Papers
Type 1
.0017-.0019 thick
Glassine type paper, smooth with an almost oily feeling to it.
Type 2a
.0016-.0018 thick
Semi-transparent pelure type paper
Type 2b
.0020-.0022 thick
Semi-transparent pelure type paper
Type 3
.0022-.0024 thick
Semi-transparent wove paper
Type 4
.0035 thick
Grayish wove paper
Type 5
.0025-.0026
Whitish semi-transparent wove paper
Type 6
.0034 thick
White wove paper
Papers and Printing Dates
I am attempting to identify the types of papers used for the different printings. I have been able to successfully identify some of the printings, however the 3¢ is proving the most challenging with its six known printings.
To do this study properly, a great deal of dated material is required on the 1¢, 2¢ and 3¢ stamps in which there was the greatest number of printings. In the last few years I have been able to obtain two large holdings of material but it is still not enough to complete this study. I am open to any offers of bulk dated material for the above values.
Summary Findings.
All measurements are made with an digital micrometer taking readings from the upper left and right hand corners of the stamps where there is ample area excluding ink. Additional reading are taken on the three sides.
It doesn't take long to see a pattern emerge as the stamps fall into seven distinctive groups. What will also be noticed is that a stamps transparency does not always distinguish it as being printed on a thinner paper.
The first group, The Type 1 (glassine paper) is the rarest of the paper varieties. So far I have only found three examples, one on the 2¢ and two on the 10¢ values.
Zenas M. Crane & Co.
Zenas M. Crane, the founder of Crane & Co. of Dalton, Mass, specialized in making the finest cotton and linen paper in America. In 1842 he began making paper for bank notes and soon became a main supplier to the American Bank Note Co. The paper was very durable and difficult for counterfeiters to duplicate. Crane & Co. has been manufacturing currency and security papers for the United States Treasury for nearly 200 years.
Zenas was continually experimenting with the production of paper which probably accounts for the wide range of paper varieties found within a short period of time.