Perforations ???

Miko's thread on perforations reminded me that I wanted to ask this. I've seen detailed descriptions of Guatemalan stamps where they list the perf size as 10.7 or 10.9, etc. and then define them as varieties. I can understand how the perfs produced by a cutter can grow as the cutter ages, but how are the experts measuring them so precisely?

Enquiring and/or disturbed minds want to know!

Hi Greg......

For some time now there has been a new type of perf gauge on the market. I've seen several designs ranging from about $5.00 (Linns, I think) to $15.00. The grid lines gradually fan out and measure all size perfs including the very odd sizes mentioned. It is a "must have item" for anyone trying to check perf's on almost all the new plastic type of stamps.

Here's a sample:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Scott-Linns-Mul...ed_W0QQitemZ160267506898QQihZ006QQcategoryZ705QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Greg, When you are measuring the extreme precision, humidity in the room can make a difference. The stamp can shrink or expand a small amount.

Tom, I have read that there was an old style gauge that could measure the perfs of a hinged stamp with out it having to be removed from the album page, have you seen one? I have not and wondered how it looked.

Jim

Desertgem

I bought a boxlot off ebay this winter that had an old perf guage in in it I'll look at it when I get home from work and post it.

Dianne

Greg, I told you the guys in the Guatemala club are fanatics..they like nothing better than going through a glassine of common stamps looking for the oddball perf.they have gone so far out.they can never get back !!

Phil:

We do the same with the KGVI-era stamps. There is a perf. 14.15 emergency printing of a 12/6 stamp from Bermuda.

David

Hi Jim.....

The old Honor Built & Perfecta's have gauges on the edge for perfing on page items. Also the new types previously mentioned are made of clear plastic and can be used for stamps on pages. But, I find it much easier to use the new clear plastic type on a black background or by holding the stamp & gauge up to the light of a window from a distance of 6-8 feet. The lines on the gauges are very thin and if the lighting isn't right it can be difficult to line it up correctly.