Perforations

can somebody explain perforations to me PLEASE

Tina.....

Perforations are the holes around stamps, there are also the serpentine (snake-like) perfs around the new plastic type stamps. Each of these can be different sizes. If they are the same all around it is expressed as a single number, if the sides are different from the top & bottom it is expressed as two numbers.....perf 10, perf 11, perf 12.....perf 11 x 10, perf 10 x 12.........the serpentine perfs are expressed in decimals 10.5, 11.4, 11.6

Perf gauges.

They are the peaks/teeth on the side of a stamp. Are you needing to know how to tell how many perforations are on a stamp ie. 11 x 10 1/2 perfs.? I suggest purchasing a perforation gauge, some can be relatively inexpensive and even free from some sources. You could also find a true to size picture of one and print it off the internet. Some catalogs evens have a perf gauge printed inside. I hope this helps.

Tina, If what your asking is what is the meaning of perf 13x13, 10X11 or 12X11.
First of all perferation is the space between punched holes, the smaller the #(6) the wider the spread between holes, the larger the closer the holes will be.
If the # are the same like 13x13 the perferation is the same all the way around the stamp (all sides)
If 10X11 two sides are perf 10 (if I remember correctly) is horizantal the 11 is vertical. And 12X11 would be the reverse of that.
If the perferation holes are too far apart, the stamps will not separate easily, and the stamps are likely to tear, but if they're too close, the stamps will tend to come apart in normal handling.
Why the vary is princpally due to the quality & strength of the paper the stamps are printed on. Also, in the 1800's many postal systems used multiple perferations on the same stamp through trial and error as the process was only recently developed by then.

Hope this helps!
Mike

PS: Order a "Perferation Guage" from your favorite supplier, they are not expensive.
If you have not do so already!

Tina........


It may seem insignificant but different perfing on similar looking stamps can be the difference between pennies and dollars. For example......The 13cent Eagle & Shield....on the left #1596 perf perfect...notice how the perfs are precise and very neat.....on the right #1596d line perfs....notice how they do not line up or meet at the corners.

perf perfect 25 cents each MNH.....line perf $27.50 MNH

There are many look-alikes with perf varieties.

Warrehouse.....

Perforations are NOT the spaces between holes.....that space is called teeth on single stamps....bridges on attached stamps.

Perforations are holes.

I thought nr-notare collected stamps -- turned out he collects perforation gauges

Nice scans, Tom.

Sorry, I misspoked! nr-notrare

Kirk.....


After 50 years and hundreds of mystery boxes one tends to have a decent variety of things. Many I've already sold but I still have a few things left.

You guys are great,you explain these things to me in such detail and where I can understand what it is your telling me. Thanks so much,and I do already have a perforation gauge it is glass with red print, I think its from Germany,Gramps left me that also,and most of my stamp tools,well not most because I have spent so much money on this hobby in the 6 months since I started,at least im set for years to come on stamp suplies

Great response Tom!

That's why this is such a great place to hang out!

Hello Mr. President.....

Thanks Greg.....seems like I've forgotten a lot more than I remember.....guess it just means I have lots of room for new stuff.

with Greg,at my age and still learning from you Tom "the guru"