Can I Safely Soak This Old New South Wales Stamp?

I know it's seen better days (so have I ) but I am happy I have it for my hexagon shapes collection.

I was hoping to clean it up a bit. Lukewarm water and dish soap? Will the ink run on me?



Oh, I just noticed on the scan that it has a 3-ring '3' numeral cancel I think. Cool.

It will run Puzz,
the postmark is upside down relative to the stamp image
is a duplex (three ovals with N.S.W at centre)


To remove the hinge, use a artists paintbrush
and dab the back of the stamp.
You can get it quite wet, but not soggy
if you get my drift.

IIRC these are referred to as the "diadems"
(nice stamps)


Could be a range of cat numbers.
should be perf 13
1862-1872
wmk=double lined figure of value

I am going for SG165 6d purple.

Puzzler, do you also like Macao's hexagonal cancels?

Thanks Rod! An artist's paintbrush it is for the back.

The hinge has '102' written on it on it. Wish the poor thing was cleaner though. maybe that is why I got it, another different cleaner one I was out bid on.

Jimjamtwo,
I am just learning about who has had and has hexagonal postmarks. I know Macau (can be spelled either way) has hexagonal stamps (recent) but did not know of the cancels. Are they recent or old or in between in age? Thanks fro mentioning them!