15 FEB 2002 -- Here is an example of a misdescribed CSA Cover from E-Bay. This cover was purchased on E-Bay from a prominent philatelic dealer.
The cover was described in the E-Bay listing as a single use CSA #7 from Richmond, Va dated 2 FEB 1862 representing an underpayment of the 10c rate.
Such underpaid covers do exist in CSA Postal History and are very desirable items to collectors when they are found. But the above cover does not represent underpayment of the 10c rate. Instead to the left of the stamp is a clear outline of where a second 5c stamp was once affixed (stamp was affixed sideways and the outline clearly indicates that the missing stamp was defective with a missing corner at the upper right and a notch out of the left side). This is not clearly seen on the scan but is quite obvious when the cover is examined in hand. Below is an enlargement of the area in question with the outline of the missing stamp in red. The stamp most likely simply fell off the cover some time in the past due to the poor quality gum.
One red flag on the cover that there is a missing stamp is the abrupt edge of the postmark right at the red marker line showing the stamp outline. Also look at the left edge of the stamp. The postmark on the stamp comes right to the edge, but there is no sign of the postmark spilling over to the cover as there should be if there was not a missing stamp. This cover therefore instead of being a highly desirable underpaid cover, now becomes nearly worthless as a cover with a missing stamp.
Is this a scam or is this an honest mistake on the part of the seller? That is a question that cannot be answered because the answer lies in the mind of the seller alone. I would prefer to believe that it was an honest mistake. Unfortunately, this type of problem is a pitfall of E-Bay philatelic bidding that anyone can fall into.
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