Stamp Column Archives

The Glassine Surfer Column Archive

This column originally appeared in the American Philatelic Society's monthly magazine, "The American Philatelist." Since then some of the information may be out-of-date depending on how far back you're reading.

February 2002

Each month I try to bring something new and of interest to philatelists to these pages of the AP, and now I'd like you to tell me what you'd most like to see in this column.

If you're so inclined, post me some of your recommendations, reservations, needs and wants. Do you want more stamp Net news, or more Web tips and software reviews? What would make your day?

In the meantime, while you're thinking about what to write, enjoy the APS Winter Show in California and Utah's Winter Olympiad. You can post me at the e-mail given at the end of the column. Valentines accepted.

Washington 2006

America hosts the Washington 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition in May-June 2006 at the Convention Center in Washington, DC, and you have the opportunity to see how a huge, international philatelic event is planned and comes together.

The event Web site is already filled with information on planning and fund-raising for the event and how stamp collectors can help make the WPE a renown philatelic event.

The WPE's slogan is "Stamps – and so much more," but a major stamp show in Washington, DC, filled with 17 days of stamp events and exhibits and attended by thousands of philatelists from around the world, could become a keystone event in philately. And here's your opportunity to be a part of it.

Though the WPE is just over four years from today, I first visited the site when it was over six years in the future, proving that you can't stop thinking about tomorrow.

Washington 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition
http://www.washington-2006.org/

Portals of the World

The Web is an easy place to find out about Britney Spears or some favorite TV show, but increasingly obscure information is getting harder to locate. Looking for details on Bulgarian villages or British expeditions in the 1800's can be tough, but the Library of Congress now runs "Portals of the World," which may help.

The site is a directory of countries and the local Web sites that offer direct access to resources within that country. As of this writing, it's not complete, but given time, it just might become a first port of call for any surfer.

Portals of the World
http://www.loc.gov/rr/international/portals.html

Soaking

Soaking stamps is something like a folk art, and the first law of soaking is to "do no harm." In fact, many think stamps ought to be left where they are on cover or on piece, which is surely the case with older stamps.

Everyone has their own techniques and rules, and nearly all methods work. But it's the soaker's experience and care that determines the outcome.

Here are a few guidelines to soaking.

Don't waste time soaking damaged or unwanted stamps, unless you're going to experiment with your process. Trim off excess paper around the stamps with a small pair of scissors.

Sort the stamps according to their envelope paper. Colored envelope paper might run when soaked, and though plain white envelopes are usually color-fast, manila envelopes tend to stain stamps yellow. Soak stamps on colored envelopes by themselves.

Be aware of "fugitive inks." Some stamps were printed with inks that dissolve in water. They would stop the removal of cancellations and their reuse.

Use the right-sized bowl for the job. Instead of cramming hundreds of stamps into a coffee cup, place a few in a swimming pool.

Never use HOT water. Mild warm water is fine. Cold is good, too. Some people use mild liquid dish soap as a wetting agent to help the process along.

When the soaked stamps starts swimming free around the bowl, pour out the gummy water and refill the bowl with enough fresh clean water to cover the stamps, allowing you to fish them out easily. Use a blotter to dry your stamps.

Part I :: Part II :: Part III