Testing A Stamp

[dsvd]

I recently had a valuable stamp looked at by an expert who submerged it in lighter fluid. The stamp was genuine but later I am concerned by this process as it may make the stamp highly flammable. Should I soak it in water or leave it?



Thank you

[retrocop]

The lighter fluid would long since evaporated but a paper stamp is always going to be flammable I would suggest.

[dannyk13]

Leave it, soaking it in water may damage it.

[dannyk13]

Especially if it is in mint condition

[dannyk13]

What was the expert looking for, a watermark?

[dsvd]

Thankyou that's what I thought soaking it in water may damage it. The Stamp seller was looking for scuffing on the rear of the stamp.

[dannyk13]

OK, was it mint or used?

[dsvd]

It was a used stamp !

[dannyk13]

OK.

[RATTER15]

I imagine the lighter fluid was used to to detect a fake stamp. The ink on a real stamp would be unaffected by the lighter fuel but if used on a fake stamp the ink would would most likely run.

[stuey]

Lighter fluid has quite a few uses other than in a cigarette lighter. I have "brought back to life" numerous quartz watches with it. If after placing a new battery, which you have tested, into the watch it still does not work, remove the battery and gently clean the movement, including the battery-well and contact points, with a Q-Tip soaked in lighter fluid. The fluid will evaporate very quickly. Replace the battery and the case back. It doesn't always work; however, I've been lucky maybe 6 or 7 times out of ten.

[retrocop]

Stuey
Our gasoline is soo expensive the filling station gives us a quartz watch with every tankful. :-)

[stuey]

Retro, if you wear them all, you've got way too much time on your hand.