Chalky Paper

Chalky paper is a term used to describe paper that was given a coating of chalk before the stamp image was printed. This was a security measure that made removing cancels from stamps more difficult..because taking off the cancel would also remove the stamp image. I am sure you can find more info on the subject..this is just a tip of the iceburg..some stamps with the same image were printed on regular paper as well as chalky..check your catalogs !

Is there an easy or practical way to discern 'chalky' paper from regular papers in used stamps?

Phil pretty much spelled it out. Here is some additional info:

CHALKY PAPER: This is where the the paper has been coated with a chalky substance. This is done to make the postmark more difficult to remove from the stamp, without damaging it. The print on chalky paper, sometimes appears smoother. If the chalky paper is rubbed with silver, a black mark appears. Many modern chalky paper issues can be detected by using a UV lamp.

In the King George VI reign I study, we have identified sub-categories of chalky paper that are wartime economy measures. Still chalky paper, but they do not react to to the silver test. The silver test is not recommended as it does damage the stamp.

Bobgggg is bang-on when he talks about using an Ulra-Violet light.

The feel of the chalky paper is a good indicator as well.

David

I am no expert for certain...when looking at British Commonwealth stamps of the reign of King George 5 I have seen stamps issued with and without chalky paper...the Hong Kong stamp I posted has a glossy, waxy look..others I have seen you can just about see the white chalk......i was fortunate that I had copies for comparison..chalky paper vs. ordinary paper !!

It is also said that if you soak a chalky paper stamp, the image will come off. You can try that.... :(

I do not believe that is correct.

I might guess that your source either confused chalky paper with aniline/fugitive ink, or may have soaked a stamp printed with aniline/fugitive ink on chalky paper and assumed the cause of the problem was the chalky paper.

k

I have used chalky paper stamps..i think they survived the bath fine !!

Whereas us humans, we tend to get a little wrinkly!

The primary purpose of using chalky paper back then was to prevent reuse of postage stamps by making it difficult to remove postmarks by soaking in water, and yet not cause damage to the actual stamp. So soaking typical chalky paper stamps should not affect the stamp. I believe they discontinued using chalky paper because it was not economical for its intended purpose.

Checkout the first paragraph at this link where reference is made suggesting that you should not soak off chalky paper stamps, as the image could come off along with the backing paper:

http://books.google.com/books?id=c5...amps&f=false