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Old September 12th 07, 02:25 PM posted to rec.collecting.stamps.discuss
malcolm
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Posts: 232
Default Chalk surface paper

If trying to identify using the uv lamp scan the back as well as the
front. If the back reacts too the flourescing agent has been added to
the paper at the manufacturing stage and is not a coating. This does
not mean that the stamp has/has not got a coating in addition - but
will help in any process of elimination. Also check for a dated
postmark. Any stamp with a postmark before the date of the new issue
will be 99% certain to be the first issue ( unless the postmark date
has been set in error). Regrettably the opposite cannot be said as
stamps from the first issue can "hang around" for months after the
date of the second. However stamps used years after the date of change
are most likely to be the second issue. As in most of these matters
comparison with a known example is the best guide. Also coated papers
tend to have a "sharper" image than uncoated. As an alternative to dry
lips use the very tip of your little finger ( this is very sensitive )
and a coated paper should feel smoother.

Any further "old wives tales" on this subject would be welcome.
Probably a combination of methods will elicit a high probability of
correct indentification

Malcolm





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