Why I Inspect All New Covers Under UV Light

I have made it a rule to inspect every cover that I purchase under UV light. This is a cover that came in the mail yesterday. At first glance I did not see any problems with the cover



A check under UV light instantly revealed a problem - note how the top and bottom margins fluoresce differently than the margin between the stamps. It is hard to take a photo under UV - the difference is much clearer in person



Under magnification it is possible to see that the margins have been added (or the stamps may have been completely rebacked). Note the top margin above the margin between the stamps and the top margin over the left stamp in general. Also note that the bars of the cancel at the bottom of the left stamp do not continue across the margin

good call and interesting tip

The black smudges in the corners look like they were placed there to mask the fraud.
What are you going too do now that you purchased this cover?Ask
for a refund?
Lot;1889 a cover like yours.
http://www.rumseyauctions.com/aucti...ter/25/84/20

Hi perf12 - yes the smudges are covering the repair. I am returning the cover for a refund.
The Rumsey cover you posted is a beauty - great color - good margins

This stamp has been keeping me busy! In fact it is a very poor specimen.
Certain things are not right with it.The corner numeral exterior frame line was added: box (1).Comparing corner box (2) it is obvious.So it is also a partial forgery.

Illuminating and scary. Good showing.

I am in shock. I would never do that to anyone.

Good catch. Those two blurry cancels really don't look right. I suspect there is probably a partial fingerprint in at least the lower right blob.

Those pence-issue covers definitely have to be looked at with a careful eye. I really like them - enough to where I bought one myself for fun, but I'd probably pass on about 5-10 (or more) for every one that I'd consider, for reasons such as this.

In my opinion just from enlarging your photo this stamp does appear altered or repaired. Some key things to consider when buying a stamp on cover is in smears, added or out of place cancels. If this was not on cover I am sure the attempted repair would clearly show up. In this case as you pointed out the repair does not match such as the item you circle numbered 1. Pretty common way to hide damage is to add more cancel.

This one didn't need any high tech to spot it. But then again I knew what to look for.

Good luck

Lol don't be in shock people have been doing this for over 100 years.

If you want to see what truly an be done to a stamp Che k out the following web site, I know 99% of the people would never notice these unless they sent them to be expertise.

http://home.golden.net/~hanssitt/SR....html#Ethics

A very long, detailed discussion about the merits of restoration was covered in this older thread, including comments from FCI Restoration. A good read

https://goscf.com/t/43694#43694

Excellent post!

Thank you!
Hal

From mkfarm's link (emphasis mine):




Is that actually the APS's position, that any repaired stamp must be indelibly marked? I find that hard to believe. Furthermore, if that really is their policy, the vast majority of show dealers I have ever dealt with need to be expelled from the APS as well, because very rarely (if ever) do I see repaired/restored stamps or covers indelibly marked, and if so, it is an immediate negative with respect to marketability.

I question whether the facts in that link are accurate...

Great thread but that repair is quite detectable without the aid of UV light.

Alarming, SPQR! Thanks for showing it.

Wow great info here. Another reason for me to get an UV light.
Robert