What Types Of Stamps Might Be Damaged By Soaking?

I am a fairly new collector, and I was wondering if there are certain types of stamps that might be damaged by soaking. Specifically, I am concerned about some early Dutch stamps (Scott #1-6). I would like to remove the hinges that are attached to them, but I am afraid to try because they look like they were printed in a manner different from those stamps that I have successfully soaked. Are there some stamps that I should avoid soaking due to the material or ink used in printing them?

Also, I have some old Dutch proofs that are printed on card stock; could I safely soak these too?

Thanks!

My rule of thumb is: if in doubt, don't soak.

I can't speak for early Dutch stamps, but if you soak some issues from Netherlands Indies, you'll end up with blank pieces of paper in colored water.

Stamps with fugitive inks should not be soaked. Some stamp catalogs include warnings about soaking these stamps.

Robert

Not sure what others will say, but maybe try using a q tip soaked in water to only apply water on the hinge instead of the whole stamp.

I agree with Trainwreck. Some Netherlands Indies stamps can not be soaked without damage. The NVPH catalog warns about this, and the main issue affected is the 1934 Koningin Wilhelmina definitive series. I checked the early issues of the Netherlands and they do not include the warning against soaking.

Peter

I advise against soaking stamps unless you research the exact stamp... I collect GB and there are fugitive inks that will run. Try a damp exacto knife or razor blade to loosen the edge of the hinge, then keep wetting the blade and not cutting but applying the damp blade by pulling lightly on the hinge.. a q-tip to dampen the hinge will help...

That method with a razor requires some practice and a steady hand, it's certainly not something to try for the first time with anything valuable.

revcollector is right, I have practiced this and am good at it, practice with some cheap stamps of no value, it is not hard but does take some practice... thanks rev...

I wonder if a q-tip or a small artists paintbrush and a toothpick would work better?