Treatment Of Early US Issues

I am rather unfamiliar with properties of early U.S. material in terms of type of gum, colour stability and the like.

In a recently purchased lot, there were two copies of Scott #11 on piece. As you can see, the original trimming was sloppy and actually bites into one corner a tiny bit. As well, there are no recognizable postmarks and therefor, no particular reason to leave the stamps on paper. I have no experience with this issue in terms of removing them from paper and thought it best to check with those who know more about the issue.

Are there any special characteristics that I have to use caution with in removing these stamps? Does warm water affect colours? Does the gum release fairly easily?

Thanks for your help.

The first stamp has an (almost) legible CDS that ties to the piece, so I'd say it's a toss-up on removal. The second stamp has nothing tying it to the piece and because of the close-cut margins, the piece provides little additional protection to the stamp. If these were mine, I would leave the first stamp as-is, but soak the second stamp off the piece.

Brian

The first one needs to be researched a little more before soaking. If the CDS was from a small town or territory it would increase the value. If it turns out to be common then it;s your call. The second was a beauty until the snippers got a hold of it.

The first cancel, with its oversized letters, is probably Boston.

Why risk it ? If anything I'd just use a scissor and trim the edge of the paper so it could be put into a vario. Or I'd use Stamp lift as you apply it to the back side of the paper instead of the Stamp itself. You can find it online or at local hobby shops for around $6