Plate vs Stamp
I see both categories listed, but I don't know the difference.
I know it's probably a basic question, but it's been bugging me for years.
Please be gentle!
I know it's probably a basic question, but it's been bugging me for years.
Please be gentle!
Comments
Plate refers to one of two things:
1. On a coil stamp it will refer to one stamp in a string of coil stamps with a small plate number at the bottom of the stamp. These can be collected as a single stamp with the number or a strip of three with middle stamp having the number or most commonly a strip of 5 (PNC 5) the middle stamp having the number. Note the long strip of stamps with a number on the middle stamp.
2, A block of stamps from the corner of a sheet with the selvage having one or more plate numbers. Usually it is a block of 4 but not always.
Let me try a different image for the strip:
You may have been confused by seeing a listing where the dealer is selling a "Plate block." As in Wayne's 1st image, that refers to a block of 4 (or more) stamps that includes the plate identification number in the margin. You will also see it called a "plate number block."
PS: Never worry about asking a question here...we're all learning together and there's almost always someone that can provide an answer.
Edited to add, while I was typing, some fine folks beat me to it.
This has added a new dimension to this wonderful hobby. The illustration was very 'ahem' illustrative.
I've been using an old copy of British Post Office Numbers 1844-1906 by Brummel supplemented by Volume I of Robson Lowes The Encyclopedia of British Empire Postage Stamps.for early stampless and auxiliary markings. I find it easy to get "lost" in both. Is the Whitney book easy to follow?
I bought a shoebox full of #33's back in the 80's so have had a lot of practice looking for the numbers. Probably 2/3rd's of them have been strung but I think that is part of the charm..
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This is the table of contents in the Whitney
1.Free Franks 2.London Local post to 1839 3. Marks of the Provisional Post to 1839 4. Early Scottish markings. 5. early Irish markings. 6. P.O. reforms 1839-1844 inc. Maltese Crosses. 7. Numerals Spoons & duplexes. 8. squared circles. 9.later circular handstamps inc. hooded shields & skeletons .10. Machine cancels 11. Slogans 12. special events 13. railway 14. Maritime markings 15. Military & camps 16. Aviation 17. the Islands and many more modern.. royalty, tourist etc. The book is 350 pages. The most important thing Carol is Every thing is PRICED..
I use it a lot.. if you do covers at all it is a great tool.. trust me.. many covers I paid US$10. Bill Barrell .paid me GB Pound 50.or 60. I recommend the book Carol.. Dan
Carol
Philatelic literature always pays for itself. .