Professional Documents
Culture Documents
TO CHEMICAL RESTORATION
OF POSTAGE STAMPS
PREFACE
Using a piece of acid free filier paper, one can usually determine
the solubility of a stamp's ink. By moistening the filter paper
slightly and then proceeding to place it against the stamp's face
for a moment, one can usually spot a slight semblance of colour
transferred to the filter paper if the ink is fugitive. If, at this point,
the restoration must be continued, the chemical or water can be
applied minutely from the back of the stamp, possibly with a glass
square being placed atop the face of the tamp, or by placing filter
paper (ACID FREE) either above or below the stamp depending
on whetheryou are working on the face or attempting removal
from beneath. An alternative method would be to place the tamp
and chemical within the various stamp sweat boxes available,
being careful; not to use any chemical which might be corrosive to
the plastic of the box itself. A fine spray atomizer can be
purchased quite inexpensively and would offer a finer, more
controlled method of applying the solution. If the decision is made
to attack the stain face forward because of the thickness of it, you
should have several degrees of fine artists natural säble brushes,
the best you can find. Be particularly careful not
to let the solvents attack the plast/c or paint portions of the brush or
you may end up having removed one stain only to find another more
difficult one.
APPLIED DETECTION
TYPES OF ULTRAVIOLET
SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
LUMINESCENCE
8
FLUORESCENCE
PHOSPHORESCENCE
ULTRAVIOLET FILTER
All lamps which emit ultraviolet light also emit visible light which tends
to make any fluorescence that is occurring. Therefore, it is necessary
to place in front of the bulb a dark purple glass filter which will block äs
much of the visible light äs possible but will, at the same time, transmit
the ultraviolet. Several types of dark blue or purple glass can be used
äs a filter on a long wave lamp. Sometimes the long wave bulb itself
will be made from a dark blue glass that acts äs a filter. However, a
filter for a short wave lamp must be made from a very special kind of
glass, since äs we have already seen, the short wave radiations will
not pass through ordinary glass.
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through the years by many countries. They date back to the
1800s and perhaps earlier. The characteristic of these stamps is
that they glow in bright colours under an ultravio/et source. They
will usually react under either longwave ultraviolet or shortwave
ultraviolet, whereas the tagged stamps react to shortwave
ultraviolet only.
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POSTAL STAMP FORGERIES AND ALTERATIONS
Since ultra violet will reveal many differences in materials not seen in
visible light, it can frequently be used to detect repairs, alternations and
forgeries. Radly and Grant* report a number of interesting examples of
such detection, One case mentioned is that of a very valuable Ceylon
stamp on which the users frequently clipped the corners in an effort to
make the stamp more attractive. Repairs have at times been made to
restore these stamps. However in ultraviolet the replaced corners are
readily detected by their difference in fluorescence from the original
center. Other imitations recorded include a forgery of a 1/4" such.
Holstein stamp of 1864 in which the ink fluoresced clue, while the
original did not react at all to the ultraviolet. An Imitation of a Baden
number 1 issue obtained by dyeing a number 5 issue was readily
detected under ultraviolet, since it appeared much lighter in colour than
the genuine stamp.
DETERMIN A TION OF FA UL TS
Since we have already learned that the ultraviolet rays will cause a
differentiation because of allen paper, orfaults such äs tears, one has
but to scan a particular stamp for any white dots or spots which are
indicative of foreign paper being added to fill in a hole or tear. Since
any disarrangement of the fiber of the paper will appear under the
"lamp" äs fluorescing differently than its surrounding media, we can
make observations about the quality of the stamp we are buying
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THE NATIONAL AND AMERICAN BANK NOTE PAPERS
Most collectors are aware of the hard papers of the National and
Continental Companies and the soft papers of the American Bank
Note Company. In most instances these papers can be
recognised by their physical characteristics äs described in
various philatelic references. The stamps can be illuminated on
the printed side of the back side and one can use the long or the
short wave, or both, to show the differences. linder the ultraviolet
light the hard papers appear rather white in colour and the soft
papers appear tan in colour, and duller in appearance and the
collector has no problem in separating the two types of paper. It
is true that hinge remnants and paper defects can interfere with
this differentiation when one illuminates the back side of the
stamp, but one should be able to identify the type on one side or
the other. The best procedure would be to identify the type on
one side or the other. The best procedure would be to identify the
stamps on the basis of their physical characteristics and then
verify your findings with the ultraviolet light. With both wave
lengths turned on the National (hardpaper) will appear lighter and
brighter and whiter than the American Bank Notes (soft paper).
The soft paper stamps are duller; they reflect the light flatly and
appear tan in colour.
SAFETYPAPER
PROGNOSIS
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ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE
BLOOD STAINS
EGG STAINS
For the past third of a Century various seif sticking material have
appealed to stamp and other collectors by their readiness and ease of
use.
However, time has almost always brought stains to, and/or welding
together or the materials involved, with accompanying trouble and
loss for the owner thereof.
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The adhesives on self-sticking tapes belong to that class of
compounds known äs polymers. These polymers are found in
the adhesives on masking tape, transparent tape, some
mending tapes, and on self-sticking labels.
10 equals A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A
17.
The discolouration had penetrated the envelope until the colour was
visible on the inside surface. This is an extreme example of what can
happen when this tape is used.
B) Any method adopted for the removal of the adhesive must not
allow the discolouration to spread throughout the stamp.
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C) the process to be used should be capable of penetrating
both stamps and album pages and remove the
discolouration which ahs penetrated the paper,
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The hinge is impossible to remove without either tearing or peeling the
stamp or atbum page. The adhesive will require different solvents
from those used on types A and B.
During the treatment the adhesive swells but does not dissolve easily.
The stamp should be removed at this stage and the hinge carefully
peeled off the stamp.
The softened and swollen adhesive is then carefully rubbed off with a
wad of cotton and the stamp returned to the extractor for an additional
six to 10 hours of extraction with solvents, to effect the complete
removal of the adhesive from the stamp.
Some stamps will lose all colour to form albinos, while others will lose
only a pigment component to give new and unusual, and even
startling, colour changes!
The removal of seif sticking hinges and tapes, and ofthe resulting
stains will require prolonged treatment with solvents. Let us repeat
again, one cannot undo in a short time what has taken years to bring
about.
The solvent treatment must not spread the stain throughout the paper.
We accordingly are forced to use a process of continuous extraction
whereby the used solvent is replaced b y fresh clean solvent.
20
The vapours of boiled solvent in flask "A" rise through side tube
"B" to the condenser "C". This condenser cools the vapours and
the liquid drops into the reservoir "D". This reservoir will contain
the stamps to be cleaned.
The reservoir fills with the Condensed liquid to the level of the
siphon "E" whereupon all liquid overflows back into flask "A".
The time required for the removal of the stain will depend upon
the porosity of the stained paper. The denser the paper the
longer will be the time required.
21
The dissolved pari of the adhesive is very soluble in the solvent. The
first few cycles of the extraction process will be highly coloured.
NOTE that this is benzENE and not benzlNE. BenzlNE will not be
effective.
11 is imperative that the hinge be peeled off after it has been softened
(5-10 hours) and the adhesive be wiped off with a wad of cotton
betöre continuing the treatment for completing the removal of
adhesive from the paper.
22
Those stamps which contain dyes and pigments soluble in
organic solents will have these colours removed by this
procedure. We will then have the Situation where "the Operation
was a success, but the patient died!"
-H
23
F'ATAND RELATED GFIEASE STAINS
Place the stamp in the tray and apply a small layer of mineral oil to the
stained area. Wait several seconds and apply a thin layer of amyl
acetate using fast brisk brush movements. Wait several moments and
wash with castile and then cold water. Repeat the process, washing
thoroughly. If this falls use pine oil first, saturating the stamp well.
Then apply acetone since it can solubilize mosi inks. Rinse well with
castile wash and plenty of cold water. Flo should be used in all rinses
containing stains that are difficult to remove.
SCOTCH TAPEADHESIVE
Thoroughly saturate the stamp with carbon tetrachloride and work the
tip of the brush back and fort/? at first, then in a circular motion.
Remove the stamp and while it is trying, sweep a dry brush across the
area until the "Juice" dissipates. Repeat the process several times,
keeping the stamp in the liquid at a minimum. A castile wash with
Tween 20, followed by a clean rinse is advised
24.
AIRPLANE GLUE
Soak the stamp first in pyridine then in amyl acetate. Dry stamp
completely. Apply a thin layer of mineral oil and repeat the
process, brisk/y brushing the area. Rinse well with Flo and
water until all extraneous material is removed.
Soffen the stain with pine oil and wait several minutes. Apply
tetraethylene for about 30 seconds and repeat the process.
Wash with castile and remove all traces with Flo and cold water
rinse. Repeat the process substituting heptaner or hexane for
the tetraethylene.
TAR
Prepare the stain with ineral oil and allow to stand for 1 minute.
Gently brush naphta until all tar is removed. Use a castile rinse
which incorporates afew drops of Tween 20. Rinse with cold
water and Flo. Rinse again with water.
TOBACCO STAINS
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CANDLE WAX STAINS
Immerse the stamp in carbon tetrachloride and brush freely for several
seconds. Allow the stamp to a/r dry. Repeat the procedure until all of
the wax is reduced. Repeat and brush smoothly while still immersed.
Allow to a/r dry and wash (if colour is fast) with a Tween 80 rinse and
castile bath. Rinse completely with cold water.
ADHESIVE TAPEADHESIVE
While stamp is in ray, brush swiftyl with naphtha and follow with
castile and Tween 20 wash. Repeat process and rinse well with cold
water brushing with a clean brush You may use a Flo in the next to
final rinse.
CRAYON STAINS
Soffen the crayon with pine o/V for several minutes and apply smooth
strokes of naphta. Clean all residue with castile and Tween 20 wash.
Rinse thoroughly with Flo and cold water and rinse again with just cold
water.
Treat the area with morpholoene for several minutes and bathe with
pyridine. Repeat the process and wash with Flo rinse and castile
wash. Clean with cold water rinse.
LUBRICANT STAINS
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INDIA INK
This is the most difficult ink stain to remove. Soffen the stain with
pine oil several times. Brush away stain particles and wash
repeatedly with soap wash.
D/p stamp into toluene and them amyl acetate. Wash in Tween
20 and castile bath. Repeat process, brushing gently. Rinse in
cold water.
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INDELIBLE PENCIL STAINS
Soften the ink with warm glycerine for several minutes. P/ace the
stamp in half strength Dilute Hydrochloric Acid for only several
seconds. Rinse repeatedly and wash with Castile soap bath.
Lubricate and sotten the ink stain with warm glycerine for several
minutes. Wash rapidly with castile bath followed by Tween 20 rinse
with castile. Rinse with cold water.
LACQUER STAINS
P/ace the tamp in tray and carefully lest the ink for resistancy to
acetone. This fest should be done actually, with any chemical. P/ace a
few drops ofthe acetone on the filier paper and touch lightly on the
face of the stamp. If no colour was transferred then the colour will
remain fast. Brush the acetone across the stain carefully for several
seconds. Lei the stamp dry. Repeat the process until the stain is
removed, being careful not to remove colour by mere brushing
pressure. Wash only if the stamp is non fugitive in nature (castile
bath).
PAINT STAINS
Prepare a bath of 50% alcohol (91%) and benzene. P/ace the stamp,
stain side down for 10 seconds. Turn the stamp over and brush lightly
until all traces of the stain have been removed. If necessary, wash in
castile bath. Rinse well.
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RUBBER CEMENTAND SCOTCH TAPE
SHELLAC STAINS
Paint the area with mild iodine solution: follow this with a 5%
sodium thiosulfate solution. Wash with castile bath and rinse with
cold water for several minutes.
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IRON STAINS
Immerse the stamp in 10% citric acid solution in the tray. Leave for
approximately 90 seconds and then wash with castile bath. If the stain
is still present, dip the stamp in concentrated sodium Chloride solution
and then immerse in the 10% citric acid, If the stain is still resistant to
this treatment, dip it in a 5% oxalic acid solution and repeat the entire
process being careful to wash thoroughly. Repeated stroking with the
säble brush is necessary. An alternative procedure is to first treat the
stamp with a 0.3% solution ofammonium solfate to be followed bya
wash in a 4% solution of oxalic acid. Wash with castile bath and rinse
thoroughly.
It should be noted that bleaching may not only remove the unwanted
stain, but in many cases it may well remove constituents ofthe in k with
which the tamp was printed. It is the most drastic procedure and
should be used only when all eise falls. There is no way to correct
overbleaching and the timing must be watched carefully, for once the
Vignette has faded, there is no recourse. Many bleaches can leave a
stamp's paper in pieces.
STAMP 0X1DATION
The following does not refer to the "oxidation" usually referred to, which
is sulphidization or sulphurization, äs it is sometimes called. This is
due to the fat that certain metallic pigments which are basically oxides
will absorb sulphur dioxide or hydrogen sulphide, offen present in the
a/r in minute quantities. As nearly all metallic sulphides are black
(there are only three or four exceptions to this rule) this absorption of
sulphur compounds blackens the stamp affected. The sulphur
compound formed may be re-ixidized, äs most collectors know, by
using H202 or peroxide of hydrogen, which gives up its extra atom of
oxygen and displaces the sulphur. The "oxidation" is called
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"foxing" äs a rule. This foxing is the reddish or brownish spotting
we find in old books, some of which have a very decided odour äs
a result of it. Foxing is caused by plant growths related to
bacteria, fungi and moulds. It attacks stamps in all humid
climates, The worst case we have ever seen was on a set or
/arge bicolor "Omaha" die proofs, which were completed
obliterated by it, both stamps and margins. These were restored
by cautious application of a b/eaching solution Chloramine T.
Now these raw materials, vegetable fibres, wood pulp and clay, all
contain abundant bacteria, and the manner in which we keep our
collection is liable to provide suitable conditions for their growth.
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The most important consideration about papers which are to be kept
for any lengthy period under humid conditions (such äs prevail in South
Africa) is that of the "furnish" or surface sizing. Mechanical wood pulp
by reason of the unsaturated character of the product and high quantity
of lignone, is liable to autoxidation and should be avoided. The most
suitable type of paper is one made from chemical wood pulp alone,
preferably a bleached chemical pulp, the paper finished off very slightly
on the acid side with a/um. All these remarks on paper refer to that
used in the manufacture of stamps, album leaves, hinges and even the
covers ofalbums.
From observations made, it is possible to lay down some rules for the
safe housing of collections, the first of which should be the careful
selection of albums and album sheets. Owing to the additional
chemical treatment of "black" sheets these being the most resistant are
the most desirable, but care should be taken that they are of good
qua/ity, and of chemical wood pulp äs referred to before.
Then the selection of the Container for the stamps and albums is
important, äs the wood should be of a dry variety, so assisting in
absorbing the moisture. Experiments in this direction have been
carried out, sandalwood and camphorwood chests being used. It all
depends on the amount of moisture which is al/owed to percolate in to
the Container, äs when this is eliminated we remove the most important
factor of bacterial growth. An example of how moisture can be carried
in minute particles of dust can be here given. It was noticed that paper
and paper manufacturers which
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were kept under cover in a receptacle in a direct line of draught
gradually received a fine coating of dust which, on being
removed, disclosed the "brown mould" under each deposit.
We can now deal with the most effective remedy for removing
"brown mould" from stamps - that is, from stamps, äs the remedy,
when coming into contact with the gum of mint stamps, dissolves
the gum (although taking out the "mould" or discolouration). The
remedy Chloramine T, is very cheap and a mixture of 2 grammes
with 100 cc distilled water is ofample strength to clear the
infection. In the case of a very badly discloured stamps, two or
more applications are necessary. The stamps can either be
immersed in the solution, or a small water colour paint brush may
be used. A warning should be given äs to chalk surfaced stamps,
äs owing to the bleaching qualities of Chloraminen T, the surface
will be adversely affected. As it known, tamps printed on chalky
paper are specially prepared to prevent the eradication of
cancellation marks, and, aside from contact with liquids, the
surface can be removed by friction
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It has been established that stamps treated with the solution do not
show a recurrence of the infection, and tests made prove its efficiency
over a period of some years, even with stamps kept in dose proximity
with others containing the mould.
There are many grades of quality in papers used for postage stamps,
and among those used for Union of South African stamps the most
receptive to mould are the four Airmail stamps issued during 1925.
These are invariably found damaged among collections in the tropical
areas. The issues from the Georg/ans to the London-printed pictorials
are very prone to infection also, but the later issues seem to be more
resistant. There is no doubt that the paper used for the Victorians was
of far better quality than that used for the post-Victorian issues, and the
modern process of paper-making is no doubt responsible for this.
34
When you have mastered the bleaching technique, you may wish
to place the stamp directly into the peroxide. You must watch the
face of the stamp constantly following this procedure;
35
HUMIDITY
Damp affects the colour of many stamps and makes many unused
stamps stick to each other or to the album page or to something eise.
Almost equally it affects the used stamp which if on a letter will become
detached, if on an album page cause foxing in a greater or lesser
degree, fostering minute fungoid growths which stain both stamps and
album page with little brown spots. The use of silica gel will eliminate
the humidity thus preventing rust (foxing).
A fan driver warm-air heater directed onto the open bound album or
individual pages removed from a loose leaf album will soon make
album pages crisp. If the stamps are stuck to the album page, then
having warmed the back of the page, take the top of the page in the
right hand, hold the bottom of the page in the left hand, and pass the
page over the sharp edge of desk or fable. As the paper passes over
the edge, the right hand should draw the page downwards. If you are
in luck the stamps will spring off the page with no damage or less other
than the album page.
If stamps are stuck down tightly on an album page, do not try and save
the page. The stamps may be removed from the album page by
several methods and one must really know something about the
method ofprinting and the degree of colour fastness of the stamps
before choosing one method in preference to others.
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The wet process can easily affect fugitive colours and ruin gum,
but it is speedily effective and generally satisfactory if one takes
the troub/e to watch the patients all the time.
HEAT
DEACIDIFICATION
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within the fibers, it was then necessary to find those means of arresting
the acidity and, if possible, of reversing the acidification process, ie of
deacidifying the fibers.
The reason for selecting these calcium compounds was that previous
tests of old papers, still strong after several centuries of natural aging
and with a pH 7.0- 8.0, indicates that it was calcium carbonate
probably resulting from early bleaching methods or washing the rags in
hard water that gave them their mildly alkaline or near neutral
condition.
38
Once the ink is determined to be safe or stable the stamp is
immersed in a solution of magnesium bicarbonate for a period of
some twenty minutes. Dry well between blotters.
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