| Original Stamp Image |
Altered Stamp Image
|
Fraudulent Description |
 |
79 USED CAT$1100
The all-over grills are one of the rarest stamps in US philately, yet also one of the most easily recognizable. What are the odds that any one seller would even have FOUR PERFECTLY CENTERED #79's in stock at one time, and then make the monumental error of putting ALL FOUR up for auction as #65's and selling them for $3.25?
|
79 USED CAT$1100
Item # 1346383245 closed on 4/17/2002
The seller "schuylerac" after making the ridiculous title claim goes on to describe the item in the ad thus:
"THERE IS AN ALL OVER GRILL OF LINEAR ROWS WITH GRILL POINTS IN STRAIGHT LINES. THE GRILL IS INTERRUPTED AT SPOTS AND LOOKS VERY REALISTIC. THE GRILL DOES NOT BREAK THE PAPER AS SCOTT SAYS IT OFTEN DOES. THIS IS SOLD AS IS WITHOUT IMPLICATION MADE OR INTENDED THAT IT IS INDEED GENUINE!!."
Since this is an educational website devoted to the exposure of philatelic fraud, the beginning collector should note that Scott 65's never had grills applied to them, as grilled issues didn't appear until 1867. Scott 65's were made from 1861-62
$46.50 hammer to "rrumsby1@yahoo.com" for a stamp with a Scott Catalog value of $2.10 in F-VF used condition. |
 |
79 USED CAT$1100
Assuming that "chickfrdstk" actually had been the recipient of such wondrous luck, why again would he feel the need to add to or darken the original perfectly acceptable cancels, thereby reducing their value?
|
79 USED CAT$1100
Item # 1347889768 closed on 4/24/2002
Once again, the seller "schuylerac" after making the ridiculous title claim, goes on to describe the items in the ad thus.
"THERE IS A FAINT ALL OVER GRILL OF LINEAR ROWS WITH GRILL POINTS IN STRAIGHT LINES. THE GRILL IS INTERRUPTED AT SPOTS AND LOOKS VERY REALISTIC. THE GRILL DOES NOT BREAK THE PAPER AS SCOTT SAYS IT OFTEN DOES. NO GUM. THIS IS SOLD AS IS WITHOUT IMPLICATION MADE OR INTENDED THAT IT IS INDEED GENUINE!!."
I guess we should point out again that Scott 65's never had grills applied to them as grilled issues didn't appear until 1867. The reader should also take note of the "enhanced cancel".
$21.03 hammer to "philofny1" for a $2.10 stamp |
 |
 |
79 USED CAT$1100
Item # 1351983023 closed on 5/12/2002
For a third time, the seller "schuylerac" after making the ridiculous title claim, goes on to describe the items in the ad thus.
"THERE IS AN ALL OVER GRILL OF LINEAR ROWS WITH GRILL POINTS IN STRAIGHT LINES. THE GRILL IS INTERRUPTED AT SPOTS AND LOOKS VERY REALISTIC. THE GRILL DOES NOT BREAK THE PAPER AS SCOTT SAYS IT OFTEN DOES. NO GUM. THIS IS SOLD AS IS WITHOUT IMPLICATION MADE OR INTENDED THAT IT IS INDEED GENUINE!."
Did I point out that Scott 65's never had grills applied to them? The reader should also take note of the "enhanced cancel". This was probably appilied to hide some damage or other flaw. As far as US stamps go, condition and centering is everything when establishing value.
$20.58 hammer to "tjrawson@alltel.net" for a $2.10 stamp |
 |
 |
79 USED CAT$1100
Item # 1350010912 closed on 5/3/2002
I am not even gonna mention the ridiculous title claim again. But the descriptions of the altered items still give me a chuckle.
A LIGHT CORNER CREASE--THERE IS AN ALL OVER GRILL OF LINEAR ROWS WITH GRILL POINTS IN STRAIGHT LINES. THE GRILL IS INTERRUPTED AT SPOTS AND LOOKS VERY REALISTIC. THE GRILL DOES NOT BREAK THE PAPER AS SCOTT SAYS
IT OFTEN DOES. NO GUM. THIS IS SOLD AS IS WITHOUT IMPLICATION MADE OR INTENDED THAT IT IS INDEED GENUINE!!."
The reader should really take note of this "enhanced cancel". This is what I call the obliteration bullseye cancel. $26 bucks. Ouch!
$26.00 hammer to "rocket383838" for a $2.10 stamp |
| Original Stamp Image |
Original Sellers Description |
Altered Stamp Image
|
Fraudulent Description |
 |
Item Number 1345090503
Sold 4/15/2002 by "sheetguy" to "Stazy4" for $8.28
SCOTT #149 7c Stanton...used FVF cv$90.
This is a perfectly good 149 with fine centering. Note the few pulled and short perfs.
The stamp on the left was altered with a new cancel and resold. It has found a new life on the RIGHT. |
 |
Item Number 1346387378
Sold by "pcheltenham" 5/15/02 as:
ESTATE COLLECTION
The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:
This Says: secret mark small fault ...........Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether (sic) these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine. The front and back of the stamps are scanned in an aid to identification. No scans have been manipulated.
SOLD to ajmax37 for $4.25
Educational Part:
Cancels added - why? Also note that the Scott 149 does not have a secret mark. The secret mark on a 7 cent Large Banknote was not introduced until 1873 on a Scott 160. |
 |
Item Number 1346169954
Sold 4/20/2002 by "ibuystamps@aol.com" to "Stazy4" for $15.01
US #152 Great looking Cats $160.00 Fancy canc
This is a lovely example of ”US #152”. Condition is ”used and sound”. This is a great stamp/set and worthy of your consideration.
This is a perfectly good 152 with fine centering. Some pulled perfs at the top.
The stamp was reperfed and found itself with a new cancel then found a new life on the RIGHT. |
Educational Part:
Note that the perfectly good bottom edge has been reperforated. Cancels added - why? Most likely to cover the reperforation of the bottom edge. |
Item Number 1353142550
Sold by "pcheltenham" 5/19/02 as:
ESTATE COLLECTION
The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:
This says: crease at top.........Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether (sic) these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine.
SOLD to oddsnends3 for $42.00 |
 |
Item Number 1338550669
Sold 4/17/2002 by "jylland" to "chickfrdstk" for $15.01
US SC#77 Tears 1866 15c. Val.$120
This is a nice 77 with fine centering. Some pulled perfs at the top. Very light cancel and a small tear at CR
The stamp was cleaned and found itself with a new cancel. It then found a new life on the RIGHT. |
Educational Part:
Cancels added - why? Most likely to cover the tear on the center right side. |
Item Number 1349947184
Sold by "pcheltenham" 5/05/2002 as:
ESTATE COLLECTION
The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:
THIS SAYS nothing.............................. Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine.
SOLD to sidellis for $10.06 |
 |
Item Number 1346321733
Sold 4/17/2002 by "leifanderson" to "Stazy4" for $9.50 and described as:
USA #98 used - CV$300 Star cancel
This item has a few faults - some discoloration, a pinhole and a thin spot. The grill measures 9x13mm. Catalog values taken from the 2002 Scott Catalgoue.
The stamp was cleaned. It then found a new life on the RIGHT. |
Educational Part:
I guess we should note that since the honest seller describes a 9 x 13 mm "F" grill, this would mark the first real grill that the alterations ring has sold that I can remember. Also note that the "F" grill isn't the biggest of the big grills, as the "A" grill and the "C" grill are. Looks like the stains have also been removed. |
Item Number 1356489498
Sold by "pcheltenham" 6/02/2002 as:
ESTATE COLLECTION big grill
The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:
SEE MY OTHER LOTS ALL START AT $1 WITH NO RESERVE THIS SAYS::: unidentified grill unusual cancel tiny fault ......Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine.
SOLD to "cfsltd" for $203.53 |
 |
Item Number 1346876265
Sold 4/23/2002 by "philatelic@bigpond.com" to "Stazy4" for $36.00 and described as:
USA Scott#91 Fine Used
The stamp was cleaned and reperforated. The perf tips have even been trimmed to look clean and tidy. It then found a new life on the RIGHT. |
Educational Part:
This is what we call in the biz as a major 3 side reperf job. Too bad, as the original stamp was more impressive than one that is to small, due to the reperfing. |
Item Number 1358015125
Sold by "pcheltenham" 6/09/2002 as:
ESTATE COLLECTION big grill
The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:
SEE MY OTHER LOTS.. ALL START AT $1 WITH NO RESERVE THIS SAYS::: the "E" grill .......... Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine which stamp/stamps this is and its' condition.
SOLD to "cruella1126" for $91.00 |
 |
Item Number 1344131932
Sold 4/14/2002 by " cpstamp@hotmail.com" to "Stazy4" for $9.99 and described as:
# 165 Used 1873 30c Hamilton
This is Scott # 165 in used condition. Shipping is $1.00. Shipping on additional lots is $.50
The stamp got cleaned and reperforated. It then found a new life on the RIGHT. |
Educational Part:
This is what we call in the biz as a reperf job (lower edge). Too bad, as the original stamp would of been called a JUMBO and might of fetched more money. |
Item Number 1354661555
Sold by "pcheltenham" 5/26/2002 as:
ESTATE COLLECTION
The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:
THIS SAYS::: secret mark color??? tiny internal puncture ......Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether (sic) these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine.
SOLD to " rdwoolley@aol.com" for $34.51 |
 |
Item Number 1356029884
Sold 5/26/2002 by "mytwocents5" to "chickfrdstk" for $7.09 and described as:
# 68 Used
A #68, with hand cancel. A bit faded in color, but a clean image. Two very nice margins.
Educational Part:
The top red arrow points to an inclusion. The lower 2 arrows show a stain. The yellow arrows show long unique perforation tips.
The stamp got cleaned and then found a new life on the RIGHT. |
 |
Item Number 1362188596
Sold by "pcheltenham" 6/30/2002 as:
ESTATE COLLECTION
The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:
SEE MY OTHER LOTS..ALL START AT $1 AND NO RESERVE...THIS SAYS::: nothing ........Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection (editors note: what a lie.) comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine which stamp/stamps this is and its' condition
SOLD to "dowagrup" for $32.57
|
 |
Item Number 1351324103
Sold 5/11/2002 by "stampstreet" to "Stazy4" for $17.50 and described as:
US #94 unused, 3c Washington with Grill
A sound unused, but ungummed, example of the grilled 9 by 13 US three cents red George Washington stamp of 1867. A colorful stamp with average centering.
Educational Part:
This wonderful unused grill specimen got reperfed and became the narrow stamp on the right. |
 |
Item Number 1358016980
Sold by "pcheltenham" 6/9/2002 as:
ESTATE COLLECTION "f" grill
The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:
Reperfed at right, nice profit SEE MY OTHER LOTS.. ALL START AT $1 WITH NO RESERVE THIS SAYS::: very thin paper variety unusual shade no gum "F" grill .......... Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine which stamp/stamps this is and its' condition. The front and back of the stamps are scanned in an aid to identification.
Sold to "drugalcohol-testing@cox.net" for $430.50 hammer.
OUCH! Thats gotta hurt a little! |
 |
Item Number 1346443596
Sold 4/21/2002 by "mytwocents5" to "chickfrdstk" for $5.50 and described as:
#77 Excellent Condition
Good color, nice centering for this issue. Light cancel.
Educational Part:
This used #77 specimen got reperfed, cleaned and polished and then became the narrow stamp on the right. |
 |
Item Number 1351571633
Sold by "pcheltenham" 5/12/2002 as:
ESTATE COLLECTION
The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:
This says: nothing.................Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether (sic) these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine.
SOLD to "psalimited" for $25.00 |
 |
Item Number 1357312293
Sold 6/8/2002 by: "davesweb" to "Stazy4" for $27.99 and described by the honest seller as:
89 - EXCELLENT COLOR!!! - SCV $300 - E Grill
“Nice stamp with tiny pen cancel and 'E' grill. You should be able to see the grill in the scan.”
The stamp got cleaned and reperforated along it's left edge. It then found a new life on the RIGHT. |
Educational Part:
When one looks at the original stamp on the left and the image above, it becomes painfully clear that the stamp is seriously narrow for the issue. This is called a reperf job with the intent to make the stamp have more "eye appeal". Also note that the cool pen cancel has been most likely bleached away. The intent here is to make the stamp appear "unused". |
Item Number 1362095924
Sold by "pcheltenham" 6/30/2002 as:
ESTATE COLLECTION
The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:
SEE MY OTHER LOTS...ALL START AT $1 AND NO RESERVE...THIS SAYS::: unidentified grill no gum .......... Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether (sic) these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine which stamp/stamps this is and its' condition.
SOLD to "dowagrup" for $256.51
Yup!...256 clams, Ouch! |
