Sherlock Watermark Detector by Lighthouse

Product Information

The Signoscope is highly recommended by dealers for difficult stamps to see with fluid. For those collectors of German stamps – we also have some nice images of early German Watermarks you may enjoy. The Roll-a-Tector sachet contains a viscous colored goop contained in a thin but strong, sealed plastic bag. The bag is placed over the stamp and a roller is run over the top until most of the goop is forced away from the stamp, leaving a little extra goop in the paper depressions forming the watermark. In a pinch, these can be used to reveal a watermark if you use them the same way that you use the watermark fluid. The risk is that both can damage the stamp. Both can affect the gum, which can dissolve and damage the rest of the stamp. Additionally, both fluids have oily ingredients that can lead to decomposition of your stamp. Optical Watermark Detector The method of watermark exposure should not further damage or mark a stamp. If damage existed before the exposure, the stamp must emerge after the treatment with identical or near identical characteristics. Additionally, once revealed, the method used should not change the appearance of the stamp. Let’s now take a closer look at methods of identifying stamp watermarks. How To Tell If A Stamp Has A Watermark Using UV Light Legally, all government securities had to be printed on watermarked paper. Technically, stamps fell under the umbrella of “securities,” which meant that a watermark should be included on the paper of all stamps. The Bureau, however, did not begin including watermarks until late 1894.

In your Watermark Detector Tray add a small amount of Watermark Fluid, just enough to submerge the stamp. Place the stamp face-down and its watermark should become visible as soon as the stamp is submerged. The stamp shown on the right has a watermarked "S" on it. I have sold many and have happy customers.....until the sachet becomes worn out. I used one successfully for years until I moved up to a SAFE signoscope. Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy.. The earliest recorded watermark was made in 1282 in Italy. Watermarks were incorporated into stamp design in Europe around 1860 (the very first stamp was printed in 1840). The purpose was to thwart counterfeiting by creating a stamp that couldn’t be reproduced except by the printing process that had that watermark. As for detecting watermarks, I use common Rubbing Alcohol which is quite inexpensive, easily obtained and slightly less combustable than lighter fluid.I cut two pieces of plastic sheeting (I used painters' drop cloth) and put a drop of caulking between them. I put a stamp underneath and rolled out the caulking--and was able to see the watermark! So this is now at the proof-of-principle stage. link to USA 1890-1893 Last Bank Note Definitives #219-229 category 1890-1893 Last Bank Note Definitives #219-229

Stamps have been treated since the 1950s in various nations with nearly invisible luminescent ink “bands” that show up on stamps when the stamp is shown under a UV light. The purpose of this was to make sorting and postmarking mail easier. Increased Automation Reversed, inverted, reversed and inverted, sideways or sideways inverted, what watermark is present and how it is oriented is something us stamp collectors would like to know.it came with no paperwork what-so-ever (founds the following on the web) but it looks pretty simple to me, place stamp on white square thing, close cover and apply pressure. Am I missing something ?

You don’t need to have any special skills or training to see the watermarks with the Signoscope. See watermarks without harsh chemicals or odors. Take your time peering through the viewfinder and even take photos… the watermark is visible for as long as you like. Include USB adapter to work at home (can also work with optional the SAFE Powerbank for portability to take on the road) The reality is that UV light does not usually work on watermarks. You can hold the stamp up to a UV light and you might be able to see parts of it brighten, but unless the stamp is treated with a substance that illuminates when shown in UV light, your results will be disappointing. To see the luminescent bands, expose the stamp to a UV light. Be careful to take all recommended precautions when working around a UV light. You can damage your skin and eyes with overexposure. Extreme overexposure to your eyes can lead to burnt corneas and even blindness. So, be careful! How UV Light Could Reveal A WatermarkThe SAFE Signoscope T2 portable watermark detector for stamps is the best option is you’re looking for an electronic stamp watermark detector. Easy to use: Insert stamp, turn on the light, and you can already see the secrets of your stamps in every detail – no chemicals needed, therefore no danger for your stamps. Place stamp face down in unit close and apply pressure using thumbs to reveal watermark. When the unit is closed the special 'ink' within the sachet will flow into the watermarked section of the stamp, allowing you to clearly see the design of the watermark, whether its inverted, the position of crowns and scripts and other important watermark features.

Benzene, an aromatic hydrocarbon, is a clear, usually colourless liquid with a gasoline-like odour.[2] Benzene occurs naturally as a constituent of crude oil and has been synthesized from coal since 1849 and from petroleum sources since 1941.[2] Trace amounts of benzene are produced from the incomplete combustion of organic materials.[3] Benzene may also be referred to as, benzol or coal naphtha.[4] There are numerous other synonyms and product names; see HSDB for more information.[4] Especially recommended for the difficult stamps-On-off light switch – Contrast adjuster · 7.5v light I followed the above advice last night, for 10 Straits Settlements stamps that I was having a hard time finding the watermarks on. I was looking for either 'Crown CA' or 'Crown CC' watermarks. You can see this makes the watermark jump out immediately, enough to positively identify it on these two stamps. The Morley Bright system uses the fractional difference between watermarked areas of the stamp and the remaining area to show relief when the ink in the sealed sachet is dispersed by pressure leaving 'tell tale' watermark traces.Now there are stupid people who ask the same question over and over, but I doubt you need worry about that. I tried the technique first on two of my prize stamps, the mint Lagos 5 shilling blue SG28 and the used 10 shilling purple-brown SG29. These two images are what I got with just plain scanning and no image manipulation.