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Sonic Imagery Labs
Precision US Specialty Multi Gauge
Rev 5.1 Newly Revised ... November 2007
Has all the features that other multi-gauges do not. Has so many capabilities that it makes other gauges obsolete. A bold claim, I agree but read on and decide for yourself.

The New and Improved U.S. Specialized Multi-Gauge is the essential tool for any collector interested in U.S. stamps from the Classics through the Liberty Issue of 1954. The gauge now contains 12 precision measuring devices beginning with a Specialty Perf Gauge based on the Kiusalas Specialist Gauge. For collectors of the Grilled Issues, there are two useful gauges: the Grill Pattern Gauge, used to determine the grill type of a stamp, and the Grill Size Gauge, which is used to determine the size of the grill. The Parallel Line Millimeter Gauge is used to measure the width or height of coil stamps, as well as the parallel accuracy of coil cuts and edges. For collectors of Flat Press/Rotary Press issues, the Design Size Millimeter Gauge will quickly measure the size of the frame design of these stamps, while the Rotary/Flat Press Gauge is the quickest way to determine what press was used to print a stamp. The Schermack Private Perforation Gauge accurately reflects the vertical height of Schermack Type III perforations. The Large and Small Hole Perf 10 issues of the Liberty Series can easily be distinguished using this measuring device. A Standard Perf Gauge, which measures to the nearest tenth of a perf; a Cancellation Diameter Gauge and an enlarged 240mm long Millimeter Scale are the final three devices on the gauge. The grill points in the Grill Pattern Gauge have been lightened, to allow users to better see through the gauge. This new gauge also features improved lamination that will keep the printed image from scratching off, and prevent shrinkage due to age and temperature. It is brand new and quantity dealer inquiries are welcome. Includes a protective slipcover shown in the photograph at the bottom of the page and a colored "contrasting backround card" to aid in measurements. The back of the slip cover has a summary of the instructions and feature description shown below. You can also download a PDF instruction sheet here. The slipcover is made from glossy 90 lb. card stock. The multigauge itself is made of durable hydraulically laminated temperature stable clear polyvinyl acetate plastic and measures 10.4 x 3.9 inches and is 0.0095 inches (9.5mils) thick.

1. Specialty Perforation Gauge, Bureau Issues
Used to determine the perforation measurement of a stamp. This gauge is a variation based on the Kiusalas Specialist Gauge produced in the mid 1960’s. It has various settings for perforations commonly believed to be the same. Thus, there are three “perf-10” measurements possible, 10-78, 10-79, and 10-80. The second set of numbers refers to the spacing between holes in thousandths of an inch. The dots of the gauge also matches the diameter of the pins that cut the perforations. Use the gauge the way you would any ordinary gauge. Make all measurements under magnification. The match should be exact along the entire length of the side being examined.

2. Standard Analog Perforation Gauge
Used to determine the perforation measurement of a stamp (number of teeth or holes per two centimeters). If all perforations align on the horizontal dots, that?s the precise perforation. If the point of alignment falls between the dots, the stamp has a fractional measurement.

3. Grill Pattern Gauge
Used to determine the grill type of a stamp. It is important to understand and determine the correct grill type, as many issues have several grill variants. For example, the 3 cent Washington issue of 1861 (Scott 64 and 65), was issued again and can be found with 7 grill variations. The grill classifications can be determined by the size of the grilled pattern, the shape of the grill point and which side of the stamp the apex of the point appears.

4. Go-NoGo Grill Size Gauge
Many of the later grill patterns are faint and can be hard to see. By examining the stamp with a bright light source at an extreme angle, one can use the go-nogo portion of the gauge to determine the correct classification of grill.

5. Cancellation Diameter Gauge
Used to measure the diameter of circles, datestamps, and any other marking or detail, which are traditionally scaled in millimeters. Place the scale over the object of interest until it is centered within the rings. Then read scale. Rings are at 10 mm increments. Major divisions are 1 mm and minor divisions are 0.5 mm.

6. Liberty Issues of 1954
Used to differentiate between the large hole and small hole perforation 10 varieties of this series.

7. Parallel Line Millimeter Gauge
Used for accurately measuring the height or width of coil stamps. It is also useful for verifying the parallel accuracy of coil cuts and edges as well as perforation spacing across perforation rows. This is typically used under magnification.

8. Go-No Go Design Size Millimeter Gauge
For measuring the height and width of a stamps frame design. This is essential for determining if the stamp has been printed by a rotary or flat plate press. The gauges line width is 0.10 mm and is also helpful for determining the direction and ratio of paper shrinkage if present. It is graduated in 0.25 mm increments for the most common design sizes of the bureau era.

9. Go-No Go Rotary / Flat Plate Press Gauge
Used for quickly determining if a stamp has been printed by a rotary or flat plate press.

10. Vending and Affixing Machine Perforation Identifier
Also commonly called “private perfs”. Quickly identify the most common Vending and Affixing Machine Perforations. An informational PDF datasheet can be downloaded here.

11. 240 mm Length Standard Millimeter Scale
Linear measurements of up to 240 mm (9.45 inches) are possible.

12. Guide Dot Locator
Platers and Specialists of these issues can locate the relative position of the guide dot for classification.

James E. Lee Philately Newsletter #31
reviews the Precision US Specialty MultiGauge.

Schermack Private Perf Datasheet
An informational PDF datasheet can be downloaded here.

More information about the Precision
US Specialty MultiGauge
The history and more infomation about the MultiGauge.