Stamp Collecting Difficulties Answered

New Zealand Listener, Volume 36, Issue 925, 3 May 1957, Page 22

Stamp Collecting Difficulties Answered

Dear Aunt Daisy, The letter from "M.G,S." interested me as I have had similar experience with scarce stamps that were grubby or had rust spots. Having tried various methods I find the best and indeed the only safe cleaner is chloramine T. It will not hurt the stamps at all, and has been tried and recommended by two

London royal societies. The only drawback is that if it is a mint stamp you lose the gum, not a very serious point as gum generates rust after years; and rust will completely spoil a stamp. With used stamps chloramine T. is a safe method. I got some pure C.T. from the English Pharmaceutical Society, and as it is not easy to obtain im New Zealand I am enclosing some. The quantity I am enclosing is sufficient for half a cup of water, preferably rain water. If you have only 6 or 8 stamps needing cleaning use as much C.T. as will go on a threepenny bit not unduly heaped up, in a saucer of water; water to be a full tablespoon, perhaps slightly more, Immerse the stamps in the mixture of C.T. and water, leave for about 2 minutes. I just use a water colour brush of camel hair to stroke the stamps with until clean. Put cleaned stamps in basin of water or dish of running water for about 10 min‘utes; take out and place face down on blotting paper. I find it advisable to do only 6 or 8 stamps at a time, so the amount of C.T. enclosed will last for 40 to 50 stamps. Fat stains are extremely difficult to clean off stamps. Even C.T. is not entirely satisfactory, but for -grubby marks or rust you will find it safe and effective. Don’t rub the face or backs of stamps, it may spoil them.-D.G., Ohaupo, Waikato. If you will send me a stamped and addressed envelope I will forward this C.T. It is, however, obtainable from most chemists.