Basic Information
Color: Green
Subject: Benjamin Franklin
Watermark: Watermarked double-lined USPS
Printing method: Flat plate
Perforations: Imperforate
Scott #: 343
Quantity issued: 12,449,300
Issued: December 23rd, 1908
Value
An unused stamp with perfect gum: $2-$3
An unused stamp with gum and a hinge mark: $1-$2
A used stamp: $1-$2
Values are for stamps with four margins
About #343
Plate #4980
(notice the solid star above the stamps)
These imperf. stamps were issued primarily for use in making private coils for vending machines. They were printed from the same type of plates as were used for the perforated stamps of this issue, although not all the plates noted for perforated varieties were used. Solid star plate No. 4980 was used for the imperforate stamps and plate number blocks of this type are much more difficult to obtain than the perforated variety.
The imperf. stamps (unless in coils) were issued in full sheets containing 400 subjects, divided into four panes of 100 each by horizontal and vertical guide lines. These guide lines terminated in arrows at the margins. In the perforated varieties the guide-Iines appear as straight edges at top or bottom and right or left. On the imperforate sheets they permit additional position varieties.
Spacing
Comparing spacing
There are two varieties of #343, one has 2mm and the other 3mm spacing between the stamps. The 3mm spacing has approximately double the value of the 2mm spacing stamps. The examples of spacing should only be collected in multiples.
Paste-up Pairs
A paste up pair
The makers of private coils pasted fifteen of these sheets together, end to end or side to side. These were then perforated, cut into strips and rolled into coils of 3,000. A paste up, occurred every twenty stamps, each strip being divided by the guide line running in the same direction as the perforations. The primary reason for issuing imperforate stamps in sheets being for the use of makers of private perforations, Above is shown an example of where two stamps have been pasted together.
Guide Lines
A guide line between each pane of 100 in a sheet of 400 was printed. Where the guide lines intersect (a centerline block), shown in the first image, is the most desirable. The last image shows all the varieties of the guide lines. Guide lines should always be collected in blocks of four. They do increase the price of the stamp, with MNH examples of the first block shown, can sell for up to $40. Used copies are almost as valuable.
1906-08 imperforate stamps and private perforations
An International Vending Machine Co. 12½ private perforation, the rarest perforation.
The imperforate stamps from 1906-08 were issued without perforations specifically to supply private stamp vending and affixing machine companies. These early automated companies purchased uncut sheets of 400 stamps from the Post Office. They then cut the sheets into rolls (coils) and applied their own proprietary perforations or slots so the stamps could dispense from their machines. A guide to these proprietary perforations can be found by clicking the button below.
Vending machines required stamps with straight edges, either on the top and bottom or on both sides to operate the machines. Initially the Bureau perforated sheets in only one direction and then cut them into strips. These strips were then hand pasted into rolls and sold as a roll of coiled stamps.
The process of pasting together the strips was labor intensive and coils were not cheap to produce. The advent of the rotary press saved the day.
The blades in the both the first experimental machines were much to be desired and usually meant separating the stamps meant a torn stamp. The private perforations were employed to aid separation. Various perforations were used.
Because of high demand from philatelists, postal authorities made these imperforate sheets generally available to the collecting public, allowing them to acquire blocks, strips, and position pieces.
The Schermack Punch Controls
An example of a punch control
The Schermack Company used a control pin pattern of nine pins. Pins were removed to identify the company that their stamp was sold to. This 'punch control' was a security device to deter stamp theft.
The Vending Machine Packet
Vending machines packets
An interesting use of #343 from the US Vending Machine Company. #343 was contained in a pocket with two Alaska-Yukon 2¢ (#371) or two Hudson Fulton 2¢ (#373) imperf stamps. This pocket of 5¢ stamps was dispensed from a strip of these pockets contained within the company's vending machines. The pockets value, complete with their contents, is between $750 and $1,250 depending on condition
Usage
#343 - A scarce example of an Attleboro private perforation on cover
#343 - Earliest documented date of use, January 4th, 1909
The 1¢ Benjamin Franklin stamp was used specifically for:
Postcards: The standard rate for sending a postcard anywhere in the United States. It was the primary use for this stamp.
Third-Class Mail & Printed Matter: Bulk circulars, newspapers, and printed items (priced at 1¢ for every 2 ounces).
Make-up Rate: Combined with other denominations to meet higher or odd postage rates.
The Plates
#343 was issued with the following plate #'s
Imprint and number
4874-75, 80, 82, 89-90, 92, 94, 99
4900-03, 62, 71-72, 74-75
Imprint, small solid star and number
4980
Imprint, star and plate number
4985-89, 91
5002-05, 11, 14, 23-24, 84, 89, 91, 93, 97
5103-52, 59,62, 66, 69, 79-80, 93, 98
5227-32, 34, 42, 59, 94
5301-20, 33, 36, 45, 52, 59, 73, 78, 80, 87
54t3-14, 16, 91, 95
The sideographer’s initials
The strip of letters, frequently seen in the selvage are the initials of the sideographer or plate finisher, for reasons of quality control. Typically, the first, middle, and last initial was used, each followed by a period or dash. This can only be seen on flat plate or offset press printings, not on rotary press printings. The plate finishers initials are on the lower left margin of a sheet of 400 stamps.
The initials were punched into the plate one letter at a time, accounting for the initials not being in a straight line.
The meaning of the star
The star in the inscription
Early in 1909, most of the higher values had new plates made with gutters 3mm wide between the six outer rows on either side but with the remaining eight rows of 2mm spacing, the same as plates of the lower values. These were made to overcome the waste in perforating due to unequal shrinkage of the paper which was greatest at the outside. To guide the perforator in setting the wheels for these plates a star identification mark was added after the imprint, hence the name " Star Plate. " These plates produced blocks of stamps with different vertical spacings and although the 3mm out numbered the 2mm they are more desirable as few seem to have been saved of the 3mm spacing.
Identifying the Watermark on #343
The DOUBLE lined USPS watermark
The SINGLE lined USPS watermark
Between 1895 and 1916 the U.S. government used two different watermarks, double line and single line with the letters "USPS".
By placing the watermark face down on a dark surface or holding it up to bright light you might be able to see the watermark. If you cannot see the watermark it might be a good idea to invest in watermark fluid and a watermark tray. Ronsons lighter fluid works just as well as watermark fluid. Both fluids evaporate quickly.
Pour a little fluid in the tray, lay the stamp face down. In a few seconds the stamp will absorb the fluid and reveal the watermark to you.
As you will see from the illustrations the letters can span several stamps, so on the watermark, for instance, you can see only part of the letter S in one corner and only part the letter P in the other corner.
The Inspiration for the Design
Benjamin Franklin bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon
The design of the orginal 1869 1¢ stamp with this vignette (#112) was inspired by a sculpture of Benjamin Franklin by Jean-Antoine Houdon, which is currently located in the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia.
It has been much debated whether Franklin actually sat for Houdon or if the sculptor captured his vividly accurate image from mere passing acquaintance. He would have had ample opportunity to observe the American minister at the Masonic lodge of the Nine Sisters to which they, as well as many other artists and patrons in the expatriate community (e.g., Count Stroganov; see Voltaire and Diderot), belonged. This cleanly truncated version, in modern dress, was clearly preferred by contemporary American statesmen and anticipates George Washington's insistence that Houdon's statue of him.