Advice For Removing George VI Definitives From Paper

Hello all!

Starting to sort a load of GVI - many on paper - to begin a specialised collection of them.

My current idea is to soak (float) on cold water to separate from the paper and dry in a Prophila drying book. Then perhaps press flat somehow but not sure exactly the method for that.

I'm a newbie collector so if anyone can offer adjustments or advice to for this I would be very grateful.

As a supplemental question I think I only have used GVI stamps - on a modest budget where is the best place to get some mint examples?

All the best!
Stu

Yes, soak and dry. Place a weight on top to avoid curling.

Do you mean GVI GB or Commonwealth? One way would be to look for one of the old Gibbons King George VI "Crown" albums in stamp auctions. Substantially complete versions of mint will cost thousands, but ones with a more modest collection should have an appropriately modest price.

Here is a guide for all King George Vl postage Stamps,
many with his visage.
You shall probably need 12 or so Binders.

The $1 drying option, for your stamps.
For your consideration

The drying "sandwich"......

1 sheet of white copy paper, then add on top 1 freezer bag, place damp stamps on the freezer bag, face up. (tamp wet stamps with new tea towel)
Then add another sheet of copy paper.

Place sandwich in a hefty cheap book .

Wait 5 days, then slide the stamps off the freezer bag, flat as a Halibut, and ready to mount.

In soak mode I use up to 12 books, as I add a new sandwich book at the bottom, I use the top book (now 5 days old) to sort and mount.

Good Luck

Tip: Only soak those stamps you wish to mount, soaking all stamps can be a waste of time, and also damage postmarks on piece etc.

Thanks for the reply and advice GeoffHa. Oops, yes I mean GB.

Thanks rod222 for that great 'drying sandwich' tip! Flat as a Halibut sounds good to me.

&

You shall probably need 12 or so Binders.
SG does it in less . Six for GB/Commonwealth, and another for Japanese Occupation issues.

If you just want GB, it shouldn't cost you much, aside from a couple of the higher values, and they aren't off the wall. There aren't many stamps, and they're common, mint or used.

Amazed to hear such complicated drying techniques. Stamps dry all by themselves - you don't need to do anything, just leave them resting on clean towels until dry.

When dry, they usually are curled and 'crispy' to handle but they can then be put in a box or something and after a day or so, they're normal.