Using the damp paper method once more I decided to take a look at the 1990/1992 NVI 1st class Orange stamps, the majority of which I have to hand are mainly individuals from booklets with either imperf top or imperf bottom, but I did find a few from sheets with perforations all round, and on inspection I discovered by using the damp paper method in combination with an ultraviolet light that three specific papers could be identified.
A} a non-fluorescent paper (opaque when damp) produced for booklets.
B} a medium fluorescent paper (translucent whilst damp) produced for booklets.
C} a highly fluorescent paper (opaque when damp) produced for booklets.
D} a highly fluorescent paper (opaque when damp) used in sheet printings.
Papers C&D appear to be identical just different perforations.
<See attachments>
Papers A and B used for photogravure printings whereas papers C and D was used for stamps printed by lithography (Walsall and Questa).
The 22p flame red stamp.
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On using the damp paper method to distinguish differences in types of paper used, I noticed that the 22p flame red stamp had been produced using two different base papers, one being of a translucent nature whilst damp reacting fluorescent under long wave UV and a non reactive paper that appeared opaque when damp, these differences can be seen in the following two attachments >
Another factor to be noted is that during my damp stamp paper experiments I found the opaque papers to be less porous than the translucent ones, and consequently the opaque papers had a greater buoyancy, the two types of paper virtually separated themselves in the water, one sank (translucent) being more absorbent, whilst the other had a greater tendency to float once removed off their envelope clippings and placed into a separate clean water container.
Another one for your scrapbook is the 20p turquoise stamp also known as a sea green shade that first appeared in public on the 23rd of August 1988 printed on a coated paper classified as ACP (advanced coated paper), the trouble is someone has forgot to mention that two basic papers that was coated have been used to print this stamp, and with the use of the damp paper procedure I was able to discriminate between the two varieties that exist, one being on a paper that is opaque when damp and not fluorescent and another that is translucent when damp but fluorescent under longwave UV.
<See the two attachments>
There are possibly many more values with variations of paper yet to be discovered using this method.
Perhaps Scott Kibby the new decimal Machin consultant may be able to add a few comments or additional information as to my findings relating to the damp paper method and CONTAMINATED papers discovered, or could it be he is unaware of the differences that I have found !
Here are a couple of 22p stamps both with different base papers, issued within a month of each other in 1991, the dinosaur stamp being printed on a non-fluorescent base paper whilst the roses stamp was printed on a highly fluorescent one, both stamps having conventional FCP >
But that is not the complete picture, I can now report on finding two distinct papers used to print the 22p Dinosaur stamps, the variations was discovered whilst using the damp paper experimentation procedure, the like of which can be seen in the following two attachments.
Please note that all stamps depicted in the following two attachments were damp at the time the shots were taken.
Attachment 1: as seen under normal fluorescent lighting.
Attachment 2: as seen under long wave ultraviolet.
No doubt many more issues have yet to be found that have been affected in a similar way as it would appear that more than one base paper has been used to print British decimal stamps during this period irrespective of the various types of coatings that have been used.
Curly wurly, spring or pigs-tail stamp papers
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Over the years due to changes in postal technology the need for different types of paper has been sought and experimented with in which to accomplish various tasks and requirements needed, one type of paper springs to mind (excuse the pun), as this particular one has a tendency to curl up like a spring once submerged in water and can be awkward for the collector after soaking off paper, especially during the drying procedure. The worst offending examples being around 1980/3 period and to a lesser degree 1984 stamp papers, in fact stamps as late as 1992 (Queens Accession) have been recorded on this type of curly type paper when damp.
Here are a couple of examples >
Why this type of paper was ever introduced originally is open to speculation and conjecture, thankfully it was eventually replaced, but was this type of paper ever officially recorded on its induction or as to when it was replaced as was the Wilding papers in 1962 ?
Have records been kept ?
I've also noticed that some of the definitives issued during the same period in question such as the 14p grey-blue and the 22p deep blue gave a similar reaction when immersed in water.
It's surprising what you can discover with a little drop of H²O and a bit of ingenuity, the above findings are just a little something to whet your appetite, see what
you can discover using this damp paper method I devised in order to discriminate the different variety of papers used !
But watch out for those fugitive coatings in doing so !!!!
Have a nice day everyone, Wildling Mad.