Stamp collecting tools.

Let me add that, before I resort to the use of fluid, I try to detect the watermark by other means such as laying the stamp face down on a dark surface (works fairly well on early Great Britain), or viewing the stamp back lit by a bright light.

When I must resort to the use of lighter fluid, I turn on the fan and only apply enough fluid to dampen the stamp.

I use Clarity but am not checking that often so not using much to be any financial concern. However, experience helps. I am sure an experienced collector with certain watermarks can see them readily without fluid while I need to use fluid.

A humble tool in our Philatelic tool box is the eraser. I don’t like pencil scribbles on the back of my stamps, so, unless the stamp is fragile or pricy, I try to gently remove them.

That said, the ONLY eraser I will ever use are the German manufactured Staedtlers. I compared the “BIC clic” and the Staedtlers and WOW what a difference. The Staedtler practically melts the pencilling off the paper and they don’t shed and flake as much. Highly recommended!

I will have to look into the Staedtler erasers. Like you, philatelia, markings on the back of stamps do NOT make me happy!
How many here use electronic means to determine watermarks and perforations? Are they worth the cost?

What is the best tool to measure the perforations on Die Cut stamps?

Thanks

FDI

I use the same one for most of my tasks. I like to put stamp in a black approval card (under the clear overlay) to improve contrast to aid readability, It is also easier to slide the gauge up and down to position.

Thanks Ryan, funny enough, I recently joined the ESG group but never had the chance to read this article.

Thanks again for the links.

FDI

The less you handle stamps the better. Your hands will have natural oils that can possibly damage the stamp. I personally do not use them as often as I should but I do with all better stamps.

You want tweezers/tongs that are a bit rounded and smooth at the tips to avoid damaging the stamps. 

Watermark fluid is used to help show and identify the watermarks. Many of us use old fashion lighter fluid as it is far less expensive than the proper stuff. 

I am sure some of the more serious collectors can be more specific but this is the simplistic answer to your questions. 

In regard your question about the recent envelope I would not be concerned unless it had a special cancel or unusual stamp. The vast majority of my everyday mail letters go right into the recycling bin. 

I'm sorry I know I'm asking a lot of questions I am extremely new and been doing a lot of research some things are explained very well others not so much so it creates more questions than answer for me. I will definitely check those videos though thank you

Hey Denise asking questions is what keeps a forum lively,   If nobody asks then it stagnates.  Lots of knowledge in the minds of folks here just aching to be shared. No question is too silly or to simple………we can share. Tricky questions may take time to get an answer but even long time collectors will benefit from the knowledge of others.