I am trying to determine which type of #5 I have. I believe it is a Type II or type III and most likely a 5e. I am going to have to remove the hinge remnant and it looks like there is some paper stuck to part of the back. I am new at identifying these but from what I can see of the paper it does not appear to be laid. I would like your opinions, please. Also, I cannot remove the hinge remnant by rubbing with a spoon. Is soaking the next best option to remove hinge and paper? Thank you, Chris
You have a Type III. In the Type II the line would be thick and solid.In yours there are two lines(below). The numeral cancel is interesting..It is from Trieste. Yes, just soak it in water,no problem with these stamps.
Rather than soaking to remove a hinge or hinge remnant, I take a small artist's brush, dip it in water, coat the hinge thoroughly, wait a few seconds, then use a small sharp knife blade to carefully lift an edge of the hinge and remove it with tongs. (Repeat: "carefully.") May sound complicated, yet this process is quick and you don't have to dry and flatten the stamp afterward. I use this technique mostly for stamps that shouldn't be soaked (chalk surfaced or printed using water-soluble inks) and those with original gum. The gum will of course be disturbed but often only slightly, and I'd rather that than an old hinge (not to mention a thick stack of multiple hinges).
Chris, Hope it goes well. This technique also works for small bits of paper stuck to the back. But if your stamp has a lot of paper, soaking is probably easier and safer. Eric
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