Damon Mcknight
Watermarks are intentionally created thin spots in paper, which serve as a security measure to prevent counterfeiting. They are made by pressing a mesh of steel wire into damp paper pulp, compressing or thinning the area where the wire touches. While not every stamp has a watermark, they are important for collectors in organizing, valuing, and determining the authenticity of stamps. Collectors use various tools to detect watermarks, such as watermark trays, fluids, and electronic detectors, which can reveal different types of watermarks, including the widely collected C of A design.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method to identify watermarks | Turn the stamp face down and place it on a dark background like a watermark tray. If that doesn't work, add two or three drops of watermark fluid on the stamp. |
| Tools to identify watermarks | Watermark tray, watermark fluid, stamp tongs, electronic watermark detector, plastic ink pouch |
| Purpose of watermarks | Security measure to prevent counterfeiting |
| Stamps with watermarks | Federal Period issues of 1901-1912, early Postage Due issues up to 1922, Commonwealth stamps between 1913 and 1965 |
| Types of watermarks | Wide Crown and Wide A, Wide Crown and Narrow A, Narrow Crown and Narrow A, Multiple Crown and A, Small Crown and A multiple, Small Crown and C of A multiple |
| Errors in watermarks | Partial "C" on outer edges, poorly impressed watermarks |
| Valuable stamps with watermarks | KGV 1d Red single line perforation, 3d blue Die 2 Small Multiple watermark mint |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Using a watermark tray, fluid and stamp tongs
Using a watermark tray, fluid, and stamp tongs is a simple yet essential technique for stamp collectors. It helps in authenticating and valuing stamps while adding an exciting layer of discovery to the collecting experience.
Prepare Your Workspace
Ensure you have a clean, well-lit area to work in. Place your watermark tray on a flat surface to prevent spills.
Handle with Care
Stamps are delicate, so handle them with clean hands or use stamp tongs to avoid transferring oils and dirt.
Place the Stamp in the Tray
Lay the stamp face down in the watermark tray. This position ensures the watermark will be clearly visible when the fluid is applied.
Apply the Watermark Fluid
Carefully apply two to three drops of watermark fluid to the back of the stamp. The fluid spreads quickly, so you only need a small amount to cover the entire surface. The watermark fluid makes the watermark visible for a short period of time without damaging the stamp or its gum. Be sure to read the warnings before opening the container of watermark fluid.
Observe the Watermark
Within a few seconds, the watermark should start to appear. The fluid highlights the differences in paper thickness, making the watermark visible. You may have to look closely and carefully to identify potential watermarks. If you don't see it right away, give it a few more seconds and try adjusting the angle of light. A magnifying glass can help you see the finer details of the watermark more clearly.
Let It Dry
Once you've identified the watermark, gently remove the stamp from the tray with the tongs and let it air dry. The fluid evaporates quickly, leaving no residue or damage.
Exploring Newcastle, Australia: Size and All
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using an electric watermark detector
One such device is the Sherlock watermark detector, which is compact and battery-powered. To use it, simply insert your stamp, turn on the light, and adjust the brightness and colour of the light to reveal the watermark. No chemicals are needed, so your stamps are safe from damage.
Another option is an optical watermark detector, which runs on batteries or can be plugged in. You place your stamp inside a box and press it against an acrylic block. Then, a light is shone through the block, and the refracted light shows up the watermark. Examples of these devices include the SAFE Signoscope and Stanley Gibbons Detectamark, which can be purchased online for $200-$400.
Before using an electric watermark detector, it is recommended to try simpler methods to detect a watermark. For example, you can try holding the stamp up to a bright light with the back of the stamp facing you. Sometimes, the light will show through the thinner areas of the paper and reveal the watermark. Alternatively, you can place the stamp face down on a black or dark surface, which may also reveal the watermark.
Big Brother Australia: Is It On Tonight?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using a plastic ink pouch
The plastic ink pouch method involves using a mechanical device that utilises a small, sealed plastic pouch filled with dark blue ink. The pouch is placed over the stamp, and pressure is applied. The pressure causes the ink to settle into the watermarked area, which is slightly thinner than the rest of the stamp, revealing the watermark. A roller that comes with the device can be used to run over the pouch to reveal more of the watermark.
It is important to note that the ink pouch method may not be as effective as using watermark fluid in skilled hands. Additionally, the ink pouch may become brittle and need to be replaced periodically. If the pouch bursts under pressure, it could also result in ink spilling onto the stamp.
When examining Australian stamps, the use of a plastic ink pouch or other watermark detection methods can help reveal the security features embedded in the stamps. Watermarks are intentionally created thin spots in paper, impressed into the paper during the manufacturing process before it dries. They serve as a security measure to prevent counterfeiting and help determine the authenticity, rarity, and historical context of stamps.
Join Camp Australia: Application Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Understanding the history of Australian stamp watermarks
Watermarks on postage stamps are intentionally created thin spots in the paper, which act as a security measure to prevent counterfeiting. They are created when a pattern is impressed into the paper while it is still damp, and they can be used to determine the authenticity of stamps.
In Australia, the Federal Period issues of 1901-1912 and the early Postage Due issues up to 1922 were printed on watermarked paper. Six types of watermarked paper were used for Commonwealth stamps between 1913 and 1965. Beginning in 1948, the use of watermarked paper was phased out for denominations below the current basic letter rate, and after 1956 only denominations of 5/- and above were printed on watermarked paper.
Australia's first postage stamps, nicknamed the 'Roos', featured a map and the likeness of a kangaroo. They were first issued in 1902, but these did not pre-pay postal services. They were postage due stamps, followed by postal stationery items. In 1911, a competition was held inviting artists to submit designs for Australia's first prepaid postage stamps. However, none of the winning designs were made into postage stamps. Instead, the postmaster general requested a map of Australia, with one of the final designs superimposing a pair of kangaroos on the map.
There are several ways to identify a watermark on an Australian stamp. The simplest method is to place the stamp face down on a dark background or a watermark tray, which will often reveal the watermark without the use of any fluid. If this does not work, the next step is to use watermark fluid. A few drops of this fluid on the stamp will reveal the watermark. An alternative to watermark fluid is a plastic ink pouch sold by philatelic supply dealers, which can reveal the watermark without creating a mess. For those willing to spend more, an electronic watermark detector can also be used, which has the added advantage of revealing flaws in the stamps.
Deadpool 2: Australia's R-Rating Explored
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Identifying different types of watermarks
Watermarks are intentionally created thin spots in paper. They are a security measure that helps prevent counterfeiting. Not every stamp has a watermark, and nowadays very few stamps have watermarks. However, for collectors, watermarks are important for organizing, valuing, and determining the authenticity of stamps in their collections.
There are several ways to detect watermarks. One simple method is to place the stamp face down on a dark background, such as a watermark tray, and view the watermark without any fluid. If the watermark is not visible, the next step is to add two or three drops of watermark fluid to the stamp. This specialized fluid is safe for most stamps and will not affect the gum on mint stamps. The fluid can be added to the watermark tray, and the stamp can then be placed face down in the tray using stamp tongs.
For more difficult-to-spot watermarks, there are other methods available. One option is to use a plastic ink pouch sold by philatelic supply dealers, which can reveal the watermark without the need for watermark fluid. Another option is an electronic watermark detector, which can brighten the watermark and also reveal any flaws in the stamp. This method is more expensive but may be worth it for more valuable stamps.
It is important to note that watermarks can appear reversed, inverted, or both, and they may only be visible as a partial image or a speck on the stamp. Some catalogs, such as the Scott Specialized Catalog, can be helpful in identifying different types of watermarks. Additionally, creating a personalized resource by gluing photocopies of watermark illustrations with their names can be useful for quick reference.
Understanding Australian Women's Medium Sizing: A Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Watermarks are intentionally created thin spots in paper. They are a security measure to prevent counterfeiting.
You can use a watermark tray, watermark fluid, and stamp tongs. Place the stamp face down on the tray and add two or three drops of watermark fluid. Alternatively, you can use a plastic ink pouch or an electronic watermark detector.
Some common Australian stamp watermarks are the Wide Crown and Wide A, Wide Crown and Narrow A, Narrow Crown and Narrow A, Multiple Crown and A, Small Crown and A Multiple, and Small Crown and C of A Multiple.
Watermarks help collectors organize, value, and determine the authenticity of stamps in their collections. Ignoring watermarks can lead to misidentification and paying more for a stamp that is worth less.
