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General Philatelic/Supplies, Literature & Software : Watermark Detectors

 

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Smaier
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Sally

25 Mar 2010
10:36:51am
Just wondering if anyone would have some advice on the Morley Bright Inst-a-Tector (watermark detector). Have looked through the SOR archives and the last discussion was in 2004. Do they last for a long time or does the fluid inside dry up after a year or two? We tried out a brand new one at our stamp club meeting last night and it was difficult to see any watermark - do they need to be "broken in" or should they work right out of the box? Have been using lighter fluid but really like the idea of not having fumes, mess, etc.... Any comments (good and bad) are appreciated.
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amsd
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Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads

25 Mar 2010
02:13:08pm

Auctions
re: Watermark Detectors

i'm not a fan of these things. i probably was among those commenting previously, so don't count me twice. The goop does become less maleable as they age, so their functionality diminishes over time. Worse, i don't think they do a great job even when new. I bought mine to use on covers, and it's had disappointing results.

David

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"Save the USPS, buy stamps; save the hobby, use commemoratives"

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Joshtanski
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25 Mar 2010
05:38:31pm
re: Watermark Detectors

I've had one for about a year and I do not like it. I've been mainly into British Empire and it is easier just to either put the stamps face down on something black or hold up in the air with a light behind them.

Josh

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Musicman
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APS #213005

25 Mar 2010
10:24:38pm
re: Watermark Detectors

I have the Morley-Bright; I like it for British stamps and a few other countries - I think the watermarks show up just fine.

However, for US stamps, those watermarks are much more difficult to see. It does take a bit of practice.

Best bet is try a British stamp first, to practice with.

I've had mine for almost 2 years and it hasn't dried up yet.....!


Randy

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Stampaholic
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25 Mar 2010
10:33:30pm

Auctions
re: Watermark Detectors

HEY! Guys & gals! Guess what? Lighter fluid.
I too, thought about one of those wm detectors.
Have been told numerous times they don't work that well. One of the premier dealers of the FSDA
(Florida Stamp dealers Association) recommended
lighter fluid. Works great and a big can is only $1.57 at Wally world.
However, the M-B one is a lot easier to use.

(Message edited by Stampaholic on March 25, 2010)

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" I have a burning love for stamps. Lord A'mighty ,feel my temperature risin'! "
Stampaholic
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25 Mar 2010
10:39:56pm

Auctions
re: Watermark Detectors

Got some G.B.'s & Hong Kong's I can't see the wm no matter what I do.

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" I have a burning love for stamps. Lord A'mighty ,feel my temperature risin'! "
Rgnpcs
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25 Mar 2010
11:22:48pm
re: Watermark Detectors

There is nothing new about using lighter fluid to see watermarks. I have been using it since 1946.
Just place stamp in black tray, pour a bit of fluid in, and usually watermark comes up. Difficult to see on orange & yellow colored stamps. Remove stamp with tongs, wave it in the air and blow on it, and it quickly dries.
Richaard

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members.ebay.com/aboutme/rgnpcs/
Rgnpcs
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25 Mar 2010
11:29:35pm
re: Watermark Detectors

Does anyone have any information on early Chinese stamps, SC# 25 & up with overprints. I have been asked to check the millimeters between the value print & Chinese letter print. I am told there are four types. I have found two types.
Richaard

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Smaier
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Sally

26 Mar 2010
09:52:26am
re: Watermark Detectors

Thanks to all for your opinions. Have been using lighter fluid for years but always looking for something easier, less messy, etc.... This looked really spiffy, and one of the dealers at our last show had one that worked great. Anyway, appreciate the input.
Sally

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Author/Postings
Members Picture
Smaier

Sally
25 Mar 2010
10:36:51am

Just wondering if anyone would have some advice on the Morley Bright Inst-a-Tector (watermark detector). Have looked through the SOR archives and the last discussion was in 2004. Do they last for a long time or does the fluid inside dry up after a year or two? We tried out a brand new one at our stamp club meeting last night and it was difficult to see any watermark - do they need to be "broken in" or should they work right out of the box? Have been using lighter fluid but really like the idea of not having fumes, mess, etc.... Any comments (good and bad) are appreciated.

Like
Login to Like
this post
Members Picture
amsd

Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads
25 Mar 2010
02:13:08pm

Auctions

re: Watermark Detectors

i'm not a fan of these things. i probably was among those commenting previously, so don't count me twice. The goop does become less maleable as they age, so their functionality diminishes over time. Worse, i don't think they do a great job even when new. I bought mine to use on covers, and it's had disappointing results.

David

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Save the USPS, buy stamps; save the hobby, use commemoratives"

juicyheads.com/link. ...
Members Picture
Joshtanski

25 Mar 2010
05:38:31pm

re: Watermark Detectors

I've had one for about a year and I do not like it. I've been mainly into British Empire and it is easier just to either put the stamps face down on something black or hold up in the air with a light behind them.

Josh

Like
Login to Like
this post
Members Picture
Musicman

APS #213005
25 Mar 2010
10:24:38pm

re: Watermark Detectors

I have the Morley-Bright; I like it for British stamps and a few other countries - I think the watermarks show up just fine.

However, for US stamps, those watermarks are much more difficult to see. It does take a bit of practice.

Best bet is try a British stamp first, to practice with.

I've had mine for almost 2 years and it hasn't dried up yet.....!


Randy

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this post
Members Picture
Stampaholic

25 Mar 2010
10:33:30pm

Auctions

re: Watermark Detectors

HEY! Guys & gals! Guess what? Lighter fluid.
I too, thought about one of those wm detectors.
Have been told numerous times they don't work that well. One of the premier dealers of the FSDA
(Florida Stamp dealers Association) recommended
lighter fluid. Works great and a big can is only $1.57 at Wally world.
However, the M-B one is a lot easier to use.

(Message edited by Stampaholic on March 25, 2010)

Like
Login to Like
this post

" I have a burning love for stamps. Lord A'mighty ,feel my temperature risin'! "
Members Picture
Stampaholic

25 Mar 2010
10:39:56pm

Auctions

re: Watermark Detectors

Got some G.B.'s & Hong Kong's I can't see the wm no matter what I do.

Like
Login to Like
this post

" I have a burning love for stamps. Lord A'mighty ,feel my temperature risin'! "
Members Picture
Rgnpcs

25 Mar 2010
11:22:48pm

re: Watermark Detectors

There is nothing new about using lighter fluid to see watermarks. I have been using it since 1946.
Just place stamp in black tray, pour a bit of fluid in, and usually watermark comes up. Difficult to see on orange & yellow colored stamps. Remove stamp with tongs, wave it in the air and blow on it, and it quickly dries.
Richaard

Like
Login to Like
this post

members.ebay.com/abo ...
Members Picture
Rgnpcs

25 Mar 2010
11:29:35pm

re: Watermark Detectors

Does anyone have any information on early Chinese stamps, SC# 25 & up with overprints. I have been asked to check the millimeters between the value print & Chinese letter print. I am told there are four types. I have found two types.
Richaard

Like
Login to Like
this post

members.ebay.com/abo ...
Members Picture
Smaier

Sally
26 Mar 2010
09:52:26am

re: Watermark Detectors

Thanks to all for your opinions. Have been using lighter fluid for years but always looking for something easier, less messy, etc.... This looked really spiffy, and one of the dealers at our last show had one that worked great. Anyway, appreciate the input.
Sally

Like
Login to Like
this post
        

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