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The CSA #10 stamp (also known as the Frame-Line) is the rarest and the most desireable of the Confederate General Issue stamps. It is even more desireable to own one on cover. Unfortunately, it is very easy to make a fake example of this stamp because the overall design of the stamp is the same as the much more common CSA #11 stamp. The above cover is a perfectly good CSA #11 adversity cover used from Charleston SC and made from a printed Port of Charleston shipping document (shown in one view above with a flap folded over). What has happened here is that someone has removed the stamp and hand drawn in fake frame lines at the top and bottom and then replaced the stamp on the cover. As a CSA #11 Charleston Adversity Cover, the value would be significant (about $150-$200). But as a Frame-Line stamp on adversity cover, the cover could easily bring $2000 - $3000 in a major auction. So the difference in value is considerable.
The above cover is so well done that it has even fooled experts. The actual frame in the original printing was part of the plate itself and is therefore an engraved line. On the original stamps, it should have the look and feel of an engraved line. Hand-Drawn lines will not have the proper look and feel. Also, since the line was actually part of the plate, it was printed at the same time as the main design. Therefore, the frame line should be printed in the same ink and should be exactly the same color as the rest of the stamp. In closer analysis of the above stamp, the frame lines are not the same as the rest of the stamp and are slightly but noticeably off color. Another tell-tale giveaway on this fake stamp is that the top frame-line is angled a bit downward. This downward angle is also not present on the real stamps.
The main lesson here is to be sure and have your prominent and expensive covers certified by one of the major certifying committees. It could save you a lot of grief later.
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