Hong Kong #72 Question

I think it's a #72 wmk 8 multi crown ca
I'd like to know if there's a safe way to soak off the nasty hanger without staining it anymore?

Yeah, a soak in lukewarm water will get that off. Make sure all the adhesive washes away then place it face town on a paper towel. When it's fairly dry and starting to curl put it between two pieces of paper and place the whole pile between the pages of a heavy book. Wait several days for it to fully dry and it should be as good as it's going to get.

Before soaking, let's establish that the ink isn't fugitive.

The stamp will be very heavily faded after soaking if it is.

That's what I was worried about
I don't wanna ruin it

Makes me wonder if the stamp was torn and repaired.

It's got me curious

8th edition Stanley gibbons part 17 China/ Hong Kong section
and 2009 Scott's g-I countries of the world
Are all I have for Hong Kong reference
So I'm even guessing at wmk 8 multi crown
Cause it appears different to the examples I have
So it might not be a #72 (I'm definitely not the best at figuring out the #'s)

The green used to print the central oval is fugitive. I would just leave it as is.

Yes, it's SG watermark 8, Scott watermark 3: multiple crown CA. That makes this SG# 92, Scott# 87.

shermae, I don't know when stamp hinges were first invented and used, but there are plenty of old stamps where someone used pieces of opaque gummed labels or postage stamp selvage as hinges. Let's not assume problems where there are probably none.

That's unfortunate I really was hoping to get the hanger off

I have to ask is the wmk reverse? This kinda looks like a C

Or am I looking at this all wrong (very possible) is it a common occurrence?
I ask after looking at a #119 that also appears like the wmk could be reverse

No, not reversed.

SG illustration shows watermark as it is viewed from the front of the stamp.

Well...you can tell I haven't had much experience with checking Hong Kong watermarks lmao

Do as BILLSEY posted ,and you will be ok .

If you are worried about fading, just use a small artists paint brush and gradually wet the 'hinge' (actually a piece of old selvedge) until it comes loose. That will put minimal water into the stamp itself...