Writing On The Backs Of Stamps

What is the feeling of the group about lightly writing a catalog number on the back of used stamps. Pencil of course.

Years ago, I didn't mind it too much. Today I do.

Seems it went along with people who belonged to
catalog value based stamp exchanges. They certainly
didn't mind it. Got quite a mess of old exchange
sheets in a lot a while back, and it was loaded
with stamps having the catalog number and current
value on the back. I suppose it made it easier for
the collector trading his duplicates to catalog them
along the way, but I remember doing it on manila
stock pages when working with these exchange clubs.

Have seen a few stamps done with ink, which is pretty
bad. Even mint stamps with ink, but fortunately very
few.

As far as used stamps I don't mind, however I do mind when the number is no where near the correct Scott Number.

I don't like writing on the backs of stamps or covers.
(Writing notations on the front of covers is even worse.)

I consider writing on the back a small fault. Maybe you can erase it,
but maybe it will make an ugly smudge if you try to.
It reduces the desirability of the item to me.

I never use the old style pink eraser, especially the
ones on the tops of pencils because they dry out and
can smudge. I only use old type cleaner that came in a
purple block and could be kneaded or the more recent
white plastic erasers, used in drafting, that will do
a very clean job. I erase a lot of things from covers
and haven't had a problem, yet. The type cleaner was
for cleaning the keys of the old-style inked ribbon
typewriters, so try to find some now. It seems to work
by pulling things into itself and leaves no crumbs.
Lately I've preferred the Steadtler Mars white plastic
eraser, and have listed a couple of links. It's used
widely by draftsman, so should also be available locally
at any art or drafting supply store. You might try it
by lightly marking up some envelopes as you might find
marked by a collector. I generally don't rub in both
directions, but only away from myself.

http://cgi.ebay.com/2-Staedtler-Mar...rs_W0QQitemZ180207475773QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0

http://cgi.ebay.com/STAEDTLER-Mars-...IP_W0QQitemZ380087380756QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBI_Desk_Accessories

Lightly on the back of used stamps I can live with..but they should not write on gum....

I despise writing on the backs of stamps, or covers.

David

Many old time dealers wrote there own code on the backs of stamps. I am trying to locate a list of these I once had. Some are interesting and some do add value but in general devalues a stamp. I hate to have a mint stamp to only turn it over and bam, pencil marks on a pristine copy.

Just got ahold of the link for anyone curious about unkown marks on stamp backs.

http://www.filatelia.fi/experts/

Hi All
In The days before the "Back of the stamps" craze,
it was common to "Expertize" or validate The Stamps.
I have no problem with the writing on the back, if the
information is correct.
Example of typewritten :

DJD

This can happen due to catalogue changes over the years.
the subsequence of these changes sometimes lead to Correcting
The notations ,hence more writing.
I have a number of early British stamps that have both The S.G. Numers and the Scott's number.
DJD

If it's just a number in pencil or an expertization stamp, I don't mind. On some stamps, the number is actually helpful.

Thanks for the replies all. I asked, because I do it, particularly with a stamp which requires a fair amount of examining to determine the type. With watermarks in particular.

I have a stamp I recently bought and identified by the seller as E5 (US special delivery) On the back of the stamp in pencil is the notation E4. Looking in the catalog, whether it is E5 or E4 makes a big difference in the value.

It's funny how different things come and go.

When collecting first started, mint stamps weren't even considered collectible - only used stamps were. When collecting mint stamps became fashionable, people licked them to stick them in their albums. Hinges for came and went for mint, crystal mounts came and went (for the most part).

I can remember marking Scott numbers on the back of used stamps as a boy. Would NEVER consider it now. Just collecting evolution, I guess ...


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