Spectrum Watermark Detector

https://www.stanleygibbons.com/sg-d...s-r2570.html

Does anyone have one of these and do you find it worthwhile?

I'm not following why this costs so much. If it works as good as they say then it's probably worth it but I've seen these on ebay being listed at the equivalent of nearly $300 US.

I was able to examine one last month at the Gibbons shop in London. A nice piece of equipment but I'd like assurance from users before takng the dive.

Bought one about ten years ago. I used it a couple of times and then just gave up. Its too time consuming and watermarks don't show that well on used stamps especially when there are cancellations involved. An expensive piece of equipment that just doesn't live up to expectations. Lighter fluid gives quicker and better results

Just scan them darkening the image a bit and use a high resolution!

Fluid, fluid, fluid.

It costs so much because you're used to seeing things that are similarly constructed that are produced in the millions upon millions of units that cost less. Design and construction costs are obviously spread over all, so something like this probably produced in the low thousands will be much more expensive per unit. I could guess they're probably assembled by hand. But with a degree of accuracy needed for these gizmos (like the Signoscope: https://goscf.com/t/35181), I would also guess there's a somewhat higher rejection rate of ones that won't work after assembly, too.

I've tried out this one (too). At least the ad site does give a fair list of conditions you need to make it work. Plus it can take some fiddling sometimes to get something readable. If you don't like or can't use lighter fluid/watermark fluid it's an alternative. You can wait for a used one to come up for sale though I'm sure ones rejected after a trial or two are wrapped up and offered as new.

Lastly of course, if the watermark is so weakly impressed to start with (some Brit. Comm. spiral watermarks, S. Africa triangles watermarks, etc.), no method will help you see it.

I'm still using an old 'Philatector' that I bought in London around 1970 when I was growing up. With fluid as a back-up, it works well enough. You can find used ones on ebay every once in a while for under 30 bucks and spend the money you save on stamps ;)

Thanks for all the input, guys. I think I will just carry on for now with what I have. Too many caveats on this device. I thought the counter fellow at the Strand shop was a little unenthusiastic about it when I was asking questions about its use. Now I may know why; they probably hear from people who feel they overpaid.

These things - the Signoscope more often - turn up in the "accessories" sections of auctions all the time, in which case you could take a punt at £20 or £30, or $ equivalent, rather than £200.