U. S. Scott #C115 - Used - Graded G/VG (SL01-0001-04-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

C115

Stamp Type

Air Mail

Condition

Used

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1985

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #C115 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
44¢ US Airmail – Transpacific Airmail 1935 (China Clipper), 1985
(U.S. Airmail Issue – Historic Airmail Flights Series)

Design Overview:
This issue commemorates the China Clipper's groundbreaking transpacific airmail flight in 1935. The design depicts the nose and triple engines of the aircraft as uniformed crew members prepare for departure. The American flag, vivid sky, and bold black type convey both patriotism and aviation progress. The design is a strong tribute to the early era of international airmail service.

This example is used, hinged, and shows no gum, as expected for a postally used stamp.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp is centered slightly low, with the bottom margin tighter than the top. The right and left margins are balanced, and there is white space visible around the design. No part of the image touches the perforations.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp has a hinge remnant on the back, light dirt spotting or smudging, and one shorter perforation on the top edge. These three very minor faults together classify as a Minor Fault.
Soundness Deduction: –20
Adjusted Base Grade: 58

Perforations and Margins:
All perforations are present, though one tooth at the top is noticeably short. Edge integrity is otherwise smooth with no tears or missing perforations. Margins are balanced side-to-side, with the bottom slightly tight but still within Fine/Very Fine standards.

Cancellation and Eye Appeal Evaluation:
The stamp bears a very heavy black segmented and wavy machine cancel that spans both the upper and lower halves, obscuring several key design elements such as the aircraft engines and boarding stairs. Colors remain strong and impressions sharp where unobscured, but overall freshness is diminished by the hinge remnant and back discoloration.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –11

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78
Soundness Deduction: –20
Subtotal: 58
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –11
Final Grade: 47 (Good–Very Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: C115
Format: Single Stamp
Condition: Used, Hinged
Gum: No gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (hinge remnant, short perforation, smudging)
Perforations: Full with one short tooth
Eye Appeal: –11 (very heavy cancel obscures key design elements)
Final Grade: 47 (Good–Very Good)

Final Verdict:
Though this Scott #C115 retains accurate framing and decent color, its grade is reduced by multiple very minor faults (hinge remnant, smudging, and a short perf) as well as a very heavy cancellation that obscures much of the design. The final grade of 47 (Good–Very Good) reflects its condition as a moderately collectible example, suitable for completion rather than display.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (827)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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