Handling and storage of stamps

Proper storage of stamps is essential in order to preserve and maintain your collection. In order to achieve optimal conditions for storage, we have to keep in mind things that could possibly damage our collection. Primary perils are humidity or moisture in the atmosphere and physical condition of album or place where stamps are stored.

Also, it is very important to handle stamps in proper way, for example using stamp tongues to avoid touching stamps with hands, as it would eventually leave skin oil on them which could potentially cause damage on them in the long run.

Basic philatelic accessories

• Stamp tongs

• Magnifier

• Stamp albums (stock-book, stock-pages and album pages)

• Perforation gauge

• Watermark detector

• Color guide

• Catalogues

Stamp tongs

Bent Spade Tip and Flat Round Tip types of tongs/tweezers 

Philatelic stamp tongs are essentially tweezers used by philatelists used to handle stamps safely.

Stamp tongs have polished rounded edges so that the tips won’t cut into stamp paper. They are usually made out of plated metal and have flattened tips or ‘spade’ ends for safe handle of stamps.

Tongs are essential tool for a stamp collector because handling stamps with your fingers can cause damage and deterioration over time due to the natural oils in our skin. Serious collectors would not touch stamps without a stamp tongs.

There are different styles of tongs available, like round point tip, professional point tip, spade tip stamp tongs etc. I would personally recommend, for the proper handling, ‘bent spade tip’ stamp tongs that are very convenient when examining the stamps.

Magnifier

Leuchtturm 10x magnification Pull Out Magnifier with LED

A magnifier, of any type, is used primarily for being able to see a detailed look of the design of the stamp.

Large number of classic postage stamps went through a number of die or engraving plate alterations during their printing history, thus creating many sub-varieties of particular stamps. Very often, only under proper magnification we will be able to identify characteristics of a particular variety, which can make the difference between a common stamp and a rare and expensive one.

By being able to view a close up peculiarities of the stamp design, we are not just able to identify possible varieties of the stamp but also to detect errors created during the printing process, should that be the case.

Magnification also helps us in detecting minor faults which greatly affect a stamp’s desirability, quality and in the end a price.

Lighthouse 10X Pull-out magnifier with LED Illumination will be perfectly suitable magnifying tool for proper identification of the varieties for majority of issued classical stamps.

Stamp albums

In the earliest albums, stamps were adhered to the pages, using either their own gum (as if put on an envelope) or glue. Stamp hinges were introduced soon after, allowing stamps to be removed without “major” damage to the stamp when compared to being stuck on a page. Hinges have been used extensively resulting in most of old albums having hinged stamps on their pages.

In most cases hinges cause unavoidable damage to stamps, thus reducing their value significantly.

In the second half of the 20th century, stamp mounts were introduced. Mounts typically hold the stamp between two layers of plastic, with the front layer transparent, and are attached to an album page, allowing the stamp to be displayed without an adhesive touching the stamp.

When properly used, mounts allow the stamp to be removed from the album in the same condition in which it was inserted. An album in which the mounts are affixed at the factory, either as mounts for individual stamps or as larger strips, is called “hingeless”.

It is very important to note that today any serious collector would undoubtedly prefer more expensive hingeless mounts. Issued in various sizes, these are clear, chemically neutral thin plastic holders that open to receive stamps and are gummed on the back so that they stick to album pages. Another alternative is a stock-book, where the stamps drop into clear pockets without the need for a mount.

Depending on the kind of collection itself and in order to have an attractive display and adequate storage of stamps and other philatelic items such as plate blocks, miniature sheets, covers etc. it is important to carefully choose an appropriate album type.

Leather binder designed for use in philately

Albums can come in many forms, with stock-books being the most common, but also in a form of stock-pages housed in binders or pre-printed albums for more specialized collections.

Stock-books

Stock-books are storage books used by stamp collectors for storage of postage stamps placed in pockets, on pages, for easy viewing. Other philatelic items, such as plate blocks, miniature sheets, covers, letter-sheets, etc., can be stored in stock-books.

Stock-books consist of a number of stiff pages with horizontal pockets made up of manila paper, glassine paper or clear film into which stamps are placed.

Collectors can insert stamps side by side in a row or can overlap stamps when individual viewing is not necessary. The pages, usually double-sided, are bound into book form. The most popular sizes comprise between 4 and 32 double-sided pages with each page interleaved with a glassine, or clear, sheet to prevent stamps on adjacent pages from touching.

A stock-book contains a fixed number of hard cardboard pages, usually 8, 16, 24, or 32 pages. It should be noted that most manufacturers refer to the number of sides in a stock-book and not to the number of pages, so stock-book advertised as a “16-page stock-book” contains 8 double-sided cardboard pages. Affixed to each page are usually 8-10 strips that are used to hold stamps in place.

Most stock-books have strips on both sides of the cardboard. To prevent stamps from snagging on when the pages are turned, most stock-books have an interleaf between each page.

The primary differences between stock-books are cover material, number of pages, color of pages, type of strips, type of interleaf, and method of binding.

Cover Material can be rigid or padded, with a dull finish, a leather-like finish (leatherette), or real leather. Padded covers and leather covers are the more expensive than rigid, leatherette stock-books.

Page colors are usually white or black. Black pages are more expensive, as most collectors feel that stamps look better on a black background.

Stock-book strips are usually either glassine or clear. Clear strips are more expensive, but have the advantage of not distorting the view of the stamp.

Type of interleaves vary by number (single or double interleaving), and material (glassine or clear). Double interleaving provides further protection for the stamps. The material choice again is a function of how easy it is to view the stamps through the interleaf.

Binding methods are run from the less expensive rigid hinged pages up to more expensive double linen hinged pages. Double linen hinged pages are worthwhile for larger stock-books, as it helps the pages lie flat at all times.

Advantages vs. disadvantages of stock-books

Advantages of stock-books

The biggest advantage of stock-books is that you can rearrange the stamps easily as you add more stamps to your collection. There is no need for large gaps as in a pre-printed paper album, as it is relatively easy to move stamps around and make room for new acquisitions.

Disadvantages of stock-books 

One disadvantage of stock-books is that there is not any space for writing up your collection. To work around this problem, some collectors write information on small slips of paper, and put the paper behind the stamp, or on the next row.

Stock-pages

A lot of collectors require more flexibility than a bound ordinary stock-book allows, since moving individual stamps from page to page can be time consuming and may cause damage. Several manufacturers produce individual stock pages that can be inserted into loose-leaf folders.

Stock-pages are individual loose-leaf pages with clear plastic strips to hold your stamps. Each page can have anywhere from a single strip (essentially a pocket to which covers the entire page) to eight strips per page. They are stored together in a ring binder and usually have multiple holes on the left margin, so they can be used in a wide variety of binders and are usually sold in packages of multiple sheets of 5 or 10 to a packet.

Usually, the pages are black plastic, and double sided. That is, there are strips on both sides of the page. However, one can also find clear pages, which are single sided. They are great for items where you need to see both sides, such as covers with postmarks on the back.

In stock-pages of lesser quality, sometimes the strips are not sealed well (due to an error in manufacture) and can come loose, which tends to allow the stamps to shift in position in the pockets, eventually dumping your stamps.

Some have rough edges that can damage stamps upon insertion. The better pages have rounded edges, which reduce the chance of damage when one inserts the stamps.

There is also a wide variety of the thickness of the actual pages. Thicker pages may protect the stamp better, but the downside is that it makes the overall binder more bulky.

Advantages vs. disadvantages of stock-pages

Advantages of stock-pages 

Stock pages can be a lot better option than an album when you have to see more than just the front of the piece. In that case, it should be noted that there would be less chance of touching the stamps as dirt and grease from fingertips may damage the collection.

It is also much easier to include stamps and covers in your collection, as you can mix pages with many strips (for single stamps) with pages with two pockets (for covers), four pockets (for blocks) etc.

Disadvantages of stock-pages 

The main disadvantage of stock-pages is that there is difficulty to write much about your collection in presentable way and there is the risk of mixing up your collection in the case of dropping or mishandling.

Album pages

When choosing the suitable album type for their collection, many collectors often decide to store and display their collection in preprinted albums and pages.

Older albums with preprinted pages come in various formats where the collector could mount a used stamp with a hinge (HIGHLY NOT RECOMMENDED) or could create a pocket himself for the individual stamp using a pre-cut mount to stick to the page.

Nowadays, most of pre-printed albums use “hingeless album” system where the pre-printed album page includes a place with a mount already in place to put the postage stamp, which makes it very easy to use.

Albums with pre-printed pages usually have a space marked in the background to help lay out the stamps, often in the form of image, date of issue and other specifics of stamps issued for that particular area of collector’s interest. This makes it easy to spot the missing pieces in collection.

Mounts are manufactured of clear, anti-glare, safe polystyrene film, free from acids and chemical softeners. The clamp-type seal at the bottom of the pocket securely holds the stamp in place and mounts prevent sticking and protect your collection from dust and moisture.

The gamut ranges from worldwide albums, to one-country albums with spaces for every type of stamp known. The usual format is to print a black-and-white picture of the stamp in each space, reduced in size so that a real stamp will cover it up, and add a thin frame around the stamp. Captions range from minimal mentions of perforation or watermark, up to a paragraph giving a little background on the stamp’s subject.

Advantages vs. disadvantages of album pages

Advantages of album pages 

Album pages give the collector more room for writing up additional notes about the stamps on the page, which is usually needed when creating a specialized collection.

Disadvantages of album pages 

Pre-printed albums can get very expensive over time. It can also be frustrating when certain stamps in the collection do not have a defined space in the album. The more you specialize, the more a pre-printed album will fail to meet the needs in terms of space available. In these cases extra stamps need to be mounted on additional separate page.

Perforation gauge

Lighthouse/Leuchtturm perforation gauge with ¼  increments. It is indispensable tool for determining correct perforations of certain stamp issues e.g. Standing Helvetia Swiss stamps etc.

Stamps perforations first appeared in 1854 to make separating stamps easier, rather than cutting imperforate sheets by hand with scissors. Perforation measurements vary according to the type of perforating machine used and the standard for measuring is the number of perforations in 2 cm.

Finding out the perforation size of your stamp by perforation gauge

Stamp perforation gauges help you determine which perforation size your stamp has. The stamp is moved down the gauge until the perforations on the stamp visually match that on the gauge.

A perforation gauge is a tool that measures the number of perforation holes on the edge of a stamp, that is, the number of holes within the measure of two centimeters length.

Such a gauge is an indispensable tool for identifying stamps that present identical images but have been issued with perforations of several different sizes.

Perforations can range from 7 (large holes) to about 18 (small holes). Very often the stamp’s top and bottom perforations differ from those at the sides, which is called ‘compound perforation’.

For example, if perforation measurements are expressed as one number, let’s say 11, it indicates that all sides of the stamp are gauge 11, or if it consists of two numbers (compound perforations) let’s say 11 x 10, that in turn indicates that the top and bottom i.e. horizontal sides of the stamp gauge 11 and the vertical sides of the stamp gauge 10.

There are many different perforation gauges which can help you to make this type of measurement. Every country certainly has had its own specifics in regards to production of stamps and differences do arise, but stamps produced in the last few decades incline toward uniformity, which makes it much easier to take measurements of their perforations. However, on “older” stamps perforation variances might greatly affect stamp’s value, which makes it important to have a proper gauge. For a majority of worldwide stamps a simple Lighthouse Perforation Gauge will be more than enough. As for the U.S stamps a definite recommendation would be U.S. Specialized Multi-Gauge. 

The Sonic Imagery Labs Precision U.S. Speciality Multi-Gauge comprised of 12 different measuring devices that enable easy and correct identification of most notably early issues of U.S. stamps

Perforations can greatly affect the value of a stamp, so knowing what size perforation your stamps have is crucial in order to spot a rarity.

In order to achieve a fast and accurate perforation measurements of stamps, especially when trying to measure a large number of them, the most convenient and reliable way is using electronic perforation gauge. SAFE PERFOtronic 2 is digital optoelectronic perforation gauge that enables an easy and very precise measurement of stamp perforations.

It works by simply placing your stamp into work platform of the machine and touching a button. Within a few seconds the device will show the exact perforation measurement on its display.

Main advantages of using SAFE PERFOtronic 2:

• Ability to measure in hundredths of a unit with this electronic stamp perforation gauge in no time you’ll be able to minimize errors in perforation readings and have very precise results.

• Especially useful when it is needed to measure perforations for large number of stamps very fast.

• It will spare your eyes of unnecessary strain and effort when viewing perforation gauge in order to determine correct perforations.

Main disadvantage of SAFE PERFOtronic 2 is that we are unable to measure perforations on stamps attached to cover or envelope that are unreachable to optoelectronic sensor in the area of work platform of the machine. In such a case, we will have to resort to conventional method of measurement by ordinary perforation gauge.

However, the advantages for using SAFE PERFOtronic 2 certainly outweigh its disadvantages which make this instrument very valuable tool for a collector indeed.

Watermark detector

One of the main identifying features of some stamp papers is a watermark.

A watermark is an identifying image or pattern in paper that appears as various shades of lightness/darkness when viewed by transmitted light (or when viewed by reflected light, atop a dark background), caused by thickness or density variations in the paper.

Watermarks are made during the paper manufacture process by intentionally impressing an image into the still-wet paper. Where the image is impressed, the paper is thinner and the image can be seen by holding the paper up to a light (or setting it against a dark background) as translucent impression created in paper allows more light through the affected area. 

Over time, postal agencies throughout the world have used watermarked papers as a security measure against counterfeiting.

The watermark found in postage stamp paper can make a big difference in the process of properly identifying a stamp. Some postage stamp varieties occur when identical stamp designs are printed on different kinds of stamp paper.

Collectors who encounter two otherwise identical stamps with different watermarks consider each stamp to be a separate identifiable issue.

SAFE Watermark tray and a pipette

In order to see if the stamp has a watermark, stamp should be placed face down in a watermark tray and just few drops of watermark detection fluid should be dispensed over it to fully saturate the paper. Because the fluid evaporates quickly, by looking at the back of the saturated stamp, watermark pattern should be visible in the case it exists. As the fluid evaporates there is a moment just before the stamp dries when the watermark is most visible. It is exactly this relatively short time frame that is crucial in watermark identification.

Within moments, the fluid will evaporate, the stamp will be dry and watermark will not be visible. How well it shows varies with the stamp, entire design or part of it may be seen. If there is need to review the watermark, you can apply a few more drops of the fluid to the same stamp, repeating the process.

Because the fluid evaporates quickly, bottles and containers of watermark fluid should be tightly capped whenever they are not in use.

Watermark fluid can be applied to either used or unused postage stamps.

Although a stamp will have the appearance of being wet when saturated with watermark fluid, it will be unchanged after the fluid evaporates, which generally takes less than a minute. The watermarking process does not affect mint stamp gum.

Watermark fluid can also be helpful in detecting damage to stamps, such as thins in stamp paper, tears, creases or repairs. When saturated with the fluid, these flaws are much easier to spot.

The solvent in some early watermark fluids could damage the designs of some gravure-printed stamps manufactured with fugitive inks (ink that runs when immersed in certain liquids). Most of these issues, such as the 1933-37 series from Netherlands Indies, are so identified in stamp catalogs.

Modern watermark fluid has been specially formulated to be safe for both your health and the environment.

Clarity Watermark Fluid is highly recommended to be used for detecting watermarks due to its properties, as it is non-flammable, non-toxic and odorless.

Stamp should be put to dry completely before removing it from the watermark tray.

Watermarks can be of various designs and usually consist of symbols, letters or combination of these elements.

Not all watermarks are difficult to see. Sometimes a watermark in stamp paper can be seen just by looking at the unprinted back side of a stamp. In fact, various watermarks on many German issues are visible with no special equipment at all.

However, more often the collector must use a few basic items to get a good look at the watermark.

Not all stamps are printed on watermarked paper. In fact, most stamp papers today are un-watermarked. Most U.S. postage stamps issued after 1917 do not have watermarks. The last U.S. postage stamps to bear watermarks were issued in 1938.

Even using the simple watermarking method described, it can be difficult to distinguish some watermarks. Some watermarks on stamps can be particularly difficult to see. A few mechanical devices are also used by collectors to detect watermarks on stamps, such as the Safe Signoscope (T1, T2 and T3) watermark detectors.

Such devices can be very useful as they can be used without the application of watermark fluid and which also allow the collector to look at the watermark for a longer period of time to more easily detect the watermark.

The main difference between Safe Signoscopes T1, T2 and T3 which comes basically in two sizes and designs is that a larger size Safe Signoscope T1 is plugged into household electricity when used and smaller versions like Safe Signoscope T2 and Safe Signoscope T3 are portable units that run on batteries. The system basically consists of a clear plastic block hinged to a metal plate on which the stamp is placed. Pressure and lighting are then applied and the watermark is revealed.

Also, a very popular watermark detector is Stanley Gibbons Detectamark Spectrum Watermark Detector that even shows up watermarks on modern stamps printed on thick, chalk-surfaced papers with full gum – the ones that other detectors fail to identify. It is clean, safe and very effective without the use of chemicals and solvents and also helps to detect minor damage, such as thins, tears or repairs.

Watermark detectors are not cheap and cost is certainly a deterrent to many in using this system. Other major complaint is that there is the need for electricity in one form or another.

However, there are compelling reasons for their use over traditional watermark detection system by using watermark fluid and watermark tray.

First, even the modern “safe” fluid has an unpleasant odor, is awkward to work with, and may not be all that safe anyway. By investigating a larger number of stamps it is almost impossible to avoid inhaling vapor of the watermark fluid to one degree or the other, especially when viewing stamps in closed space. If you can find majority of the watermarks you seek using a watermark detectors, then you can spare yourself the hassle working with the watermark detection fluid.

Second, unlike the fluid which has a magic moment and then the watermark image is gone, these devices allow you to freeze the image temporarily for study. This capability is especially handy when trying to distinguish among watermarks which are very similar to one another, such as watermarks of British Commonwealth or certain Latin American countries.

Color guide

During the history, different varieties of the same stamp images have been printed in different colors and shades. This goes all the way back since the very first issues.

One of the most challenging aspects of stamp identification process is the correct determination of particular color or shade for a given issue, as differences between them can have a tremendous impact on a stamp’s identification and thereby a value. The names by which stamp colors are known, how to identify them and how to differentiate among similar shades of some colors, can cause a great deal of headache for the stamp collectors.

Color guide is a very useful tool to have if you want to tell the difference between stamps which are similar in appearance, but slightly different in shade.

Names of shades such as lake, carmine, rose, lilac, vermillion etc. can be extremely difficult to properly identify and equally important, to correctly name it. This is specially the case when it comes to U.S classic stamps, whereas for proper identification “Scott Specialized Color Guide for United States Stamps” is essential stamp collecting accessory.

For the stamps of Great Britain and its former colonies Stanley Gibbons Color Key is the most appropriate guide to philatelic colors and shades available. Designed with 200 colors featured on punched color panels and supplied in a plastic case, the Stanley Gibbons Color Key allows collectors to quickly and easily identify the color and shades of their stamps.

Also, it is equally important to name the third most relevant color guide in world of philately, “Michel Farbenfuhrer = Color Guide Introduction” which is for the collector of Germany and its former colonies stamps an invaluable tool for color identification and nomenclature.

Catalogues

The stamp catalogue is essentially a stamp identification book and is a major reference for a stamp collector. It helps us to identify each stamp and it tells us how and where it was printed, date of issue, number of stamps printed etc.

Also, it provides a complete, detailed list of almost all of postage stamps issued by every country in the world from the earliest days. Moreover, it helps collectors to arrange stamps in album, to complete sets of issued in particular time, it helps them to be acquainted with their colors, names etc.

The catalogue that you should use will depend on the type of stamps you collect.

The most common international catalogs are produced by Stanley Gibbons in Great Britain, Yvert in France and Michel in Germany. One of the most commonly used catalogues is Stanley Gibbons Simplified Catalogue of Stamps of the World, published in six volumes, and in which countries are arranged in alphabetical order. For more specialized collection of Great Britain and Commonwealth, the Commonwealth and British Empire Stamp Catalogue 1840–1952 might be more suitable since it provides more details for stamps of this area from the earliest issues up to the end of George VI’s reign and additionally lists and illustrates many of the better varieties popular with collectors.

If you collect only stamps from the United States, then you would need to use the Scott Specialized Catalogue of the United States, as it encompasses all the peculiarities found in classical U.S stamps.

Information provided on this platform will hopefully help readers in their philatelic pursuit. With the right tools combined with practice a collector will inevitably overtime build both skills and confidence, prospectively resulting in assembly of a great collection.