Beginning Stamp Collecting - Today's Installment of A Tutorial on the Hobby for a Lifetime (continued)


The condition of the stamps that are intended for your stamp collection is critically important. Ideally all of your stamps will be intact with no corners missing, no tears, no thins (discussed below), no pinholes, etc. Well-centered stamps - those that have essentially the same size margins (blank edges) on all four sides - are also ideal. But as we all know, what is ideal is often not what is reality. So here are some thoughts on different stamp flaws which detract from the condition and appearance of stamps, and some thoughts on how to remedy at least some of them.


USED Stamps:


1. Creases, folds and bends, and pin holes.

Even the smallest corner crease can detract from the condition and value of a stamp. Light folds and bends (which are a bit less serious than creases since they haven't damaged the integrity of the stamp paper) can sometimes be "washed out" by soaking, and then when nearly dry, pressing the stamp between sheets of paper with a heavy book or two on top. Pinholes, on the other hand, will be there forever, no matter what you try.

2. Dirty appearance of either the front or back of the stamp.

Some "dirty" marks can be removed by soaking in warm water with the addition of a drop or two of mild dishwashing liquid. A gentle massage between the fingers during the soak helps to dislodge dirt and grime. Then dry and press as in 1 above.

3. Rust marks and staining.

Rust is actually a fungal growth on the stamp and is almost impossible to remove. Such stamps should NOT be stored with clean stamps as the spores can be transmitted from stamp to stamp.

Ideally, stamps should be stored in low humidity, with a stable temperature and with regular airing. This will reduce the chances of rust. Dust can also carry these spores, so a dust-free environment is also good.

Staining is caused by the dyes used on colored envelopes (such as those bright red or green Christmas card envelopes) being transferred to the stamp during the soaking process. It is best to soak colored envelopes separately as even just one colored envelope may stain all of the stamps in a soaking batch. Staining caused by these dyes is almost impossible to completely remove.


4. Centering.

Centering refers to the position of the stamp design in relation to the overall stamp. A well centered stamp has equal margins on all four sides. An off-center stamp may be high, low, left, right or a combination of these.


5. Heavy or smudged postmarks.

6. Torn or cut stamps, and stamps with missing perforations (perfs).

Even one or two missing perforations can seriously detract from a stamp.

7. Thins.

Stamp thins are a condition where a thin portion of the back side of the stamp has been ripped away, either by pulling off a stamp hinge or not completely soaking the stamp before removing it from the envelope. When held up to the light the thinned area looks brighter because more light passes through.

8. Repairs

Repairs to tears or missing perfs are intended to make the stamp look better and more valuable. Compared to an un-repaired stamp that's in good condition, even a successful repair will still detract from the stamp.


All of the above condition factors also apply to MINT stamps, and with mint stamps, gum condition must also be considered.


FULL GUM - no disturbance to the original gum as issued.

PARTIAL GUM - some of the stamp's original gum has been removed by being hinged.

NO GUM- the original gum has been removed by soaking.
Sometimes this is necessary to arrest rust or to separate stamps that have "licked themselves together" over time.


That's all for today - more of this tutorial soon!