I have an old US album in which I had placed a number of mint stamps perhaps 25 years ago. I finally moved to a place where I can work on this album again. However, I have discovered that a number of the mint stamps have become affixed to the album pages or mounts. Some of the ones that are attached were hinged, and some were in stamp mounts.

I found that by bending the page gently, some of the stamps would "pop" up. Others had only a small corner that is not attached.

My question is - what is the best thing for me to do to "disengage" these stamps from my old album.

Here is what I am considering:

1. Gently "work" the stamp with my tongs to try to loosen the stamp from the page or mount.

2. Try using a stamp lift to remove the stamps and attempt retaining the gum.

3. Soak the stamps off.

Each has its merits. Of course, I am intersted in maintaining the maximum stamp condition possible. I would prefer finding a mechanism from removing the stamp, and still maintaining the gum, if at all possible. Will the stamp lift do this?

Do you have any suggestions?

Regards,

David

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re: STAMPS STUCK TOGETHER AND ELSEWHERE

A sweat box might work. It's a tricky technique, but might work well after some practice. See http://www.glassinesurfer.com/f/gssweatbox.shtml

Bob

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re: STAMPS STUCK TOGETHER AND ELSEWHERE

Wow, that is a great idea!! I will make one this weeked also. I have alot of work to do to recover some nice stamps.

Thanks Bob, and Rob. Nice to know that I am not the only one with this difficulty.

David

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