Basic Information
Color: Carmine
Subject: George Washington
Watermark: Watermarked double-lined USPS
Printing method: Flat plate
Perforations: Imperforate
Scott #: 344
Quantity issued: 25,905,000
Issued: December 10th, 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 #344
A star plate
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.
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.
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 centreline block), shown in the first image, is the most desirable. Guide lines should 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 Attleboro private perforation, a rare 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.
Usage
#344 - A control punched 2¢ on cover
The 2¢ Washington stamp paid the standard ½ ounce rate
The Plates
#344 was issued with the following plate #'s
Imprint and number
4812-13, 15-18, 20-21, 29-31, 33, 48-49, 56, 59, 62, 64-66, 68, 72-73, 76, 78-79, 83-84, 87, 93, 96
4905
Imprint, star and plate number
4985-89, 915021-33, 36, 68, 75, 92
5114-17, 19, 23, 33, 34-35, 41, 50-51, 55-57, 68-68, 78, 81, 83, 88-89
5258-60, 84, 85, 86, 95-99
5305-06, 08-09, 11-t2, 14-21, 23, 26, 66, 68, 77, 81
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 #344
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
George Washington bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon
The vignette was based on a bust of George Washington by french sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon.
Created in 1785 the bust is considered the most accurate likeness of the first U.S. president. Based on a life mask and clay model made at Mount Vernon, it captures Washington at age 53 with precise facial details, blending a Roman, toga-style aesthetic with realistic aging. It is considered one of the most accurate representations of Washington