Reattaching Stamps To Cover

I have a washington-franklin paste up pair (#409, I believe) that was on cover, but fell off the envelope even with gentle handling. It cover clearly shows where the stamps were located and I'd like to reattach them.

This is just for my own collection and the stamps are not worth enough to get a professional repair performed. Does anyone have suggestions for an adhesive that will not be dangerous to the stamps? I know original adhesives were typically from dextrin or starches. Could a judicious application of sugar water work? Does anyone know the chemical composition of adhesive used during the Washington-Franklin era? Thanks for any help!

I'd use a good quality hinge. This allows you to lift the pair to see the paste up!
Don

I use Lineco products, glue and repair tape. This adhesive was formulated specifically for preservation materials. Please make notation on back of cover of anything you did.

http://www.lineco.com/cart.php?m=pr...18&primary=1

lukusw, I would suspect that the original gum used on old U.S., including the Washington-Franklins was some formula of gum arabic. This gum is a naturally occuring material made from the acacia tree. It has a lot of applications, including its use as a binder in water-based paints such as water color and gouache. I'm sure you could find it online. It is sold as a crystal, or powder and is mixed with distilled water to make the glue.

I would not use a glue stick. I don't know how this material "ages"...it probably is not archival.

I think 51 studebaker's suggestion is a good one. I have done this myself.

51 has the answer. I know the cover is for your own collection, but one day it will pass on to someone else who will appreciate your having taken this approach.

There are things that eat sugar.

Via Con Don'os, to coin a phrase.

Edited to add: Sorry ... that means 'use a hinge' or two.

Hinge them back in place. Don't re-glue them.