Safe Signoscope Watermark Detector

The design/configuration of the Signoscope dictates that it was designed for stamps.

Also, if there are hinge or paper remnants, it doesn't work. The thickness of the remnants prohibits getting a clear reading. I always use watermark fluid in these cases.

you can also use an additional foil and position it next to the hinge to see this area, but it does not always work well with those stamps, that's true.

For stamps up to 2"x2" in size.

https://www.ihobb.com/p/SA9886.html

I'm with bookbndrbob and hy-brasil. I have often experienced the Signoscope detecting watermarks that I cannot see with fluid, particularly for yellow and orange shade stamps or GB colored paper stamps. So, there will never be any dust on my Signoscope, couldn't be without it

You are talking about one of the many paper money counterfeit detectors being sold today, not this. Those gizmos are quite useless to stamp collectors or even currency collectors. The couple I've seen just shine a light through the bill face to let you check watermarks (among other tests), where you should be able to just hold a bill to the light to see a watermark in those.

I've had the T1 for many years and have gotten mixed results, especially with mint stamps--I tend to get a lot of artifacts that don't show up in fluid. This thread is the first I have heard about having to use foils or acetate sheets. Where can I find more info on that?

Thanks,

Steve

Stephenwgill, welcome to SCF! The "foils" appear to be matte acetate. I suspect you could buy a sheet of this material at Dick Blick, or any other graphic arts supplier on the internet. You would just cut a piece to fit the size of the plastic platen on your T1, and use/sandwich it between the plastic platen and the stamp.

Thanks for the welcome! I've been an APS member for over 40 years and I'm surprised I've never comes across this site before--glad I found it. OK, so for the "foils," are they reusable or do you have to use a new one for each stamp that is checked? Also, when I order the acetate, does it come in different thicknesses?

Thanks!

The T1 foils are thin, but not like tissue...probably a little thicker, or, at least more rigid than Saran Wrap.

I have used the same foil for years. The rest of them are still in the original box. Hope this helps.

Are they like stamp mount material in stiffness and thickness?

I may get something for Christmas. Always want a new toy. Some go to a golf course to play golf, I get stamp stuff.

No, the foils are not as stiff as Scott/Showgard mount material, and perhaps a shade thinner.

Note that on the first page of this discussion hybrasil states that he has used Saran Wrap as a foil. I have never needed to do this, so I cannot vouch for the effectiveness.The tendency for this material to wrinkle would keep me away from it.

To me, the real advantage of the Signoscope is that you can check a glassine full of the same stamps very quickly. The original foil will electrostatically stay affixed to the acrylic platen, so that you don't have to waste time placing and adjusting it with every change.