variations also exist in the design of the A140 3 cent Washington stamp.
They've been given Roman numerals to distinguish them as well.
Identification Table
In using the table below, you first need to identify your stamp in the rows to the left, in blue, in this sequence: Press Type Watermark Design, where applicable. (Not always necessary—for instance, knowing the design type is unimportant in finding the catalog number of any unwatermarked flat plate stamp.) Size of Image. (Only important on perf 11 rotary press stamps.) Paper Type. (Only necessary for double-line watermark, perf 12 flate plate stamps.)
Once you have found the correct row at left, follow it to the right to find the appropriate perforation type—i.e. imperforate, perf 11, coil perf 10 vertically, etc. Under the correct red header you will find either a single number or a range of numbers reflecting different denominations or types (such as those of the 2-cent and 3-cent Washingtons). Consult the Scott catalog to find the number, within that range, of your specific stamp.
In using the table below, you first need to identify your stamp in the rows to the left, in blue, in this sequence: Press Type Watermark Design, where applicable. (Not always necessary—for instance, knowing the design type is unimportant in finding the catalog number of any unwatermarked flat plate stamp.) Size of Image. (Only important on perf 11 rotary press stamps.) Paper Type. (Only necessary for double-line watermark, perf 12 flate plate stamps.)
Once you have found the correct row at left, follow it to the right to find the appropriate perforation type—i.e. imperforate, perf 11, coil perf 10 vertically, etc. Under the correct red header you will find either a single number or a range of numbers reflecting different denominations or types (such as those of the 2-cent and 3-cent Washingtons). Consult the Scott catalog to find the number, within that range, of your specific stamp.
Examples Of How To Use This Table
Press Type: Flate Plate Watermark: Single line Design Type: A139 Perforation type: Imperforate
The correct cell (below) shows the numbers 383-384.The catalog reveals that 383 is a one cent stamp and 384is a two cent stamp, therefore the number we want is 384.
The correct cell (below) shows the numbers 383-384.The catalog reveals that 383 is a one cent stamp and 384is a two cent stamp, therefore the number we want is 384.
2nd Example
Press Type: Flate Plate Watermark: Double line Paper Type: Bluish Perforation type: 12
The correct cell in the table shows the numbers 357-366; this stamp is #358.
The correct cell in the table shows the numbers 357-366; this stamp is #358.
3rd Example
Press Type: Flate Plate Watermark: Double line Paper Type: Wood pulp Perforation type: Coil, perforated 12 horizontally
Range is 348-351, catalog number of this stamp is 351.
Range is 348-351, catalog number of this stamp is 351.
4th Example
Press Type: Flate Plate Watermark: none Perforation type: 11 2 cent variety: TYPE I
Range is 498-518, catalog number of this stamp is 499.
Range is 498-518, catalog number of this stamp is 499.
A Sample Of The Washington-Franklin Collection Of David Saks
1908-1922 Washington-Franklin Designs – Easy Identification Guide –
By Bill Weiss and Scott PaytonProbably no specialized group of United States postage stamps cause as many problems forcollectors to identify as the 1908-1922 Regular Issues commonly referred to as“Washington/Franklins” (hereafter “W/F” in this article). The problems occur because there weredifferent printing processes used (flat plate, rotary plate and offset – all will be further defined later),differing designs, differing perf gauges, coiled stamps and non-coiled stamps, and stamps made fromdifferent paper types.So while confusion is understandable, we believe that this article will help the reader to more easilyand accurately identify the stamp in front of them. This information is arranged by a textpresentation followed by a matrix and, where warranted, illustrations. It is assumed that the readereither understands basic differences in watermarks, perforation gauges and printing methods or caneasily learn them by reading the information available in several books including the Scott catalog,The Expert’s Book, Johl’s books on 20th Century U.S. Stamps, and others. Note that all numbers in thisarticle are the Scott Catalog numbers.The authors have used a PROCESS OF ELIMINATION to quickly separate the W/F Issues as follows;1. Which of the major designs is it?A. The first W/F sets have the vignette design of Washington and 1c and 2c values expressed inwords, the following sets have values expressed in numerals, and the last with vignette designof Franklin. The designs we are concerned with are Scott’s A138, A139, A140 and A148.2. Is it a coil stamp or a non-coil (perforated or imperforate) stamp?3. If it is a coil stamp, which of the designs is it?4. If it is a perforated or imperf stamp, which of the designs is it?5. If it is either a coil or perforated stamp, what gauge are the perforations?6. After we determine each of the above, depending on the outcome, we identify the printingmethod used – is it printed by flat plate, rotary or offset printed?A. FLAT PLATE-printed stamps were simply printed on a plate laying on a flat bed and can beidentified by several characteristics; gum on unused stamps is flat, having no ridges, and oftendisplaying “set-off” on the back side (traces of ink offset from the sheet of stamps stackedabove). Flat plate printed stamps also generally have sharper impressions than rotary oroffset and display NO excess inking.B. ROTARY printing is done on a plate which is curved around a cylinder ad can be identified by;unused stamps usually have gum which has ridges in it, the back side does not have set-off,the front side often displays excess ink streaks which are usually quite evident, especially inthe whiter areas of the stamp, and the design of rotary stamps is usually a bit taller or widerthan flat or offset stamps.C. OFFSET or offset lithography can be identified because the impressions are not as clear as ifprinted by flat and unused/OG stamps have flat gum, not ridged as rotary does and may alsoshow set-off on back whereas rotary does not. Only the 1920 Issue (Scott 525-536) are offsetprinted in the W/F stamps.7. Is it watermarked or not? If so, which of the two watermarks is it (Single or Double Line)?8. What is the perforation gauge?A. The Specialist Gauge (invented by R. Kiusalas c.1965) is recommended for accurate perf gaugeidentification which is critical for success in identifying the W/F issues.9. If it is a 2c stamp design, which TYPE is it? Note that there are seven (7) different types thatmust be learned. All are illustrated in the books already noted.10. If it is a 3c stamp design, which TYPE is it? There are four. Easy to differentiate.When we apply this process of elimination, it can quickly identify most W/F stamps that you are everlikely to encounter. It is not likely that you will ever see one of the rare compound perfs, but even ifyou do, a careful check of the perf gauge can also ID these rarities (caution – they are very commonlyfaked).The following is a list separating all of the different W/F design sets or single items using the processof elimination list as described.1. Which design is it?A. DESIGN A138 has “ONE CENT” spelled out at bottom and the portrait of Franklin. Possibilitiesby Scott number are;a. 331, 343, 348, 352, 357, 374, 383, 385, 387, 390, 392 and booklet pane singles 331a, 374a.B. DESIGN A139 has “TWO CENTS” spelled out at bottom and portrait of Washington.Possibilities by Scott number are;a. 332, 344, 349, 353, 358, 375, 384, 386, 388, 391, 393, 519 and 332a and 375a.C. DESIGN A140 has “1CENTS1” at bottom for all values and portrait of Washington. There are29 possible stamps depending on perf gauge, coil, sheet stamp, perf or imperf, etc.D. The other denominations from 3c to $1.00 all have multiple possible ID based on the otherfactors previously listed. It is only important that you understand that there are manypossible IDs, which will be further revealed as we use the process.2. If it is a 2c or 3c stamp of design A140, which type is it? The various types are illustrated inScott, the Expert’s Book, Johl and elsewhere.3. Is it a coil or non-coil? If it is a coil stamp, the possibilities are;A. Scott 348-356, 386-396, 410-413, 441-459, 486-497;B. If it is an imperf stamp, the possibilities are; Scott 343-347, 383-384, 408-409, 481-485, 531-535.4. If it is a coil, which design and which gauge and watermark is it?A. Possibilities are Perf 12 (#348-356 or 385-389), Perf 8.5 (#390-396 or 410-413), Perf 10 (#441-458, 486-497, 536). See also item #8 in this list for order of issue by gauge;5. If it is a sheet stamp which gauge and watermark is it?A. Possibilities are; Perf 12 (#331-342, 357-366, 374-382, 405-407 and 414-423). Perf 10 are(460,462-478, 542-543). Perf 11 are (461, 498-518, 525-528B, 538-541, 544-546a) and PerfErrors (424a-428a). Also booklet singles (#331a,332a,374a,375a,405b,406a, 424d, 425e, 462a,463a, 498e, 498f, 499e, 499f, 501b, 502b).6. What is the printing method?A. If it is Flat Plate printed, possibilities are; (#331-342, 343-347, 348-356, 357-366, 374-382, 385-389, 390-396, 405-407, 410-413, 414-423, 424-440, 424a-428a, 441-447, 461, 462-478, 498-518and 519 plus booklet singles);B. If it is Rotary printed the possibilities are (#448-458, 486-497, 543 plus booklet singles);C. If it is Offset printed the possibilities are (#525-536);D. The last category is stamps printed from coil or sheet waste and they are (#538-542, 545-546,546a).7. Is it watermarked or not?A. If it IS watermarked DOUBLE-LINE, the possibilities are; (#331-342, 343-347,348-356, 357-366and 519 plus booklet singles);B. If it is watermarked SINGLE-LINE, the possibilities are; (#374-382, 385-396, 405-407, 410-440,424a-428a, 441-458, 460, 461 plus booklet singles);C. If it is NOT watermarked, the possibilities are; 462-485, 498-518, 525-536, 538-546 plusbooklet singles.8. What is the perf gauge?A. In order of appearance, the possibilities are;a. Perf 12 (#331-342, 348-356, 357-366, 374-382, 385-389, 405-407, 414-423 and booklet singles);b. Perf 8.5 (#390-396 and 410-413);c. Perf 10 (#424-440, 441-460, 462-478, 543 and booklet singles;d. Perf 11 (#461,498-518, 519, 525-528B, 544-546 and booklet singles;e. Perf 12.5 (#536);f. Compound perfs (#424a-428a, 538-542, 546a).NOTE – SPECIALIST GAUGE READINGSThe following is a listing of the Specialist Gauge readings in the order that the stamps are listed inScott. The list was originally compiled by (I believe) the APS Expert Committee.SCOTT No. SPECIALIST GAUGE SCOTT No. SPECIALIST GAUGE331-342 12-66 460 10-79348-356 12-66 461 11-72357-366 12-66 462-478 10-79374-382 12-66 486-497 10-80385-389 12-66 498-518 11-72390-396 8.5-95 519 11-72405-407 12-66 525-530 11-72410-413 8.5-95 536 12.5-63414-423 12-66 538-541 11-72 X 10.80424-440 10-79 542 10-80 X 11-73423A 12-66 X 10-79 543 10-80423B 12-66 X 10-79 544 11-72 or 11-73 at top or423C 12-66 X 10-79 bottom or both X 11-72423D 10-79 X 12-66 545-546 11-72423E 10-79 X 12-66 546a 11-72 X 11-72 X 11-72 X 10-80441-447 10-79448-458 10-80