H. L. Watson.—Stamps surcharged "specimen" are exactly what they purport to be, genuine stamps whose postal value has been destroyed by the government's action in printing the word "specimen" on face. As a rule such stamps are worth about the same as the same stamp cancelled, but in the case of U.S. stamps they are frequently worth as much as unused stamps.
Sturgis Bodine.—The wrapper is common, and is worth 5c.
J. C. L.—In hinging unused stamps with original gum be careful to cover up as little of the stamp as possible. Many advanced collectors will not "collect gum." They carefully scrape off all the gum.
Diana Vandeleur.—I regret to say I know nothing about the value of old newspapers. They are very interesting independent of any money value, and therefore worth keeping.
J. Wall.—No U.S. stamps were ever so surcharged. The 3c. and 10c., 1851, which you have, surcharged "3" and "10" respectively, are simply stamps cancelled by a hand-stamp, "Paid 5" or "Paid 10," in such a way that the figure came on the stamp. Previous to 1851 letters could be sent either prepaid or not. Paid letters were so marked. The others were delivered to the addressee on payment of the postage.
Philatus.
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The Procter & Gamble Co. Cin'ti.
JOSEPH GILLOTT'S
STEEL PENS
Nos. 303, 404, 170, 604 E.F., 601 E.F.