Soaking stamps Part I
Imagine the scene. It is the day after one of the CSPS auctions and you have taken home some packets of stamps on paper. What do you do next? In this Bulletin and the next few will be some handy hints on soaking off stamps gleaned from philatelic writings but especially Stamp Soaking Tips – A stamp soakers bible by Will Moss published in 1982. Please test on cheap stamps first. None of the methods are tried and tested by your Editor who just soaks in tubs of cold or luke warm water and dries the stamps in a drying book.

1. The best method of soaking off seems to be fresh water and agitation of the stamps. There are variations on this method. You can go the effort of using a wetting solution and it has even been suggested by an American writer that in hard water areas, Calgon in the water might help. Yes the same as you put in the washing machine. In other writings it is suggested that you keep rain water, as that will be softer.

2.Rice paste
Stamps from Japan and Asia have rice paste as the adhesive and this is not soluble in water and just softens and swells. Any residue is prone to fungus and mildew as well. It has been suggested but untested by your Editor, that you use some dishwashing detergent well diluted in water and then wash them thoroughly afterwards in water. Even so the residue will have to be rubbed off. It has been suggested that methylated spirits could be employed with caution.

3. Boiling water and steam
This method involves laying the stamps on blotting paper singly and building up layers to place over a pan or kettle of boiling water. The stamps are then removed with tongs and placed on clean, dry blotting paper. A word of caution, do not leave them for too long over the steam.

4. Sierra Leone adhesives
The best advice here is to leave them alone. Stanley Gibbons recommends collecting as cut squares. After soaking the facing comes adrift from the backing. Peeling might be possible but adhesive residue will remain on the back and it is suggested that a dusting of flour would solve this problem.

5. Bulk soaking
This methods suggests using a bath tub and placing the stamps in a flat, deep perforated tray and then partly filling the bath. Leave the stamps for 2 hours, agitating them 2 or 3 times. Take off the paper and then drain the stamps. They are then spread out on blotting paper or old newspapers for three days. It is suggested that the stamps are sorted first to remove coloured envelopes that might bleed colour to the other stamps, those with rice paste and non-soluble adhesive.

(Probably also best to check no one needs the bath. Ed.)

Collecting cut-outs
Prior to 1914 cutting stamp imprints from postal stationery was a common practice so they could be placed in the pre-marked spaces in stamp albums. One overseas dealer even has them listed in catalogues. In the USA they are popular and collectable when cut out with large margins.

If any member has views on cut-outs or collects them and has tips to pass onto the wider membership, I will be glad to hear from you and will include any correspondence in a future edition.