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 Replies: 20 / Views: 3,261 |
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Rest in Peace
7742 Posts |
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Poll Question:
Hi guys/girls...Listen, there are young stamp collectors and old stamp collectors and lots in between...Want to get a feel for what is being used, what is the standard as far as forensic investigation of stamps..Appreciate your input..
Thanks Robert
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Bedrock Of The Community
United States
10585 Posts |
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It should be noted that a true philatelic investigation needs a few different magnifying glasses, or one adjustable to a few powers. At a minimum a 5x, 10x, and 12x-15x are going to be needed at different times. |
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Pillar Of The Community
United States
5894 Posts |
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I have a large 5x loupe (lens is 2 inches across) which is great for overall examination and a 20x loupe (1/2 inch size lens) for closer inspection. If I am not satisfied with my loupes I scan the item and then do software image manipulation. |
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Pillar Of The Community
United States
7070 Posts |
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A 5x glass and a 10x linen tester are always at hand and travel to shows, and a Lighthouse 8x LED magnifier sits at the desk. Otherwise, it is off to the scanner. Wouldn't want to live without any of them. |
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Rest in Peace
7742 Posts |
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So far what I am hearing is that a combination of both is the norm..Wonder is software is a younger idealism and not so much for older collectors..? |
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Pillar Of The Community
United States
856 Posts |
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Pillar Of The Community
United States
3151 Posts |
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As I age, ( I'll be 70 next spring ) I tend to use the software more for most work. If I'm flyspecking then its the binocular microscope. I find that I'm setting up more albums on my computer ans storing the stamps in stockbooks. Much earier for tired ole eyes to watch a slide show than to go through the album with a magnifying glass in one hand.  |
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Valued Member
Canada
276 Posts |
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Probably like most collectors, I use the magnifying glass for something easy to spot or if I'm in a bit of a hurry. However, and especially with older stamps, I use my Celestron scope to see the finer details...like identifying different die of the same stamp. |
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Valued Member
United States
56 Posts |
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I use a magnifying glass, learning that it is not quite up to snuff. I am new at this so, What software? |
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Rest in Peace
7742 Posts |
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Joe...welcome to the forum...There is software that I use constantly, but I use Linux, but have links to the same software for Windows people..First get yourself a scanner (if you don't have one)..Then a USB Microscope..It will benefit you in the long run. |
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Pillar Of The Community
1545 Posts |
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I don't use software, except excel, to keep track of what stamps I have, and what I don't have. Online references like 1847usa (R.I.P.) are important, for they give more information than the Specialized catalog. I have one main glass I use but don't know how powerful it is, only that it does the job. If not, I have a 20x, usually only used to detect a regum job.
-IBFS
Welcome Joe! |
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All science is either Physics or Stamp Collecting. -- Ernest Rutherford |
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Bedrock Of The Community
United States
10585 Posts |
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I like scanners, and I use mine occasionally but I am usually not sitting next to it when I am looking at stamps. I do sometimes scan recently purchased stamps for a good look at something I feel needs that kind of view. |
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Rest in Peace
7742 Posts |
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Well, you know guys, I us my scanner, USB Microscope and tons of software every day..And of course my magnifying glass to. |
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Pillar Of The Community
Australia
4031 Posts |
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I use a digital magnifier that can make the value on the stamp fill the computer screen.
It is very useful for looking at perf OS used varieties to see if the cancel is present in the outside of the holes trying to determin forgeries & fly specks etc |
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Pillar Of The Community
United States
1756 Posts |
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Quote:
Online references like 1847usa (R.I.P.) Don't be too sure of that... there are many of us here whom can turn it back on tomorrow (with the backup), but would not do so without blessing from Bob Allen... |
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Pillar Of The Community
1545 Posts |
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Quote:
there are many of us here whom can turn it back on tomorrow (with the backup) Yes, I use the Wayback Machine to get to it too. Let's hope nothing happens to that backup or the Wayback Machine site itself. I wonder if anyone at this date has figured out the 100% correct reason for the discontinuing of the 1847usa.com website? -IBFS |
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All science is either Physics or Stamp Collecting. -- Ernest Rutherford |
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Replies: 20 / Views: 3,261 |
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Posted 02/24/2015 10:04 pm
