C1 Mint Block

Here's another air mail goodie I got from the same ebay sale.

I love the center line blocks! Looking good! This is one of the few classic airmail stamps that I have on cover.

The perforated center line block makes me ask the following question: Were any of these stamps issued with straight edges since straight edges usually occurred along such sheet cutting lines?

Nice block! Is that representative of the actual color?

It's badly sulphurized.

Whats sulphurized?

Many collectors call it oxidation. The ink reacts over time to the chemicals in the air and yellow and orange stamps eventually turn brown. For used stamps counteracting it is easy, a bath in hydrogen peroxide will reverse the effects. For mint stamps supposedly one can set up a chamber with the peroxide below and the stamps on a little shelf; if covered the fumes will work and effect the reversal although it will take longer.

Thanks Revcollector. The colors of the scan are little off, but there's def something going on there. Big color gradient. I learned something new today. Not sure I might just let nature takes its course on this one.

There are those who say that a cotton swab (Q-Tip) and hydrogen peroxide, and a lot of time, will bring back the color without damaging the gum. Not sure I'd try with an entire block, for fear of not leveling out the color across all four stamps, but maybe it is easier than I imagine.

Here is an example of the color for reference.

I feel the Scott or showguard type mounts helps to prevent this form happening if you catch it before it starts.