U. S. Scott #C115 - Used - Graded VG/F (SL01-0001-05-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

C115

Stamp Type

Air Mail

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

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:
Scott #C115 honors the China Clipper, the aircraft that inaugurated transpacific airmail service in 1935. The illustration features the aircraft's nose and three-engine wing, along with crew members preparing for takeoff. A bold American flag and clear sky background add drama and historical context. The dark “Transpacific Airmail 1935” text is cleanly positioned to the right, with “USAirmail 44” in a modern font anchoring the design.

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

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
This stamp has well-balanced vertical margins and a slight rightward shift horizontally. The design remains fully within the borders, with no part encroaching on the perforations. The overall centering qualifies as Fine/Very Fine.

Soundness Evaluation:
A hinge mark is visible on the back, and light dirt smudging or spotting is present on the reverse. This qualifies as a very minor fault.
Soundness Deduction: –7
Adjusted Base Grade: 72

Perforations and Margins:
All perforations are fully intact and well-punched, with smooth and undamaged edges. Margins are slightly shifted to the right, but all white space is preserved. Corners are undisturbed.

Cancellation and Eye Appeal Evaluation:
The stamp bears a black circular machine cancel that crosses the upper right and lower center portions of the design. Most of the plane remains visible, though some text and background detail is blurred. This qualifies as a heavy cancel, which reduces eye appeal. Colors remain strong, with sharp detail on the fuselage and crew, though slight loss of freshness is observed due to back spotting.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –7

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79
Soundness Deduction: –7
Subtotal: 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –7
Final Grade: 65 (Very Good–Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: C115
Format: Single Stamp
Condition: Used, Hinged
Gum: No gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault – dirt spotting on reverse
Perforations: Fully intact and clean
Eye Appeal: –7 (bold design, but cancel intrudes and freshness slightly reduced)
Final Grade: 65 (Very Good–Fine)

Final Verdict:
This Scott #C115 used example benefits from excellent design clarity and Fine/Very Fine centering, but its condition is modestly diminished by back smudging and a heavy cancellation across the front. With a final numerical grade of 65 (Very Good–Fine), it remains a respectable and collectible airmail issue, especially for those seeking affordable examples of aviation history.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (839)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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