Kans./Nebr. - Remove Hinge - Not Disturb Gum?

Seems that there is a set each of the Kansas and Nebraska overprints. They look to be real (rotary press, 11 x 10 1/2, 14 lines gum, one gum break, colors, well, I'm not good at those, yet.) , but the question applies whether or not. They all have a hinge on the back. Could the hinge be removed safely without disturbing the gum? If so, could someone please tell me how? Also, for stamps that are gummed and have a watermark, is it safe to 'Ronsonol' for the watermark and not disturb the gum?

Thank you for any input.

The gum indicates that they are genuine. The hinges can be removed using a small artists paintbrush and a LOT of patience, however this requires practice and is not something just done without both it and a steady hand.

Ronsonol or any watermark fluid is perfectly safe for your stamps.

revcollector - Thank you. The hand is still steady but I will have to work on the patience. However, it is nice to know that 'someone' can do it, should they desire. I'm not really sure that is an expected part of my job description on this particular one. I gather that the endeavor would entail moistening the hinge only just enough to have it 'let go' a little bit at a time. I'll see if I can find an overview - with at least a little depth - regarding the different types of adhesives used and how they would react to different fluids.

yakboomer - Thank you. I wish they were my stamps, should I need to use it where there is a concern for the glue. Especially if it is a good stamp with good glue. I think I'm going to have to find some play stamps with which to experiment. However, your reassurance is appreciated.

For the hinges I think it all depends what your intentions are. If you plan on selling them then I would leave them be and let the next owner decide. If I were to keep them I would probably very, very carefully remove them as they will leave a mark so the hinges are not being removed to deceive anyone but rather for preservation purposes.

stallzer - Thank you for your response. I will leave the hinges for the new owner to deal with as they see fit and as fits their situation. It is mainly to know whether they can be removed that I ask. I've not had a lot of experience (basically none) with the gum on stamps and I don't know how it acts and reacts. I'll have to see about getting some info on the adhesives. Thank you, again, for your response.

revcollector, could you expand on this method step by step?

If you apply a moistened hinge to the back of a gummed stamp, the glue on the hinge will become "part of" the gum on the back of the stamp, and vice versa. How does this produce the result of a stamp with undisturbed gum?


-IBFS

I never said the gum would be undisturbed, just that the hinge can be removed this way.

Safe? Ronsonol is safe, but do not let them sit in the fluid for a lengthy period of time. Make it as short as possible. On one occasion I failed to see how the stamp was cancelled and what ever it was "ran" and discolored the stamp. And before anyone asks, it was a Washington-Franklin issue and no, it was not an aniline dye variety; it only bled where the cancellation was located.

Hal

Hal - That's interesting about the bleed where the cancellation was. Sounds like something in the makeup of the ink for the cancel didn't sit well with the Ronsonol. Thank you for the heads-up that such things can happen.

I've dipped tens of thousands of stamps and have never seen a cancel "bleed" in fluid...and what do you mean by "lengthy period of time"? Just curious.

Removing hinges from stamps using artist's brush as recommended by revcollector - go to my website;

http://www.stampexpertizing.com;

Click onto "Articles", then go to the bottom of the "bookpile" to find "How to remove hinges from stamps".

bill weiss - Thank you. I'll have to give that pressure technique a try. The idea sits better than moisture. That is an interesting 'bookpile'. I can tell I'll be spending some time there. Thank you for sharing.

http://www.stampexpertizing.com

Fixed link.

Direct link, in case someone wants to save a few seconds:

http://www.stampexpertizing.com/art...gHinges.html