Scotts #333 US stamps

#333 - 1908 Double Line USPS Watermark P12 3¢

3¢ - Light violet, violet, deep violet

Printing Method: FLAT PLATE
Subject: George Washington
Number issued: 175,000,000
Perforations: P12
Watermark: Double Line USPS
Scott #: 333
Issued: December 24, 1908

Value

Used
25¢
No postmark with gum (MH)
$15 - $20
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$35 - $40

Plate #'s

#333 was issued with the following plate #'s

Imprint and Number
4918-27
Imprint, star and number
5l21- 26, 31, 36

Experimental Paper ?

Sometimes you will see very expensive copies of #331 advertised as experimental paper or CHINA CLAY PAPER. There is no such thing, what exists are stamps which have "dirty water" paper because silica in the water became embedded in paper produced during drought conditions when the mill pond was low.

There are some old PF certificates still around that state that a stamp is a "China Clay' stamp. The PF no longer recognises China Clay stamps and has ceased certifying them.

Do not be tempted to buy something that does not exist.

Earliest documented use

333's earliest documented date of use, January 8th, 1909

Advertising Covers

We are nearing the end of the golden age of advertising covers. Fine engraving and multicoloured covers give us a rich heritage of covers to collect. This is a late example from the Hunter Arms Company, famous for their production of the L.C. Smith double-barreled shotguns. The envelope is addressed to the Crucible steel company, makers of speciality and high quality steels, they are still in business today. The Hunter Arms company ceased to exist during WWI.

This envelope was addressed to their steel supplier, however the envelopes creation and main purpose was to contain information about the company's new 20 gauge shotgun. This, whilst very collectible was not their most valued L.C. Smith gun, the .410 bore. First manufactured in 1926 by the Simmons family, the .410 that can lay claim to that title.