Perfs And Watermarks

Does anyone here test a stamps perfs or watermarks? When should one really use those methods? I remember my grandmother having a perf gauge in her stamp misc. box, but I don't remember if she ever used it or not?

Donna

I use both methods very often. Not so much to "test" anything, but to properly identify stamps and varieties. For me, philately is most thrilling in the hunt for those pesky varieties - not always expensive, but often hard to find. I carry a perf guage and a loop with me wherever I go - really! In fact, I own several of them, including a fabulous "perf gauge" that measure the die-cuts on Canada's more recent pressure-sensitive issues. Watermark fluid and a tray? Not so much.

Peter

Peter, Thanks for the answer. I really should do some more research of just why a stamp should be checked for the perfs. If watermarks aren't that important anymore than maybe I won't have to worry about it too much.

Donna

Hi Donna,
You're welcome. In the most general of terms, here's an example of perf-checking: I collect Canadian Christmas stamps. One year, there were two different perf sizes. The mint stamp with the regular perf is worth face value-ish. The one with the scarce perf sells for between $375 and $450. I like finding used copies in kiloware...even those can be traded or sold for a value in the range of $15.00-$30.00.
Watermarks are more of an issue on classics.
Peter

Some very common stamps will come with different watermarks. For example, the British Wilding definitives of the early years of Queen Elizabeth's reign come in 3 main watermark types, and there are also variations within those different types (for example, some booklets come with the watermark upside-down on the stamps). There are literally billions of these stamps, so it's easy to find different types in your collection.

Ryan

Right, Ryan. I did not intend to imply that watermarks are *only* an issue with the classics. I should have said that watermarks are not a concern to ME in my areas of collecting, for the most part.

Peter

Knowing which stamps need to be checked for perf/watermark variations is key. Having a good catalogue is paramount for this. I know with some of my early Natal issues the watermark can mean a few hundred extra pounds in the pocket.

Has anyone used the safe electronic perf reader - I was tempted at one stage, decided to buy the signoscope watermark reader and was dissappointed.

anybody with experience using signoscopes or Lindner stampscope?? Do they really work?? Are they any better than ink sachet based detectors??

(Is not SAFE and Signoscope the same?)
I have been after the answer to this wmk detection question for years.
It seems the only reliable way is fluid.

I was going to buy the Stan Gibbons for $280
but a very reliable source suggested not good for
bulk work.
I have nearly given up watermarking my Travancore,
it seems just too difficult.

I also have a Signoscope, and I find I have the best luck in a dark room (ie one without windows) and the light on the scope dialed down low in intensity. I seem to get better contrast on the watermark that way.

Ryan

Hi! Donna. Perfs and watermarks play a big part in my stamp collecting of Aust KGVs 1914 to 1938 they are by far my number 1 collecting interest. Without the perfs and watermarks the KGVs would be a very small collection indeed of only 20 stamps but with wmks and perfs a basic set is about 73 stamps.

To measure perfs I use a common stamp as a gauge. When a stamp misalines with the perfs I have found the rare one.

Most wmks can be seen by holding a stamp back up over a black page sometimes it helps to turn the stamp around a bit. The time of day can change the out come. Holding a stamp up to a window sometimes works as well. The other ways have already been mentioned. Happy Stamping!