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General Philatelic/Gen. Discussion : Writing on back of stamps

 

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angore
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Al
Collector, Moderator

30 Jan 2022
09:13:42am
This a lot of information to put on the back of this stamp.

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musicman
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APS #213005

30 Jan 2022
10:52:25am
re: Writing on back of stamps

Yes - and considered quite amateurish in today's philatelic world.

Many of the stamps in my giveaway had penciled writing on them....but not by me!

Mostly a thing of the past, but sadly, some still do it today.

This has been a big debate in previous threads here - those with a distaste for it and those who say 'if its mine, I'll do what I like with it.'


I can understand arguments for both sides.



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HolocaustStamps

Collecting one stamp for each of the 1.5 Million children murdered in The Holocaust.

30 Jan 2022
10:55:50am
re: Writing on back of stamps

Yes, but it was worth $0.25 according to the catalogue, so worthwhile... Laughing More something to laugh at, unlike writing the catalogue number on the back of a MNH stamp (I've found tons of those).

I came across a big bunch of stamps recently that had even more than that written on them. Can't remember exactly, but I think there might have been an inscription for the number of the stamp and how many they had (e.g. 16/142), the date purchased, and some initials (which I think were the person the stamps were intended for). There was barely enough room on the stamp even at a 1pt font! I think I threw them all into my HSP donation box, but I'll try to find some and post a scan.

Cheers, Dave.


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michael78651

30 Jan 2022
10:23:31pm
re: Writing on back of stamps

I've seen worse

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DannyS
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31 Jan 2022
01:34:42am
re: Writing on back of stamps

If anyone should find a Union of South Africa 1913 £1 with writing on the back please don't throw it away. I would be happy to pay the postage and even pay its face value for your trouble.

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Harvey
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This is my diabetic cat OBI! I think, therefore I am - I think! Descartes, sort of!

31 Jan 2022
08:15:35am
re: Writing on back of stamps

As I've said before, writing on the back of stamps doesn't really bother me. I'm not sure about ink since it might come through over time. Can you imagine someone throwing out the "World's Most Valuable Stamp" because of the writing on the back. Sometimes if I have had a difficult time IDing a stamp I'll put a small light number on the back to help the next owner. If it lowers the value a bit, well, I'll live with it. I also don't get upset about hinge remnants, I'd rather that than a thin because of careless hinge removal. I guess we're all different!

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rrraphy
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Retired Consultant APS#186030

31 Jan 2022
02:43:47pm

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re: Writing on back of stamps

Well at least it is not in INK!
rrr...

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"E. Rutherford: All science is either physics or stamp collecting."
pigdoc

31 Jan 2022
04:47:33pm
re: Writing on back of stamps

...is like a dog pissing on a fire hydrant.

-Paul

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michael78651

31 Jan 2022
04:59:47pm
re: Writing on back of stamps

"Can you imagine someone throwing out the "World's Most Valuable Stamp" because of the writing on the back."



I wouldn't throw that stamp away, but I would take my mechanical drafting eraser and take all that writing off, except for the ink, which won't come off.
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michael78651

31 Jan 2022
05:00:47pm
re: Writing on back of stamps

".is like a dog pissing on a fire hydrant"



And the acid in the urine will eat away at the paint and metal.
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Harvey
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This is my diabetic cat OBI! I think, therefore I am - I think! Descartes, sort of!

31 Jan 2022
05:06:14pm
re: Writing on back of stamps

I have a fairly extensive art collection and I very rarely check the backs of the paintings, maybe I should, but I just don't think of it as being that important to the enjoyment the art work gives me. Maybe that's why I think about stamps the way I do.

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""We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We’ve learned how to make a living but not a life. We’ve added years to life, not life to years." George Carlin"
michael78651

31 Jan 2022
05:07:03pm
re: Writing on back of stamps

To each their own. It's a hobby.

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pigdoc

31 Jan 2022
06:17:30pm
re: Writing on back of stamps

A stamp collector marking the back of a stamp is as a dog pissing on a fire hydrant.

They are both marking their territory.

Some people might think that's a worthy example of "leaving a legacy".

I say, Get a Life.

If your life is exemplified by the pee stains you've left in the world, I say, Good Riddance.

-Paul

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Harvey
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This is my diabetic cat OBI! I think, therefore I am - I think! Descartes, sort of!

31 Jan 2022
06:35:00pm
re: Writing on back of stamps

Yes, I occasionally put a small number on the back of a stamp so I know what it is if it falls out of the album or stock book, especially if it took a long time to ID. Comparing me, or someone like me, to a "dog pissing on a fire hydrant" is demeaning and insulting. We all handle our hobby differently and we do not need this kind of damn foolishness!! If I wish to add small marks to the back of my stamps I will do so. If you don't wish to do so ... then don't! No need for insults, we all do things differently, and I say that's a good thing! What is it the French say? - Vive la difference!!

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""We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We’ve learned how to make a living but not a life. We’ve added years to life, not life to years." George Carlin"
michael78651

31 Jan 2022
08:04:04pm
re: Writing on back of stamps

What gets me is when a stamp has a plain selvage attached to it. Turn it over, and yep, the stamp has the catalog number in ink on it. The selvage is pristine clean.

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BenFranklin1902
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Tom in Exton, PA

31 Jan 2022
08:38:05pm
re: Writing on back of stamps

Beats the piss outta the plate blocks I received where the original owner felt compelled to write the Scott catalog number in ink on the front of the selvage! Postage!

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cougar
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01 Feb 2022
02:35:01am
re: Writing on back of stamps

I can live with pencil markings on the backs of stamps; not so with writings in pen.

But the worst cases of stamp abuse are always hinge related.

Removing stamps from album pages without proper care, results in large thins and valuable stamps become a toast.

I wanted to make a video that can be used as some sort of a guideline, but maybe there is one out there already.

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Harvey
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This is my diabetic cat OBI! I think, therefore I am - I think! Descartes, sort of!

01 Feb 2022
08:03:01am
re: Writing on back of stamps

I don't mind pencil as long as it's not an essay. I'm not sure what kind of moron would use ink, my guess is that eventually it would show through the stamp. As I said, occasionally I will put the # of the stamp lightly on the back in case it falls out of the album and sometimes that happens if I use hinges. I'm not sure if I would buy a stamp if it was marked with ink.

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""We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We’ve learned how to make a living but not a life. We’ve added years to life, not life to years." George Carlin"
joshtanski
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01 Feb 2022
08:10:38pm
re: Writing on back of stamps

Please note though, certain combinations of pencils and stamp papers do not erase, and most pencil marks do not erase complete. I am someone who prefers clean backs & I try my best to erase any pencils marks and soak off hinges if I can. I am in agreement with anyone who says they can do what they want to their own stamps, but please don't assume pencils marks can be completely removed and please disclose when selling.

Thanks,
josh

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michael78651

01 Feb 2022
08:49:03pm
re: Writing on back of stamps

Sometimes pencil marks are totally erased, but the collector pushed down so hard on the pencil that the writing was embossed into the stamp - trash.

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musicman
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APS #213005

01 Feb 2022
09:53:05pm
re: Writing on back of stamps

"To each their own. It's a hobby."




Best comment yet!

Happy

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amsd
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Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads

02 Feb 2022
09:14:50am

Auctions
re: Writing on back of stamps

""To each their own. It's a hobby.""



i'm going to write that on the backs of all my stamps
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Brechinite

02 Feb 2022
12:14:21pm
re: Writing on back of stamps

"To each their own. It's a hobby."



"i'm going to write that on the backs of all my stamps"



I'd love to see you write that on the back of the GB Queen Victoria 1858 halfpenny

or

The 1948 Germany Postal Tax Stamp!

Rolling On The Floor LaughingRolling On The Floor Laughing

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amsd
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Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads

02 Feb 2022
02:02:12pm

Auctions
re: Writing on back of stamps

send them my way; i'll write to please

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fredcdobbs
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APS # 224327

02 Feb 2022
09:02:18pm
re: Writing on back of stamps

I put hinges on to cover the pencil notations Big Grin

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Laeding
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02 Feb 2022
09:13:21pm
re: Writing on back of stamps

I see pencil marks somewhat frequently on DWI issues with catalog numbers, sometimes with question marks with the numbers -- don't mind it unless its on a never-hinged stamp or if I can notice it from the front. I'm a but of a "condition nut" so this really should bug the daylights out of me! Kind of feel the same way about expertising marks.

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jmh67

03 Feb 2022
06:43:53am
re: Writing on back of stamps

The comparison with the dog may be a little harsh, but I don't like writing on the back of a stamp, either. Even if someone puts a catalog number there, it may be wrong, and who says that I would use the same catalog? Michel, Y&T, Scott, Zumstein, etc. all use different systems, and they may not even agree on number 1. Then there is a certain reluctance (to put it mildly) to disregard the counsel of experienced people. Sometimes I wonder whether some people don't want the objects they collect to be in good condition. That'd be rather silly, wouldn't it? What's more, even experts can be wrong on occasion, hence the tendency to prefer photo attestations over expert marks that I have observed in other boards.

Martin

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angore

Al
Collector, Moderator
30 Jan 2022
09:13:42am

This a lot of information to put on the back of this stamp.

Image Not Found

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"Stamp Collecting is a many splendored thing"
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musicman

APS #213005
30 Jan 2022
10:52:25am

re: Writing on back of stamps

Yes - and considered quite amateurish in today's philatelic world.

Many of the stamps in my giveaway had penciled writing on them....but not by me!

Mostly a thing of the past, but sadly, some still do it today.

This has been a big debate in previous threads here - those with a distaste for it and those who say 'if its mine, I'll do what I like with it.'


I can understand arguments for both sides.



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HolocaustStamps

Collecting one stamp for each of the 1.5 Million children murdered in The Holocaust.

30 Jan 2022
10:55:50am

re: Writing on back of stamps

Yes, but it was worth $0.25 according to the catalogue, so worthwhile... Laughing More something to laugh at, unlike writing the catalogue number on the back of a MNH stamp (I've found tons of those).

I came across a big bunch of stamps recently that had even more than that written on them. Can't remember exactly, but I think there might have been an inscription for the number of the stamp and how many they had (e.g. 16/142), the date purchased, and some initials (which I think were the person the stamps were intended for). There was barely enough room on the stamp even at a 1pt font! I think I threw them all into my HSP donation box, but I'll try to find some and post a scan.

Cheers, Dave.


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"Thank you to all members of Stamporama who generously donate stamps to our project."

holocauststampsproje ...
michael78651

30 Jan 2022
10:23:31pm

re: Writing on back of stamps

I've seen worse

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DannyS

31 Jan 2022
01:34:42am

re: Writing on back of stamps

If anyone should find a Union of South Africa 1913 £1 with writing on the back please don't throw it away. I would be happy to pay the postage and even pay its face value for your trouble.

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This is my diabetic cat OBI! I think, therefore I am - I think! Descartes, sort of!
31 Jan 2022
08:15:35am

re: Writing on back of stamps

As I've said before, writing on the back of stamps doesn't really bother me. I'm not sure about ink since it might come through over time. Can you imagine someone throwing out the "World's Most Valuable Stamp" because of the writing on the back. Sometimes if I have had a difficult time IDing a stamp I'll put a small light number on the back to help the next owner. If it lowers the value a bit, well, I'll live with it. I also don't get upset about hinge remnants, I'd rather that than a thin because of careless hinge removal. I guess we're all different!

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this post

""We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We’ve learned how to make a living but not a life. We’ve added years to life, not life to years." George Carlin"
Members Picture
rrraphy

Retired Consultant APS#186030
31 Jan 2022
02:43:47pm

Approvals

re: Writing on back of stamps

Well at least it is not in INK!
rrr...

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"E. Rutherford: All science is either physics or stamp collecting."
pigdoc

31 Jan 2022
04:47:33pm

re: Writing on back of stamps

...is like a dog pissing on a fire hydrant.

-Paul

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michael78651

31 Jan 2022
04:59:47pm

re: Writing on back of stamps

"Can you imagine someone throwing out the "World's Most Valuable Stamp" because of the writing on the back."



I wouldn't throw that stamp away, but I would take my mechanical drafting eraser and take all that writing off, except for the ink, which won't come off.
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michael78651

31 Jan 2022
05:00:47pm

re: Writing on back of stamps

".is like a dog pissing on a fire hydrant"



And the acid in the urine will eat away at the paint and metal.
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This is my diabetic cat OBI! I think, therefore I am - I think! Descartes, sort of!
31 Jan 2022
05:06:14pm

re: Writing on back of stamps

I have a fairly extensive art collection and I very rarely check the backs of the paintings, maybe I should, but I just don't think of it as being that important to the enjoyment the art work gives me. Maybe that's why I think about stamps the way I do.

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""We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We’ve learned how to make a living but not a life. We’ve added years to life, not life to years." George Carlin"
michael78651

31 Jan 2022
05:07:03pm

re: Writing on back of stamps

To each their own. It's a hobby.

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pigdoc

31 Jan 2022
06:17:30pm

re: Writing on back of stamps

A stamp collector marking the back of a stamp is as a dog pissing on a fire hydrant.

They are both marking their territory.

Some people might think that's a worthy example of "leaving a legacy".

I say, Get a Life.

If your life is exemplified by the pee stains you've left in the world, I say, Good Riddance.

-Paul

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3 Members
like this post.
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This is my diabetic cat OBI! I think, therefore I am - I think! Descartes, sort of!
31 Jan 2022
06:35:00pm

re: Writing on back of stamps

Yes, I occasionally put a small number on the back of a stamp so I know what it is if it falls out of the album or stock book, especially if it took a long time to ID. Comparing me, or someone like me, to a "dog pissing on a fire hydrant" is demeaning and insulting. We all handle our hobby differently and we do not need this kind of damn foolishness!! If I wish to add small marks to the back of my stamps I will do so. If you don't wish to do so ... then don't! No need for insults, we all do things differently, and I say that's a good thing! What is it the French say? - Vive la difference!!

Like 
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.

""We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We’ve learned how to make a living but not a life. We’ve added years to life, not life to years." George Carlin"
michael78651

31 Jan 2022
08:04:04pm

re: Writing on back of stamps

What gets me is when a stamp has a plain selvage attached to it. Turn it over, and yep, the stamp has the catalog number in ink on it. The selvage is pristine clean.

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BenFranklin1902

Tom in Exton, PA
31 Jan 2022
08:38:05pm

re: Writing on back of stamps

Beats the piss outta the plate blocks I received where the original owner felt compelled to write the Scott catalog number in ink on the front of the selvage! Postage!

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"Check out my eBay Stuff! Username Turtles-Trading-Post"
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cougar

01 Feb 2022
02:35:01am

re: Writing on back of stamps

I can live with pencil markings on the backs of stamps; not so with writings in pen.

But the worst cases of stamp abuse are always hinge related.

Removing stamps from album pages without proper care, results in large thins and valuable stamps become a toast.

I wanted to make a video that can be used as some sort of a guideline, but maybe there is one out there already.

Like 
1 Member
likes this post.
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This is my diabetic cat OBI! I think, therefore I am - I think! Descartes, sort of!
01 Feb 2022
08:03:01am

re: Writing on back of stamps

I don't mind pencil as long as it's not an essay. I'm not sure what kind of moron would use ink, my guess is that eventually it would show through the stamp. As I said, occasionally I will put the # of the stamp lightly on the back in case it falls out of the album and sometimes that happens if I use hinges. I'm not sure if I would buy a stamp if it was marked with ink.

Like
Login to Like
this post

""We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We’ve learned how to make a living but not a life. We’ve added years to life, not life to years." George Carlin"
Members Picture
joshtanski

01 Feb 2022
08:10:38pm

re: Writing on back of stamps

Please note though, certain combinations of pencils and stamp papers do not erase, and most pencil marks do not erase complete. I am someone who prefers clean backs & I try my best to erase any pencils marks and soak off hinges if I can. I am in agreement with anyone who says they can do what they want to their own stamps, but please don't assume pencils marks can be completely removed and please disclose when selling.

Thanks,
josh

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michael78651

01 Feb 2022
08:49:03pm

re: Writing on back of stamps

Sometimes pencil marks are totally erased, but the collector pushed down so hard on the pencil that the writing was embossed into the stamp - trash.

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musicman

APS #213005
01 Feb 2022
09:53:05pm

re: Writing on back of stamps

"To each their own. It's a hobby."




Best comment yet!

Happy

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amsd

Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads
02 Feb 2022
09:14:50am

Auctions

re: Writing on back of stamps

""To each their own. It's a hobby.""



i'm going to write that on the backs of all my stamps
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Brechinite

02 Feb 2022
12:14:21pm

re: Writing on back of stamps

"To each their own. It's a hobby."



"i'm going to write that on the backs of all my stamps"



I'd love to see you write that on the back of the GB Queen Victoria 1858 halfpenny

or

The 1948 Germany Postal Tax Stamp!

Rolling On The Floor LaughingRolling On The Floor Laughing

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"Gonnae no dae that!..........Just gonnae no!"
Members Picture
amsd

Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads
02 Feb 2022
02:02:12pm

Auctions

re: Writing on back of stamps

send them my way; i'll write to please

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"Save the USPS, buy stamps; save the hobby, use commemoratives"

juicyheads.com/link. ...
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fredcdobbs

APS # 224327
02 Feb 2022
09:02:18pm

re: Writing on back of stamps

I put hinges on to cover the pencil notations Big Grin

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Laeding

02 Feb 2022
09:13:21pm

re: Writing on back of stamps

I see pencil marks somewhat frequently on DWI issues with catalog numbers, sometimes with question marks with the numbers -- don't mind it unless its on a never-hinged stamp or if I can notice it from the front. I'm a but of a "condition nut" so this really should bug the daylights out of me! Kind of feel the same way about expertising marks.

Like
Login to Like
this post
jmh67

03 Feb 2022
06:43:53am

re: Writing on back of stamps

The comparison with the dog may be a little harsh, but I don't like writing on the back of a stamp, either. Even if someone puts a catalog number there, it may be wrong, and who says that I would use the same catalog? Michel, Y&T, Scott, Zumstein, etc. all use different systems, and they may not even agree on number 1. Then there is a certain reluctance (to put it mildly) to disregard the counsel of experienced people. Sometimes I wonder whether some people don't want the objects they collect to be in good condition. That'd be rather silly, wouldn't it? What's more, even experts can be wrong on occasion, hence the tendency to prefer photo attestations over expert marks that I have observed in other boards.

Martin

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