Is It Okay To Write A Stamp Number On A Stamp?

Fifty years ago, I got into the habit of very lightly writing the Scott number on the reverse of a used stamp WITH A SOFT PENCIL. I still have stamps which I purchased from stamp companys on which the had lightly stamped the number on the reverse.
What are your thoughts on doing so?

I would not do that myself, especially on a pristine stamp

I don't do it, but I don't try to remove it when I come across it, either.

It was a common practice, so I see it as an unfortunate relic of philatelic history, and can therefore live with it most of the time, especially on lower-value items. But then, I'm more interested in the front than the back. I'd definitely disclose it if selling, as many people would care.

My 2d.

C.

I wouldn't mark it either.

Ncbuckeye, I avoid buying stamps with Scott number markings on the back of stamps even ones with pencil marks. I have a few with pencil marks but won't accept any with pen marks.

I would not in any way write on the stamp.

I admit to doing it occasionally. Usually on stamps which have a variety of issues with different perfs, and I can no longer keep straight which is which. But I would never do it on a stamp of any value. These are only low end models. Promise.

Australia KGVs and notations on the back of stamps.
Most people hate them with a passion to the point of devaluing the stamp dramatically.
A small amount of people could not care less.

In an auction stock book win of over 3,000 stamps all had notations on the back of the stamps. I could not believe it. The auction house kindly took all the stamps back.

I wouldn't do it.

I think it's ok that you did but I'm sure it lowers the resell value (like you are going to sell them anyway if you've held them for 50 years). Your grandkids might find it interesting and have a special connection to you in another 50 years if they realize it's your handwriting.

I have never marked any stamp but many of the used
stamps I inherited from my grandfather have the
catalogue number on the back.
Wish they didn't but they do.

What bothers me more is all the mint stamps he hinged
to the albums. Its not just the hinges but on many
he used too much spittle and now they're stuck to the
pages.

lithograving: There's that special connection I was talking about
I can only guess that when he was collecting, it was the effort that was valued rather than the long term value of the stamp.

I am certain that if he had the tools we have today those hinges would not have been on the stamps. I might have to go pull some of my USPS mint sets. I think they were issued with hinges to use.

I call this one "The Novel"

@KGV: That is EXTREME!

I guess there is no doubt what the finder of this one thought.

You're absolutely right PlumCrazy814.

My grandfathered went through two wars and the depression,
therefore there was little money left to spend on stamps and
accessories.

Stamp collecting was his passion and I gather he was quite
knowledgeable since he always noted the right type or
variety on the back.

He first got me started with stamps and I will always
treasure his collection.

I just wish he had hingless albums or Hagners in his day.

Just as I recall. The fancy stamp holders were available the next year so I went back and took all of the hinges off of the stamps and redid the folder. Don't recall why Emily had to stay hinged but that's the way it is. all of these have the hinge mark on the back.

Too cool, lithograving - I would treasure that above sanitized specimens.

My Grandfather was born in 1868 so I am far down the foodchain. The only thing I have is some pictures and a Hymnal that has some doodles and his signature in. A cousin was kind enough to give that to me a few years ago.