Tools for Stamp Collecting

Below are some of the tools used in Stamp Collecting.

Stamp Tweezers/Tongs - used to handle stamps to keep your stamps in good condition and to minimize touching your skin. Oil from your skin will damage the stamps.

Magnifying glass - are used for close inspection. It is a great tool to see the small details considering the size of the stamps. Some wordings that are too small to read can be easily solved using this tool

Perforation Gauge - the make measurement of perforations much easier. They are particularly useful in determining fake stamps by counting the number of perforations. Number of Perforations are sometimes indicated in stamps catalogue. It also used to recognize the difference in similar stamps.

Watermark Detector - another tool to recognize the difference in similar stamps. A  watermark is a design (maybe a letter, a number, or a picture) that is pressed into the paper that a stamp is printed on during manufacturing. Watermarks are used to make it harder to counterfeit stamps

Stamp Catalogue -  a reference book filled with illustrations that can help us identify and learn about the    stamps. It provides information such as when the stamp was issue, a story of the stamp, who printed the stamp, what it's made of, the printing method used, etc...

Stamp Album/Stock Books - are special albums with non acidic clear plastics to mount your stamps for display. You can buy one ready made or make your own.

 

Stamp Hinges - are translucent paper with a special gum on the other side that is used to mount your stamps. These are not used nowadays at this lowers the value of your stamps aside from damaging it or leaving a nasty mark.

Stamp Mounts - are translucent plastics that are acid free. You insert you stamps in the mounts and secure it on an album for display.