stanley64
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What I collect: Canada, USA, Netherlands, Portugal & Colonies, Antarctic Territories and anything that catches my eye...
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Post by stanley64 on Apr 18, 2021 16:51:15 GMT
A recent review of ~250 lots containing Plate Number and Inscription Blocks showed the different positions fairly evenly split between UR, UL, LR and LL.
Similarly, the catalogue values of the different positions appear to follow their own set of criteria and can vary depending on position.
If you are a collector of Plate Number and/or Inscription Blocks, What is the preferred corner block? Share you preference by taking the poll and please, share your insights...
Happy collecting!
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brightonpete
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Post by brightonpete on Apr 18, 2021 18:16:57 GMT
I just like the lower left corner being a straight edge down & left. It fits in to the mount easily. It just looks right to me. I do have others, but I prefer the lower left for symmetry sakes. Here just a few of the LL plates I own, and ack! one upper right.
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Post by smauggie on Apr 18, 2021 18:56:05 GMT
When appropriate, I prefer top.  |
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tomiseksj
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Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
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What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Apr 18, 2021 22:33:28 GMT
For the early U.S. issues with plate numbers at top, left, right and bottom, the top positions, like smauggie has shown, are valued at a premium. With the shift to the UL, LL, UR, LR convention, each is valued equally. I don't actively pursue plate blocks so I'll settle for whatever position that finds its way into my collection.  |
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brightonpete
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Post by brightonpete on Apr 19, 2021 2:05:55 GMT
For the early U.S. issues with plate numbers at top, left, right and bottom, the top positions, like smauggie has shown, are valued at a premium. With the shift to the UL, LL, UR, LR convention, each is valued equally. I don't actively pursue plate blocks so I'll settle for whatever position that finds its way into my collection. Is there a reason why the top has a premium value? |
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Post by smauggie on Apr 19, 2021 2:52:38 GMT
For the early U.S. issues with plate numbers at top, left, right and bottom, the top positions, like smauggie has shown, are valued at a premium. With the shift to the UL, LL, UR, LR convention, each is valued equally. I don't actively pursue plate blocks so I'll settle for whatever position that finds its way into my collection. Is there a reason why the top has a premium value? I think top and bottom blocks of these short and wide airmail stamps are more popular simply because of aesthetics. The only other option with these stamps is a side block such as below.  |
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stanley64
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Posts: 1,818
What I collect: Canada, USA, Netherlands, Portugal & Colonies, Antarctic Territories and anything that catches my eye...
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Post by stanley64 on Apr 19, 2021 10:20:13 GMT
Nice to see the different options and thanks to all for showing :-) For myself, most of the additions to the collection are matched sets covering all four corners. The recent completion of the Canadian Locomotives series is a perfect example as shown here. When not feasible or possible as in the case of a First Day Cover (FDC), I prefer the LL block simply for the aesthetics,
From the Masterpieces of Canadian Art, a FDC featuring a LL corner block of the 50¢ Tsimshian Ceremonial Frontlet issue (Scott n.º 1241)
I am still on the lookout for a FDC for the same Masterpieces of Canadian Art series featuring the work of Canadian artist - Jack Shadbolt...
Happy collecting!
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brightonpete
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Post by brightonpete on Apr 19, 2021 12:21:07 GMT
Funny, Vince (stanley64 ) if I were to get plate block FDC's, I'd prefer UR! Straight edges against the corner of the envelope!
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brightonpete
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Post by brightonpete on Apr 19, 2021 12:26:15 GMT
I think top and bottom blocks of these short and wide airmail stamps are more popular simply because of aesthetics. The only other option with these stamps is a side block such as below. |
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stanley64
Member
Posts: 1,818
What I collect: Canada, USA, Netherlands, Portugal & Colonies, Antarctic Territories and anything that catches my eye...
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Post by stanley64 on Apr 19, 2021 15:24:15 GMT
Understood Pete( brightonpete) and a sound decision I am sure ;-) Alas, the choices are diminished with the Masterpieces of Canadian Art series if you want the artist and the title of work depicted. If I veer again from the desired M/S, let me give that UR block a second look... Happy collecting! |
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stanley64
Member
Posts: 1,818
What I collect: Canada, USA, Netherlands, Portugal & Colonies, Antarctic Territories and anything that catches my eye...
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Post by stanley64 on Apr 19, 2021 15:29:15 GMT
For the valuation of individual plate number and inscription blocks, is it really all aesthetics and only that?
Looking at the catalogue values for 20th century material, they are all over the shop depending on country, issue and plate position.
I suspect that there are other underlying issues at play as there appears to be no other rhyme or reason...
Happy collecting!
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Post by smauggie on Apr 19, 2021 15:58:59 GMT
For the valuation of individual plate number and inscription blocks, is it really all aesthetics and only that? Looking at the catalogue values for 20th century material, they are all over the shop depending on country, issue and plate position. I suspect that there are other underlying issues at play as there appears to be no other rhyme or reason... Happy collecting! Well, I was just speaking to how aesthetics plays a role in a preference in shape for certain US plate number blocks. Rarity and condition are still just as important in determining value. |
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brightonpete
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Post by brightonpete on Apr 19, 2021 16:00:00 GMT
Oh for sure Vince! Plate numbers mean a lot to Canadian stamps.
Canada #246, Royal Visit Plate 3-1 each plate block: $3. But if you find 1-3 in UL or UR: $1,600! LL is only $1,200. Apparently plate 1-3 isn't available in LR.
Amazing!
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stanley64
Member
Posts: 1,818
What I collect: Canada, USA, Netherlands, Portugal & Colonies, Antarctic Territories and anything that catches my eye...
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Post by stanley64 on May 7, 2021 10:07:24 GMT
I see at least one response to the poll for the option, "What's a plate number or inscription block?" Let us see if the definitions provided by Chris' ( brixtonchrome ) website help clarify,
Plate NumberA plate block is simply a block of stamps in which the plate number appears in the sheet margins, which are also called selvage.
The above block of 4 halfpenny stamps from Lagos, issued in 1901 shows the plate number 2 inside a solid ball of colour.
Inscription block
 Increasingly in recent years the sheet margins of most issues have contained inscriptions that give details of who printed the stamp, who designed the stamp, what the stamp depicts and so forth. A block of 4 stamps showing these inscriptions is called an inscription block.
Hope that helps and answers the question...
Happy collecting! |
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JeffS
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Post by JeffS on May 7, 2021 11:39:16 GMT
Perhaps the word “printing” should be added to “plate” for clarity?
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