Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
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Joe:
I am unable to help you as I seldom do watermarks. But, and
there is always a but, look upon this as one of the challenges
of our hobby - a challenge that you will rise to.
If stamp collecting was easy, everyone would do it. Consider
yourself one of the chosen.
John Derry
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I guess the first question is have you been able to identify watermarks elsewhere on stamps ? There are some on early Argentinian stamps that are extremely easy to find.. actually just hold em up to the light and you can see the WM. Once you get comfortable on the simple ones it becomes easier. I have always used both light and traditional watermark fluid rather that the lighter fluid route.
I am sure you will get the hang of it !
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Joe, do you have a Scott US Specialized Catalog? If so, check out page 29A of the catalog introduction. It will show you the layout of the single and double line watermarks on US stamps. You will see that rarely will you find a complete letter on a stamp. Often you will see only a small portion of a letter.
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Welcome Joe, and know that your question is also a question held by many but who are reluctant to ask. Always pose the question-never regret that action.
As to the point raised, are you in a trading posture with anyone yet? If so, ask them to send you an inexpensive watermarked stamp that you can question them about.As Michael points out, chances are you are overlooking the tiny fragment of the whole letter that is there somewhere. By having a watermarked copy that you and your stamppal can chat about is the way to gain expertise more quickly.
I personally follow that advice on issues I have questions about. All of us, no matter how knowledgeable, will have questions. Just recently Roy, a most educated and respected cover collector/seller raised a question and was helped right here on our discussion board.
Welcome to a most frustrating/annoying/joyous pursuit that will last a lifetime. Along the way you will meet many and enjoy a special bond because of your interest.Is that not a wonderful gift to all? (FULL DISCLOSURE REQUIRES THAT I INDICATE MY WIFE DOES NOT AGREE)
All good thoughts,
Dan C.
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If you can get a multiple, that help to see what you are looking for. If you collect 3rd Bureau (Washington/Franklin) booklet panes, you may already have a good example. If not, there are probably a few plate blocks that are relatively cheap. I have a 3rd Bureau 10 cent that I must ASSUME is single line watermark because I can't see a HINT of anything, but that stamp was not printed on unwatermarked paper.
Lars
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This is also a case where selvage can help; I've relied on watertyping from selvage when a used stamp made it almost impossible to see the WM on the stamp.
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Peter, you just made Kim's day!
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Joe,
You haven't described how you've been testing so I want to make sure that you are putting the stamps face down in a dark-colored container prior to moistening them with fluid.
This image shows both the double and single line watermarks for illustrative purposes.
Unfortunately, the single line watermarks are generally not as cooperative as the one shown and, as has been said previously, may only show a small segments of letters on an individual stamp.
A good resource for U.S. watermarks is on the 1847usa.com website at http://www.1847usa.com/Watermarks.htm.
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Just had to share this, I am redoing a lot of stamps, checking to make sure all is right and moving from there to here. One of the Brazil stamps, #796 was being sold for 10 cents. I noticed that if it had a watermark it would be current value of $30. So I held it up to the bright light and noticed something. I have a dark purple saucer (couldn't find a black one) and I use Clarity, that watermark came up so nicely. I couldn't get to the computer fast enough to take that stamp down! Yup, it would have been sold for 10 cents! Worth the extra bit of time to check and use the right tools to check.
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Congratulations on your find!
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Yes, very good find purrfin2! It's amazing what is out there undetected!
Lars
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I love when that happens.. Worth .10 or 1000.00 ... I think I just love knowing it is identified correctly
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"One of the Brazil stamps, #796 was being sold for 10 cents. I noticed that if it had a watermark it would be current value of $30."
All copies of the 1.50cr blue Brazil stamp bearing the image of the Duke of Caxias (Scott 796) are watermarked.
The inexpensive stamp (Scott 796) has Watermark 267 "CORREIO*BRASIL*" multiple in small letters 5mm high.
The more expensive variety (Scott 796a) has Watermark 264 "CORREIO*BRASIL*" multiple, letters 7mm high.
Hopefully, the watermark on your stamp is the one with 7mm high letters.
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Back to the purple dish I go! thanks for the heads up, I don't remember the catalogue saying that.
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Luree - I think black can make a difference. I found black ceramic soap dishes at a 99-cent store and picked up a couple as watermark trays.
I realize shopping in those places is kind of hit or miss, but you never know ...
edited to add: The store I found them at was Dollar Tree, which I think is strong on the East Coast, and I think even has a few locations in Florida, although I don't know if there are any locations close to you.
This was also maybe 3 months ago when I picked them up there, but haven't thought to look again since then.
I am a cheapskate value shopper when I can be.
-- Dave
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I got a free one in a collection of stamps I acquired a while ago; it will probably cost more to mail it to you than for you to go Dave's route and get one from the dollar store.
Alternately, go to Home Depot and get a black tile sample; that will also work and it should be free.
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Garage sales are a good place to find a small, black bowl/tray too, as are black trays/bowls found in microwavable food products, although it can be hard to find a small one.
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I was actually looking for a black marble tray/tile/bowl when I happened on this very dark eggplant saucer. Works better than the small plastic one.
Good thought about Home Depot and the black tile. I'm usually in there at least once a week with the home reno we are doing.
We do have a Dollar store and Dollar Tree stores around here but they have become so junky and the stuff makes me wonder if it really is worth a buck! 
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Thankyou guys for the info on how to recognize watermarks and the black bowl or tile..... I understand and I am on a mission to find watermarks... Cheryl
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09:49:30pm
JCBatty I am quite sure the question I'm about to ask, has been asked 1000 times over. I have looked up and tried several ways to identify US watermarks stamps to no avail. I purchased several stamps from mystique that were supposed to be watermarked single-line and double line. I purchased Scott number 424, 425, 427, 331, 332, and 344 but was unable to find the watermarked I purchased clarity from Mystic stamps to. I also found several articles online. I tried Ronson lighter fluid and several others that I can't remember at this time. I even tried scanning the stamps and checking them with a software program. Instructions from an article I read online. I also purchased stamps from other individuals. But I have had no luck finding watermarks on any of my stamps. Can someone please help me. Joe
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The past is a foreign country, they do things different there.
14 Feb 2014
10:15:35pm
re: WATERMARK stamps
Joe:
I am unable to help you as I seldom do watermarks. But, and
there is always a but, look upon this as one of the challenges
of our hobby - a challenge that you will rise to.
If stamp collecting was easy, everyone would do it. Consider
yourself one of the chosen.
John Derry
Login to Like
this post
02:28:41am
re: WATERMARK stamps
I guess the first question is have you been able to identify watermarks elsewhere on stamps ? There are some on early Argentinian stamps that are extremely easy to find.. actually just hold em up to the light and you can see the WM. Once you get comfortable on the simple ones it becomes easier. I have always used both light and traditional watermark fluid rather that the lighter fluid route.
I am sure you will get the hang of it !
Login to Like
this post
re: WATERMARK stamps
Joe, do you have a Scott US Specialized Catalog? If so, check out page 29A of the catalog introduction. It will show you the layout of the single and double line watermarks on US stamps. You will see that rarely will you find a complete letter on a stamp. Often you will see only a small portion of a letter.
Login to Like
this post
re: WATERMARK stamps
Welcome Joe, and know that your question is also a question held by many but who are reluctant to ask. Always pose the question-never regret that action.
As to the point raised, are you in a trading posture with anyone yet? If so, ask them to send you an inexpensive watermarked stamp that you can question them about.As Michael points out, chances are you are overlooking the tiny fragment of the whole letter that is there somewhere. By having a watermarked copy that you and your stamppal can chat about is the way to gain expertise more quickly.
I personally follow that advice on issues I have questions about. All of us, no matter how knowledgeable, will have questions. Just recently Roy, a most educated and respected cover collector/seller raised a question and was helped right here on our discussion board.
Welcome to a most frustrating/annoying/joyous pursuit that will last a lifetime. Along the way you will meet many and enjoy a special bond because of your interest.Is that not a wonderful gift to all? (FULL DISCLOSURE REQUIRES THAT I INDICATE MY WIFE DOES NOT AGREE)
All good thoughts,
Dan C.
Login to Like
this post
re: WATERMARK stamps
If you can get a multiple, that help to see what you are looking for. If you collect 3rd Bureau (Washington/Franklin) booklet panes, you may already have a good example. If not, there are probably a few plate blocks that are relatively cheap. I have a 3rd Bureau 10 cent that I must ASSUME is single line watermark because I can't see a HINT of anything, but that stamp was not printed on unwatermarked paper.
Lars
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11:02:51am
re: WATERMARK stamps
This is also a case where selvage can help; I've relied on watertyping from selvage when a used stamp made it almost impossible to see the WM on the stamp.
Login to Like
this post
re: WATERMARK stamps
Joe,
You haven't described how you've been testing so I want to make sure that you are putting the stamps face down in a dark-colored container prior to moistening them with fluid.
This image shows both the double and single line watermarks for illustrative purposes.
Unfortunately, the single line watermarks are generally not as cooperative as the one shown and, as has been said previously, may only show a small segments of letters on an individual stamp.
A good resource for U.S. watermarks is on the 1847usa.com website at http://www.1847usa.com/Watermarks.htm.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: WATERMARK stamps
Just had to share this, I am redoing a lot of stamps, checking to make sure all is right and moving from there to here. One of the Brazil stamps, #796 was being sold for 10 cents. I noticed that if it had a watermark it would be current value of $30. So I held it up to the bright light and noticed something. I have a dark purple saucer (couldn't find a black one) and I use Clarity, that watermark came up so nicely. I couldn't get to the computer fast enough to take that stamp down! Yup, it would have been sold for 10 cents! Worth the extra bit of time to check and use the right tools to check.
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re: WATERMARK stamps
Yes, very good find purrfin2! It's amazing what is out there undetected!
Lars
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this post
12:55:32pm
re: WATERMARK stamps
I love when that happens.. Worth .10 or 1000.00 ... I think I just love knowing it is identified correctly
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this post
re: WATERMARK stamps
"One of the Brazil stamps, #796 was being sold for 10 cents. I noticed that if it had a watermark it would be current value of $30."
All copies of the 1.50cr blue Brazil stamp bearing the image of the Duke of Caxias (Scott 796) are watermarked.
The inexpensive stamp (Scott 796) has Watermark 267 "CORREIO*BRASIL*" multiple in small letters 5mm high.
The more expensive variety (Scott 796a) has Watermark 264 "CORREIO*BRASIL*" multiple, letters 7mm high.
Hopefully, the watermark on your stamp is the one with 7mm high letters.
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this post
re: WATERMARK stamps
Back to the purple dish I go! thanks for the heads up, I don't remember the catalogue saying that.
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re: WATERMARK stamps
Luree - I think black can make a difference. I found black ceramic soap dishes at a 99-cent store and picked up a couple as watermark trays.
I realize shopping in those places is kind of hit or miss, but you never know ...
edited to add: The store I found them at was Dollar Tree, which I think is strong on the East Coast, and I think even has a few locations in Florida, although I don't know if there are any locations close to you.
This was also maybe 3 months ago when I picked them up there, but haven't thought to look again since then.
I am a cheapskate value shopper when I can be.
-- Dave
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09:40:58pm
re: WATERMARK stamps
I got a free one in a collection of stamps I acquired a while ago; it will probably cost more to mail it to you than for you to go Dave's route and get one from the dollar store.
Alternately, go to Home Depot and get a black tile sample; that will also work and it should be free.
Login to Like
this post
re: WATERMARK stamps
Garage sales are a good place to find a small, black bowl/tray too, as are black trays/bowls found in microwavable food products, although it can be hard to find a small one.
Login to Like
this post
re: WATERMARK stamps
I was actually looking for a black marble tray/tile/bowl when I happened on this very dark eggplant saucer. Works better than the small plastic one.
Good thought about Home Depot and the black tile. I'm usually in there at least once a week with the home reno we are doing.
We do have a Dollar store and Dollar Tree stores around here but they have become so junky and the stuff makes me wonder if it really is worth a buck!
Login to Like
this post
12:38:29pm
re: WATERMARK stamps
Thankyou guys for the info on how to recognize watermarks and the black bowl or tile..... I understand and I am on a mission to find watermarks... Cheryl
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