Does This Make Sense? - Schermack Precancel

[daveroo]

My understanding is that Schermack perforated stamps were for public stamp dispensing machine use early on.

If so, does it make sense for them to exist precanceled?

Of course it's possible that 1½¢ stamps didn't sell well so the PO used them rather than destroying them.

Schermack Precancel

[msgtdavid]

Sorry, I read and reread your question "Does This Make Sense? - Schermack Precancel"

Are you asking if a separation style of Schermack makes sense?

Or perhaps you are asking if a precancel makes sense?

Maybe I just stupid, but I just do not under your question.

Dave Thompson

[malolo]

The question is - does it make sense for a Schermack perforated stamp to have a precancel since the whole concept was for these stamps to come out of vending machines.

[daveroo]

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@malolo wrote:
The question is - does it make sense for a Schermack perforated stamp to have a precancel since the whole concept was for these stamps to come out of vending machines.

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That's the question I'm asking.

The unasked question is, "Is it some sort of fake?"

I'm trying to put some sort of value on it.

If there is no definitive opinion from this Discussion Board I'll consider getting it expertised.

[jaywild]

daveroo...

From Scott Specialized...too bad your stamp is not used on cover!!

I can ovly guess why vending machines dispensed precancelled stamps.  Perhaps some machines were located in P.O. lobbies, where people could use them without having to go to a window.  Or it's possible some companies that did large bulk mailings bought Schermack machines for internal use, modified so that they dispensed stamps without needing coins to oprate them.

[billsey]

Since the 1.5 cent rate was for bulk mail it would make sense that Shermack versions would have been used in a commercial setting instead of retail. That would then make precanceled versions likely.

[daveroo]

@jaywild

Thanks for the Scott reference.

But the listing confuses me a bit.

Isn't by definition a precancel a used stamp?

I guess the two values are for with gum and without gum.

Your catalog must be newer than mine (2010) since my listing for 576 doesn't include the precancel reference.

From its catalog value it's obviously somewhat common.

That saves me money too since I won't send it in for expertizing.

I'll probably get a new Scott specialized since I was into precancels for a while and don't really have an idea of their value.

@ billsey

Thanks for your input too.