The Role of Gum in Stamp Perforation and Separation
The gum on a postage stamp serves as the adhesive that affixes the stamp to an envelope or other mail item. It plays a vital role in stamp perforation and separation, ensuring ease of use in the postal system. Initially designed for practical purposes, the gum on stamps has gained aesthetic value for certain collectors, particularly those who appreciate the allure of mint stamps with undisturbed gum. Mint stamps, with their pristine condition and intact gum, are highly sought after and can command premium prices in the philatelic market.
Key Takeaways:
- The gum on a postage stamp acts as the adhesive that affixes it to envelopes or mail items.
- Mint stamps with undisturbed gum are highly desirable among collectors.
- Regumming, the artificial application of gum on classic stamps, can impact the authenticity and value of a stamp.
- Gum formulation and quality have evolved over time, with natural gum arabic being replaced by synthetic adhesives like polyvinyl alcohol.
- Gum condition and characteristics play a significant role in identifying re-gummed stamps and determining their authenticity.
Gum Characteristics and Identification
When it comes to stamp collecting, identifying the characteristics of gum is an essential skill for discerning collectors. Understanding the nature of gum can help determine the authenticity and condition of a stamp, as well as detect regummed stamps. Let’s explore some key factors to consider when examining gum on stamps.
Gum Color and Texture
The color and texture of gum play a pivotal role in determining its authenticity. Original gum typically exhibits a smooth and even texture with a consistent color, matching the original stamp design. However, regummed stamps may have gum that looks artificially bold, thick, or uneven. By comparing the gum color and texture with known examples of genuine stamps, collectors can identify potential regumming attempts.
Gum Breakers
“Gum breakers” refer to the tiny protrusions or imperfections found on genuine gum. These natural variations in the gum surface can provide valuable clues when assessing a stamp’s authenticity. Regummed stamps may lack these breakers or exhibit irregularities that are not present on genuine stamps.”
Excess Gum Pooling and Stiff Perforation Tips
One common sign of regumming is the presence of excess gum pooling around the perforation holes. Genuine stamps usually have a moderate amount of gum around the perforations, while regummed stamps may show excessive pooling due to overapplication. Additionally, the stiffness of perforation tips can indicate regumming, as genuine gum tends to be more flexible.
Gum Condition and Hinge Remnants
The condition of gum can vary across stamps. Mint, never-hinged stamps have full, undisturbed gum with no signs of previous hinge marks. Lightly hinged stamps may exhibit slight marks or remnants from previous hinge usage, which collectors consider more acceptable. Heavily hinged stamps, on the other hand, may have large areas of missing or damaged gum, as well as multiple hinge remnants. Poor-quality hinges can turn brown over time, causing discoloration.
Cracked Gum
Gum that has cracked or developed fissures can significantly impact the condition of a stamp. Cracked gum can lead to further damage, such as the splitting of stamps. Collectors should be cautious when encountering stamps with cracked gum, as the overall value and desirability of such stamps may be diminished.
Gum and Stamp Preservation
While gum is essential for affixing stamps, it can also pose preservation challenges. Depending on its formulation, gum can crack, curl, discolor, attract vermin, and cause damage to stamp paper over time. Cracked gum can even lead to the splitting of stamps. To preserve stamps with gum, collectors are advised to store them properly in albums or stock books, away from high humidity, sunlight, and extreme temperature changes.
Water-activated gum, the standard until the mid-1990s, was susceptible to curling and sticking. Self-adhesive gum was introduced as an alternative, but it has its own set of concerns. Some self-adhesive gum does not dissolve in water, making it difficult to remove stamps from paper. Collectors who prefer mint, never-hinged stamps may find self-adhesive stamps challenging to collect and store due to the double thickness of the backing paper causing album bulge.
Tips for Gum Preservation:
- Store stamps in albums or stock books designed for stamp preservation.
- Avoid high humidity environments, as moisture can cause gum to crack and paper to warp.
- Protect stamps from direct sunlight exposure, as UV rays can fade colors and damage gum.
- Keep stamps away from extreme temperature changes, which can cause gum to expand and contract.
- Inspect stamps regularly for signs of cracked or damaged gum, and take appropriate action to prevent further deterioration.
“Proper storage and handling are key to preserving the integrity of stamp gum and maintaining the value of collectible stamps. By following these guidelines, collectors can enjoy their stamps for years to come.”
Preserving the gum on stamps is essential for maintaining their aesthetic value and overall condition. By providing the appropriate care and storage, collectors can ensure their stamps remain in prime condition.
Gum Preservation Guidelines:
| Gum Preservation Guidelines | Description |
|---|---|
| Avoid high humidity environments | High levels of humidity can cause gum to crack and paper to warp. |
| Protect stamps from sunlight exposure | Direct sunlight can fade colors and damage gum. |
| Store stamps away from extreme temperature changes | Fluctuations in temperature can cause gum to expand and contract, leading to damage. |
| Regularly inspect stamps for cracked or damaged gum | Early detection of issues allows for prompt action to prevent further deterioration. |
Proper Stamp Storage
Storing stamps in albums or stock books specifically designed for stamp preservation is crucial for gum preservation. These storage options provide protection from environmental elements that can damage gum, such as high humidity and sunlight exposure.
It is important to inspect stamps regularly for signs of cracked or damaged gum. If any issues are detected, collectors should consult with a professional preservationist or stamp expert to address the problem and prevent further deterioration.
Gum Types and Evolution
The evolution of stamp gum has seen a transition from gum arabic, a natural adhesive derived from the sap of Acacia trees, to synthetic adhesives like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and dextrin.
Gum arabic had some disadvantages, including curling, sticking, and staining the paper and watermark. Synthetic adhesives offered improved qualities, such as better resistance to curling and reduced sticking. PVA gum, almost invisible in appearance, had a yellowish colorant added to aid identification.
Self-adhesive gum, introduced in the late 1960s, posed unique challenges for collectors as it was initially insoluble and difficult to remove. However, subsequent formulations allowed for easier removal and soaking. Though convenient for postage, self-adhesive stamps have received mixed reviews from collectors due to their impact on stamp preservation and handling.
Re-Gumming and Its Effects
Re-gumming is a practice that involves removing the original gum from a stamp and applying a new coat. This process is often done to deceive collectors, as stamps with full, original gum command higher prices. However, identifying re-gummed stamps can be challenging.
To determine if a stamp has been re-gummed, collectors can compare the characteristics of the gum, such as color and texture, with the expected attributes of the original gum. Signs of potential re-gumming include excess gum pooling around the perforation holes and stiff perforation tips.
When purchasing mint stamps, especially those with undisturbed gum, it is recommended to authenticate their authenticity. Re-gumming can significantly impact the value of a stamp as it alters the original state and authenticity.
Removing artificial gum from stamps, including stamps with gum stains or damage, requires expertise and care. It is a delicate process that aims to preserve the stamp’s overall condition and aesthetics.
Authenticity and gum condition are crucial factors in determining the value and collectibility of stamps. Collectors should remain vigilant and rely on their knowledge and expertise to ensure the authenticity of the stamps they acquire.
In the next section, we will explore the challenges associated with stamp preservation in tropical climates.
Gum Challenges in Tropical Climates
Gum on stamps can present unique challenges in tropical climates, where high heat and humidity can adversely affect its performance. In the early days of stamp production, gum arabic, the adhesive used, was especially prone to issues such as curling and sticking.
One of the main problems faced in tropical climates was that sheets of stamps would often stick together, causing damage and difficulties in separating them. This resulted in torn or marred stamps, diminishing their value and aesthetic appeal.
Furthermore, gum arabic had a tendency to stain the paper, making the watermark more prominent. The combination of inferior gum used in stamp manufacturing and exposure to less than ideal conditions resulted in a phenomenon called tropicalization. This condition was characterized by damage to the gum and increased visibility of the watermark, affecting the overall quality of the stamp.
To address these challenges, synthetic adhesives like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were introduced. PVA gum provided better resistance to the effects of tropical climates, minimizing issues such as curling, sticking, and staining. The introduction of PVA gum significantly improved the performance of stamps in tropical regions, ensuring their durability and preserving their aesthetic appeal.
| Gum Challenges in Tropical Climates |
|---|
| Curling and sticking of stamps |
| Damage caused by stamps sticking together |
| Staining of the paper |
| Tropicalization, leading to increased visibility of the watermark |
| Synthetic adhesives such as PVA addressing these challenges |
Despite the improvements brought by synthetic adhesives, collectors and stamp enthusiasts should still take proper measures to ensure the preservation of stamps in tropical climates. Storing stamps in a controlled environment, away from excessive heat and humidity, can help prevent gum-related issues like sticking, curling, and discoloration.
By understanding the challenges posed by tropical climates and utilizing the advancements in gum technology, collectors can continue to enjoy the beauty and collectibility of stamps while ensuring their long-term preservation.
Gum as a Collectibility Factor
The condition of gum on stamps plays a significant role in determining their value and collectibility. Mint stamps, characterized by their untouched gum, are highly sought after by collectors. Among mint stamps, those that have never been hinged, known as unmounted mint, are particularly prized and command premium prices. To be considered unmounted mint, these stamps must exhibit pristine gum without any marks from hinge remnants. Early mint stamps that are free from hinge marks are especially rare since traditional stamp mounting involved the use of hinges.
Mint stamps with damaged or missing gum, as well as stamps with re-gummed or altered gum, usually have lower value in the collecting market. Collectors take into account the condition of gum, along with factors such as centering, color, perforation, and overall stamp condition, to determine the desirability and value of a collectible stamp.
Positive and Negative Aspects of Gum
Gum on stamps has both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, gum serves as the adhesive that secures stamps to envelopes, ensuring their proper and secure use in the postal system. This adhesive property of gum enables stamps to be easily affixed to mail items, allowing for efficient delivery and handling. Without gum, stamps would not adhere to surfaces, resulting in their loss or mishandling within the mail system.
Furthermore, gum has gained aesthetic value for collectors. Mint stamps with pristine and undisturbed gum are highly desirable among stamp enthusiasts. The presence of intact gum adds to the authenticity and overall appeal of these collectible items. Stamp collectors often seek out mint stamps with full gum as they are considered to be in their original state, untouched since their issuance. Such stamps, free from any hinge marks or post-usage remnants, can command premium prices in the philatelic market.
However, the presence of gum on stamps also poses preservation challenges. Over time, gum can deteriorate, crack, curl, and discolor, potentially causing damage to the stamps and the paper they are affixed to. As gum formulation and quality vary, natural gum arabic, once commonly used, had certain drawbacks. The natural adhesive had a tendency to curl, stick, and stain the stamp paper and even the watermark on occasions. This presented challenges for collectors and led to the development of synthetic adhesives like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and dextrin.
These synthetic adhesives have improved the resistance of stamps to curling, sticking, and discoloration. PVA gum, which is almost invisible in appearance, had a yellowish colorant added to aid identification. These advancements in adhesive formulation have aimed to address the preservation concerns associated with gum on stamps.
Additionally, the introduction of self-adhesive gum in later years has offered added convenience for postal use. Self-adhesive stamps eliminate the need for water activation and provide an alternative application method. However, this type of gum has introduced its own unique challenges for collectors. Removing self-adhesive stamps from paper can be difficult, and the double thickness of the backing paper can cause album bulge, making storage and display more challenging.
In summary, while gum on stamps has advantageous properties such as securing stamps and adding aesthetic value, it also presents challenges related to preservation and handling. Adhesive formulation, from natural gum arabic to synthetic adhesives like PVA, has evolved to address these challenges. As stamp collecting and postal systems continue to evolve, the future of gum is subject to the preferences and requirements of collectors and the postal industry.
Stamp Perforation and Separation
Alongside gum, stamp perforation plays a crucial role in stamp separation and preparation for use. Perforations are the small holes punched into the paper surrounding each stamp, allowing for easy separation and removal.
Different perforation types exist, including unofficial perforations, imperforate stamps, reperforated stamps, and improved perforations. Philatelically inspired perforations and unofficial perforations were made to facilitate stamp separation but without specific philatelic intent. Imperforate stamps, on the other hand, lack any perforations deliberately, either accidentally or intentionally. There are also instances of reperforated stamps, where the perforations have been fraudulently added at a later time.
Understanding the different perforation types and their significance adds to the overall appreciation of stamps as collectible and philatelic items.
| Perforation Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Unofficial Perforations | Perforations made outside the official philatelic processes, usually to facilitate stamp separation. | Unofficially perforated stamp image |
| Imperforate Stamps | Stamps intentionally or accidentally lacking any perforations, requiring scissors for separation. | Imperforate stamp image |
| Reperforated Stamps | Stamps with perforations fraudulently added at a later time, altering the original state. | Reperforated stamp image |
| Improved Perforations | Perforations designed to address previous perforation shortcomings, offering better separation and overall quality. | Improved perforation stamp image |
The Future of Stamp Gum
The future of gum used in postage stamps is shaped by the evolving needs and preferences of collectors and postal systems. While the introduction of self-adhesive gum has brought convenience to postal use, it has also faced criticism from collectors. The impact of self-adhesive gum on stamp preservation, handling, and the challenges it poses for collectors seeking mint, never-hinged stamps has been a topic of concern.
However, as technology and adhesive formulations continue to advance, it is likely that we will see further developments in stamp gum that address these concerns. The future may bring new types of gum that strike a balance between functionality, usability, and the preservation of stamps. These advancements will aim to meet the needs of collectors while ensuring that stamps can still be effectively used in the postal system.
As the stamp collecting community and industry preferences evolve, the long-term impact of different gum types on stamp preservation remains to be seen. Collector preferences will continue to influence the direction of gum development, ensuring that future gum formulations align with the desires and expectations of stamp enthusiasts.
