Cleaning 3 Cent Small Queens

Here is a worthwhile project for anyone with several 'oxidized' 3 cent Small Queens.

The stamps shown below were originally a joined pair that had changed colour to the brown on the right.



After separating, the stamp on the left was placed in a sweat box with a spoonful of 3% hydrogen peroxide and left for about an hour. The stamp never got wet but it sure cleaned up nicely.

GJP

If done correctly, this "vapor" technique can be done with mint stamps as well, with extreme care. Sweat boxes are usually pretty shallow- it's worth considering using a something a bit taller for mint stamps.

Very clever. Were you inspired by today's news story about cleaning PPE masks with a device that creates a fog of hydrogen peroxide in an enclosed container?

Are you sure that the bleach has reversed the oxidisation rather than just provided another stage of colour changing? I realize 3% is not a strong bleach but it is another chemical exposure.

We have had this discussion before and there are a number of websites including my which describe this process. http://stampsmarter.com/learning/Ho...idation.html

I have stopped doing this procedure and enjoy the stamp with whatever patina a stamp might have when I become the temporary caretaker.

First, I have noticed that stamps which have sulphurated have a tendency to re-sulphurated and I found myself repeating the process on the same stamp over the years. This in turn lead me to ask myself the following questions;
1. How many times has this stamp been treated?
2. Should I be documenting the chemical changes that I make to a stamp?
3. If I sell the stamp in the future do I have an ethical obligation to disclose what I have done to it?
4. How many times can a stamp be treated before it makes permanent chemical changes or is detrimental to the stamp?
5. Is this process conserving stamps or restoring stamps?

Obviously folks can do what they desire with their own stamps but for me I have decided to not do this anymore.
Don

I join you Don,
I do pencil in that the stamp has Sulphuretted (correct word?)

gportch

I have posted this technique that you use here...It is the best { non liquid } process to not infect the original stamp with actual liquids.

I usually let the patina of a stamp exist, but this is the best way if you want to bring back the original stamp colour.

Good example gportch

Robert

Done quickly and with skill, the peroxide treatment of the 3c SQ is practically harmless.

If one wishes to try the vapour technique with mint stamps, I'd recommend using stronger peroxide but diluting 1:10 with alcohol so as not to hydrate the gum as much.

I try to appreciate the stamp for what it is, rather than what it once was, but one's always entitled to their personal choice.

Interesting idea, and perhaps if there is a potentially valuable cancel (or re-entry) hiding under the crud, this technique will show it. The stamp is altered, though.

The cleaned stamp is closer to original condition. The oxidation is an alteration of the original color. Other alterations can result from wetting and pressing stamps as the pressing could flatten out the stamp and slightly change its dimensions and if present the perforation spacing. Other alterations could be tears, creases, and thins to name a few.

There is a distinct difference between conservation and restoration.
Don

BIG TIME

I just analyzed 100 random Small Queen used stamps, and the perforation differences were amazing...See chart below...

Robert