Stamps Glued Into An Old Album

Hi all, I am new to this forum, at least as far as posting a topic. I find your posts all the time when I ask Dr. Google questions about stamps though and thank you all for the very helpful info that is in here. I have been collecting for about a year, since I retired from the wonderful world of work. I recently acquired an 1871 stamp album and the stamps are glued into it with glue that does not seem to dissolve in water at all. Does anybody have experience with such a thing? Is there a solution, chemical or practical? There are a few stamps that I can play with but there are also some I would really really really not want to damage, like for example the US section is complete from #1 and 2 up to 1871 and my collection is most assuredly not.

Welcome.
I think the first step is to determine the value of the pages in question; this will help you make the decision on how much to spend on conservation. The best way to do this is post some images of the first US pages you mention and allow the community to post some opinions.
Don

Okay, that seems like a good idea. Wasn't sure if I was overstepping but here are a few. Some of them are a bit tattered, perhaps partly because I have read that condition mattered a lot less in the early days, but even a filler stamp has some value at least to me. And I am sure there are some fakes but again, I suspect they have value to specialized collectors as well. I uploaded 4 images which I hope will suffice to give you an idea.
I did make an attempt to soak some stamps and the details and results follow; So I soaked a group from Jamaica and Liberia, they having been on the same page. They sat in warm water overnight. 2 of the 3 Liberian stamps fell apart and did not survive the process of removing the paper backing and the third ripped. The Jamaicans were of sterner stuff and other than one that faded to pink obscurity they came through pretty well. But it required a lot of "insert sharp edge between stamp and backing, peel away, repeat, and some significant rubbing with my finger to remove the residue of the glue. One stamp retained enough adhesive to adhere strongly to the paper towel it was supposed to dry on and I had to soak that off. But I really fear this process is too vigorous for stamps not produced on high quality paper and not in good condition to begin with. Long story (I apologize for the length) but anybody with suggestions I will be in your debt forever.

Hi Don,

Yes, those are some early stamps issues with condition issues. If you can determine how many do not have condition issues, then it might help you decide if it is worth investing in getting the adhesive analyzed before attempting to remove them yourself or send them to a professional conservator. (At least you know the adhesives are not some of the nasty modern types.)

Alternatively, you could carefully trimmed them on the page, leave the paper backing, and let the 'next guy' worry about trying to remove the paper.

Rather than extended soaking, you might also try high humidity for a day or two, then using a paint brush to soak the paper (not the stamp) and see if it will release at all.
Don

Don,
The alternative of just trimming and leaving it as is that you suggested seems the most likely option to me. Particularly with the time required and there being 1,000 or so stamps. I am hoping to sell just enough to keep the rest for my collection so I will have to see how it goes. Sadly, I guess there is no magic liquid glue solvent out there. Thanks for the good advice.
Don

Besides the condition of your stamps.. they are nice issues. Good luck in your endeavors.
Brian

Welcome to the forum DonL

Good luck with your stamp collecting.

Dianne

Thanks all for the advice and the greetings. Turns out I picked some stamps to soak that were different somehow, perhaps extra strong glue? In any case all of the US stamps soak off quite easily and some of the dark stains come off as well. Lots of cool additions to my album and some ebay material as well. Sadly the Zurich stamps are both forgeries but I have heard that the Sperati broken E forgery (I think that is what I have) sells well on it's own. Lots to learn and this site is awesome.