Pencil Numbers On Back Of Stamps?

I have usually been adverse to writing a stamp number on the back of a stamp but sometimes when I get stamps I sure like it that someone else has left me a clue as to the number. What is the current thinking on this - I guess I don't see a problem doing this on used average value stamps (light pencil of course) but can't see doing it on mint or more valuable stamps.

You won't catch me doing that on any of my stamps. Once it is there though, I don't mess with the numbers (try to erase).

yes leave well enough alone,it was an old excepted practice.

I find quite a few older stamps with a Scott's number written on the back.
Currently I am going through some old revenue stamps that are all marked up.
Sometimes there is a perforation number also. I even have some with an old number crossed out and a new number written next to it. Most of the time the numbers are correct. But once and a while I disagree with the number some previous owner has put on it.

I find them from time to time. I never do it, but, I leave the pencil markings I find, alone.




Butch

I agree with not doing anything about erasing the numbering etc.

As for putting numbers on stamps myself......I've resisted the temptation.

If it's important enough to number....that's what mounts, stock books, stock cards and glassine envelopes are for.

Those numbers are among the things (in addition to flames about a metre high) that burn my butt

I can't recommend altering a stamp in any way - that means adding a penciled notation or trying to remove one that's already there.

You have to remember that Scott occasionally 'rearranges' their numbers and so an ID that might have been accurate 50 years ago could be off now.

I have got quite a few in my collection and extra box that have numbers wrote in pencil. It does not bother me to much. I will admit that I have done it when arranging used stamps to go in albums. It was easier to research at my desk a stack of stamps then put them all in my stock book until its full then put them in the album.

I'm happy to inscribe perforation measurements on used stamps. I have sucessfully removed pencil notations from mint stamps in the past (use a good quality eraser AND polish the gum on a Little french chalk on a ceramic tile).