Removing Hinge From A Used Stamp

Hi folks,

While consolidating my collection of stamps I find it necessary to remove hinged stamps from books. With unused stamps I plan on soaking in cold water to remove the hinge left on the stamp. Is there any value increase in removing the hinge from the back of a used stamp?

Thanks,

Chris

A clean stamp is much more attractive to me, even if it is used. Also, too many hinges left makes your pages thicker.

Peter

Some stamp collectors will not purchase a used stamp that has a hinge remnant on it. If your intent is to sell, then soaking the stamp to remove the hinge should be considered as this will enlarge your prospective customer base.
As for soaking mint stamps in cold water to remove a hinge - never heard of that???

With older and classic stamps, a clean back on a used stamp is definitely preferred. Layers of hinges, selvedge, and other paper can hide thins and flaws as well as promote the growth of mold.

You "take your chances" when buying stamps with layered backsides. So, given a choice, the clean stamp is preferred.

Unused meaning no gum?

This How To section has both articles ands videos on how to remove hinges.
http://stampsmarter.com/learning/Home_HowTo.html
Don

Thanks for the reply all.
I have some mint stamps that were hinged and placed in a book. There is full gum but the hinge leaf remains on the back. I don't know why they hinged a mint stamp but they did. Because they did, I don't think I should call it a mint stamps. I guess this should be called an MH instead of an MNH, eh?

Don,I have been slowing making my way through Stamp Smarter. It is a very informative site. I love it!

Thanks,
Chris

You can try using the flat part of the tweezer (make sure there are no sharp edges) and rub it gently several times on the hinged part to generate sufficient heat to loosen the gum so that you can gently pull off the hinge later. This method is good if you want to avoid soaking the stamp. I must however warn you against using this method on a really valuable stamp and make sure you try it on several cheap stamps first before you attempt on an expensive stamp if decide to give it a go.

For removing hinges from mint stamps, I use a very fine artists paint brush. I dip it in water, then carefully paint the hinge slightly wet. Let it soak in for a minute then repeat as necessary until the hinge gives up. Just be careful not to use too much water that will run past the hinge onto the rest of the gum. A hands-free magnifier helps with this task.

@ pennyblackie - I think I am going to give your method the first crack at it.

@Spain_1850 - That sounds like another good method but I am a little too shaky for this one. It looks as if you may specialize in Spanish stamps. I have quite a few. I will probably be in touch on future topics.

Thanks,
Chris

ccrider, I forgot to mention that the tweezer is not the only thing you can use, you can use any other blunt and smooth object to rub against the hinge, just make sure that it is flat and does not scratch the surface of the stamp. Best of luck and let us know the results once you have tried.

If you soak everything off, it will no longer be mine hinged. It will be unused. I would prefer unused to MH.

Jack Kelley

Thanks - I won't get to if for a while.

Chris

Personal choice. I do not collect mint hinged or unused no gum. Many would prefer mint hinged over unused.