| Tool |
Purpose |
Tips |
| Stock sheets |
Sorting & organizing stamps
Displaying stamps for sale
|
Manila recommended for sorting
Plastic recommended for selling
|
| Tongs |
Hold stamp without damaging it |
Avoid pointed end tongs; keep
the ends clean; stamps are easier to remove from stock sheets using bent tongs; longer tongs are easier to use
|
| Magnifiers |
To see details for grading/valuing and
identifying varieties
|
At least 10X, preferably with a
light; do not use in bright sun
|
| Watermark fluid |
To identify watermarks |
Cheaper than watermark machines; use in well-ventilated area |
| Mount cutter
(guillotine style)
|
To trim mounts for individual stamps neatly |
Take stamp out of mount
before cutting
|
| Blade style cutter
used by scrap bookers
|
To trim mounts for mini-sheets and
souvenir sheets neatly; multiple shapes
(rectangles, circles) for exhibiting stamps
|
Purchase at craft store e.g.,
http://store.scrapbook.com/f-
01-005249.html?t2=tools
|
| Stamp catalogues
& magazines
|
Find values of stamp; identify stamp
varieties
|
Used copies are much cheaper
& Club keeps copies
|
| Removable tape |
Mounting NH stamps without damage;
much cheaper than mounts for mini-sheets
|
Be cautious with expensive
stamps--some are concerned that damage may not be visible until years after use
|
| Ruler |
To measure perforations; to differentiate stamps of similar design that vary in size |
Most differences in stamps are expressed in mm by catalogues |
| Sweat box |
Removing mint stamps stuck to paper with
minimal gum disturbance
|
Dry stamps by gently pressing
them between waxed paper or plastic
|
| Glassine envelopes |
Organizing & storing stamps without
damaging them; available in many sizes
|
Glassines are not eternal—
replace stained glassines |
| UV lamps |
To detect tagging and paper fluorescence |
Light with two wavelengths is
best
|
| Stock books |
Sorting purchases at Club and shows |
Sort by topic, country or other
set of categories
|
| Perforation gauge |
Identify stamp perforations |
Graduated plastic type can
handle a wide variety of perfs; need a good light source (e.g., lighted magnifier)
|
| Post Office
bulletins
|
Information about upcoming issues;
background for stamp exhibits
|
Free from some countries (e.g.,
Canada) or for modest subscription
|
| Digital microscope |
Magnifies 20-200X & projects on computer
monitor to identify stamp varieties
|
Use with a specialized
catalogue
|
