Ultraviolet Lamp And Watermark Detector Both All In One

Jogil, the Signoscope uses pressure and SIDE lighting to make the watermark visible. I think the principle is that the watermarking process creates slight differences is the geometry of the paper such that the outline of the watermark refracts or reflects the side lighting. The Signoscope also has mirrored surfaces that intensifies this effect.

My ideal would be a device that performed watermark detection, produced short- and long-wave UV, and had a digital perf gauge. Paper classification using an algorithm based on the paper's optical characteristics wouldn't hurt either.

On another different note, is around $14.00 (U.S.) a good price to pay for a shortwave uv lamp including shipping?

That is cheap! Are you sure this thing is not defective?

Peter

I like this new toy .I think I will add one to the rest of the stamp man cave. Best Buy sounds like the place. But one ? do you use a light to find watermarks normally. I thought that you just use it to see if a stamp had been worked on or changed.

After back reading some of the post. I think I will leave it on the shelf . New it was to good to be true.

Kingstonstamper,

I'm with you. There is a reason why most go to old reliable Ronsonal.

Jack Kelley

I just got one and found it good for modern Canadian stamps like the Centennials. Long wave UV for tagging and paper florescence. Contrast light for wove paper orientation direction (horizontal/vertical). Magnifier for seeing all details much bigger and closer.

I paid a visit to Stanley Gibbons today and got to use one of these detectors while looking for inverted watermarks on Iceland's 1920 Christian X definitives. The device is complete rubbish if there is a little paper adhering to the back of the stamp like hinge remnants. There is no substitute for old-fashioned Ronsonol and a dark background as far as I am concerned. The UV part of the detector is useful, but save your money and buy a dedicated UV light instead.