Is There Any Good Reason To Keep This On Piece?

I'm inclined to soak this R27 multiple off piece, both for long-term preservation, and for aesthetics on a page. There are a couple of names on the back, but I can't imagine they are of much consequence. This came from the Knoxville show yesterday, and I must say, I was mightily impressed with that club. It was a first-class event.

I don't have many multiples, and I know the R27c is a very common rev, but when you get into large multiples, what's the value like? I couldn't pass this one up for $6.

Is there any good reason to remove it ? Removing it puts perf separation at risk.

Major risk at that. This should be left as it is.

I vote to leave it alone.

The initials RBN of the cancel match the name Richard B Neville at the top of the partial document, which also documents its use in Alabama. Just thinking along a general theory of don't act hastily before you fully understand what you have.

Before you commit to separation, you might check to see if the ink is going to run.

With a block that large, its gonna be a long soak.

You mention "long-term preservation".

Q/ How old is the document?

Q/ Why would it suddenly take a turn for the worse?

Q/ How were you planning to mount/present the block?

Cheers,

/s/ ikeyPikey

Leave it on piece! On something that old you should not even consider taking it off paper!

Peter

I would definitely keep it on piece for the reasons stated but would try to press out the fold. A great buy at $6!

Thanks guys I really appreciate the input. I'll keep it on piece and try my best to preserve it this way. I only ask because I've seen way too many stamps disintegrate into dust because of acid in the underlying paper. Eventually I would imagine this one will do the same

Q/ How old is the piece?

I guess storage would be critical for any "on piece" items. The gum and dried saliva (with its bacteria) would create an excellent place for mold growth unless the item is kept in very low humidity.

There are many thousands of Civil War era documents with stamps still out there that have held up well. There seems no reason to assume that this item will suddenly deteriorate unless it is mishandled.