I Have A Question About This Find

I am new and learning everyday about this love. I found this in an old albumn and wonder if it is a 125, I have 3 others and the grill is easy to see, I cannot see a grill on this one. I would love an opinion from you all....


Here is the back of the stamp

Hi StampCrazy,
Welcome to the forum.

Grills can be a little pesky on some stamps, especially the 114, as they printed billions of them, the grill became faint in some, because it was pressed into so many stamps.
If the stamp is without grill the 125 is not the only option either. There are known 114's without grills, and there are also proofs and essays which look very much like the 114 but also do not have grills. But let's look at how you might be able to see your grill.

First, try using "oblique light" on the back of the stamp to see if you can see it.
This method involves taking a pretty bright light source, and shinning it at an angle across the back of the stamp. Even tiny differences in the paper will then show some shadow across the stamp, and you'll be able to see where the grill is. You may need to move the light higher or lower, and at different angles to see if you notice anything different.
(Also, can you post an image of the back of the stamp please? We may be able to detect things that you're not seeing also).

Another option is to place it face down on a black surface (like a dealer card or a dip try), and view it in watermark fluid (also Ronsonol lighter fluid works, no need for specialty fluids, but don't use other lighter fluids).

You may then be able to see it, and again apply the light at the side, to make it stand out.
Also, after you take it out of the fluid, lay it face down, and watch as it dries. This is known as the "flash" in dipping a stamp, and can be VERY valuable in highlighting features that you can't see in the stamp when its wet or dry. "Flash" will make the area bright white and is also good for detecting creases.

If neither of these work, let us know, and I have one more alternate method, but it's a bit more complex, and has a chance to damage a stamp if it's not done correctly.

Viewing it in direct sunlight with a magnifier also works quite well. Hope this helps.

I don't recommend exposing stamps "to direct sunlight". Too easy to get distracted and leave it exposed...

I wasn't suggesting leaving in in sunlight for an extended period, only long enough to check for a grill. I've found that it works well to check for a grill. I used it to find a grill on a 114 that I couldn't see in any other lighting.

The grill is visible on the picture of the back. It's right under the hinge.

Walkman82, I know you weren't... but human error is a bane of stamp examination. One distraction, its left in the sun without intention, and you can damage the color in the stamp. Happens far more often than you think. Why expose a stamp to a harmful environment when it's not necessary... good ol' flashlight will do just fine.

Stampcrazy:
It's best to post a new response when adding photos. Otherwise it makes it look like we're requesting something that is already there, and when threads get long, it can be missed all together.
As rlsny points out, it's very clear, under the hinge, the grill is visible. (And see, no need to expose it to sun light... and no need to wait until it's daytime, or not cloudy...)

I would suggest that you soak this stamp. The old gum, paper, and hinge do not help it in any way. Some collectors fear soaking older stamps due to finding hidden faults but I think in cases like this you will be better off.

I can see the grill under the hinge.

It is important to not over-press your grilled stamps when drying them after soaking...

Grills are easier to identify or see if they have not had the grills pressed out as if a locomotive train just ran over it.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the opportunity to learn. You guys are amazing.

That bit of paper attached to the back appears to be the lower left edge of another 114. Sadly, I believe it has a major fault.

I am by no means an expert, but I think a good wash will remove the hinge and glue, and I think the extra paper fault as wkusau says is more than likely extra glue and paper from another stamp.

I am like most and are afraid to soak potentially rare stamps, but you may get away with it and have a better looking stamp and possibly see the grill.



Robert

Thanks so much - I will try the soak and let you know. I have another that I think I see the grill on the back. The others I found (I like this stamp) the grill is easy to see - but these 2 I was not sure. Should I attach it or start a new post?

Would love to see the stamp again after you soak it. (I really like before and after stuff.) I hope you'll consider posting an updated image for us :)

Listen to what sinclair2010 is saying...Let it dry normally even if it takes time..Too much pressure may hurt the grill.

Robert

The stamp already has major faults. Soaking it is not going to do much to detract from it. It's not a rare stamp by a long shot either, around 1 billion of the 114 were printed. I've got 100's of 'em, if you want me to send you one at no charge I'm happy to do so. I am betting when you soak it you're gong to find a big hole in the center. This is a poor "repair" job on the stamp. It's missing perfs, its straight edge at right, it's pen canceled, it's stained/toned. There's not really a lot going for it. It could be a good reference copy for studying the grills if you scrape all the garbage off it.
For drying, I highly recommend Desert Mountain drying book. There is no "pressing" involved, and they backing page that it dries on does not allow any gum to stick even if there are traces left after soaking (unlike when I used to put them in the Yellow Pages back in the 80's... but what did I know back then...)