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I wonder if anyone would be able to give me some tips or direct me to an internet article to help how to tell the difference between George V stamps?

Particularly, I'm looking at the example of the green halfpenny stamps released in 1902, 1912 and 1934.

I can see from some stamps in my collection that there are colour differences but suspect that these may not be so obvious in stamps that are well worn.

Are there any obvious things I can be looking out for?

(I have looked Googled this already but can't seem to find a well informed article about this).

I'm really new at this so treat me gently!

Many thanks.

Hi day26, I read your post a few times and I'm still a bit confused!!

Colour variation may have occured for many reasons...fading, soaking, general wear and tear and so on! Then there is different printings were the dye may not have been quite the same!

There are so many factors to consider...There are many experts here that I'm sure will be able to help! Good luck

Anne

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I am having fun collecting WW and Indian States.

Hello!
Differences you will find in the watersign.
The issue from 1934 has a fully coloured oval.
If you want to work in to this, you should have a catalogue.
Maybe try at the library or maybe you can by an older one for the beginning.
George V starts in 1911.The first 3 issues with the head looking a little to the middle have 3 different watersigns.
Also differences in the lion shading.These are only 1/2p green and 1p red.
The issues after them, have George looking at the left side
1902 is Edward VII.

Thank you! That's exactly the sort of clear and concise explanation I was looking for.

I don't have a watermark detector yet but will now seek one out and start investigating!

Thanks again.

I know I've already said thanks for the reply above but I've just taken a quick look at a few stamps and, when you have such good clear advice as above it's so easy.

This really is a brilliant forum!

For the 1902 = Edward VII ½d stamp, there are distinctive blue-green and yellow-green varieties, which are quite obvious even to a non-specialist. Sadly, neither are particularly valuable as each was printed in the millions.

For any you have that you aren't sure of, maybe post up an image here and someone will be able to help

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Oh my! I love this hobby!

I love a subject where the more I learn the less I know!

When you've been doing it 45 years, you'll still be saying EXACTLY the same

With some BE (British Empire) colonial issues, it can be hard to distinguish the side-face profiles of KEVII and KGV apart, i.e. if its a small portrait on a definitive. I always judge by the hair--Eddie was so old by the time he got a chance on the throne (its not only the bathroom variety that women hog ) that he didn't have a lot left up top.

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Collecting Mongolia; Thailand; Indo-China; Mourning Covers; OHMS.
My online 'store': http://stampsfromaethelwulf.blogspot.com/

Aint this the truth

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Philatelists are not boring old F A R T S that smell of mothballs

I note your location and strongly suggest a trip to York racecourse on 20/21st July to see the stamp fair there which will be very beneficial in viewing and learning about the stamps. The second day will be much quieter in terms of browsing and chatting with dealers for help and advice.

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Long interest in stamps from Great Britain. Avid collector always after good pre 1930 lots

Indeed! I'm actually really excited about attending. This will be the first year I've been involved in the hobby since I was about 9 years old! The York event is in my diary and family warned!

You wrote, day26
'I don't have a watermark detector yet but will now seek one out and start investigating!'
obviously its up to you when you buy one! but I don't have one nor will buy one just yet. A while ago I bought myself a piece of A4 black paper.
Laid a stamp face down on it, saw nothing, and another, saw nothing, and another and then suddenly I saw the watermark. It was like one of those pictures where there's an hidden figure which when you see it you can't 'unsee' it. Now unless there's lots of gum or other mess I usually see the watermark. It's great seeing them. I'm very new to collecting. So maybe save your money to buy stamps not watermark detectors!
Have fun
Glyn

Hi Glyn, I can believe this! A friend of mine who is also a collector said the same and tried to show me what he was seeing.

I think part of the problem is I am partially sighted (having, for all intent and purposes, sight in one eye only). I find the 3D pictures infuritating!!

I have had a little luck detecting watermarks using watermark fluid so may have to go that route.

A question to other collectors, is watermark fluid safe? (You might want to post that in this forum - personally I don't like the idea of putting fluid on my stamps. I've even stopped soaking them.)
g.

Hi Glyn Pope, I had been having lots of trouble with watermarks! As you know, they are either very clear or basically unreadable.

I am just getting into Indian State stamps which have the same problem. And the advice I was given??? Try using lighter fluid!

Took me a while to track some down! Everybody seems to have those Bic lighters now...not the refillable lighters! But it works a treat!

I bought a black ashtray (the size is about right..not too big)...put the stamp face down on the black (black works best!)...a drop or two of lighter fluid...and voila!!! it's like magic! and the lighter fluid evaporates within seconds...so be quick!

It doesn't hurt the stamp and I have been told this by some of the best here on SB and as a novice, I am more than willing to go along with their judgement.

From what I can gather, watermark fluid is pretty much the same as lighter fluid...not really sure of all the specifications etc...except in price! If the experts here can use lighter fluid...so will I. A 125 ml tin of Zippo cost AUS$4.50...not sure what watermark fluid is but I'm betting it's at least 4 x the price for the same result!

As far as soaking stamps? I just bought an old really dirty and mustey smelling album with mostly hinged British Commonwealth stamps in it (a general collectors dream!) I split the album up and spread each individual page out over every available flat space to air for two weeks and then a quick soak in boiling water followed by two quick washes in cold water! Another week drying and flattening out followed by another week of airing.

With very few exceptions, I now have some lovely stamps that have come up beautifully...and don't smell mustey! And if I need to have a watermark, I have my trusty lighter fluid at hand!

Try it on some of your cheaper general stamps! You will be amazed!

Anne

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I am having fun collecting WW and Indian States.

just dont sniff the lighter fluid in an enclosed space!!!

And dont smoke when using the stuff> !

Originally the watermark fluid was BENZENE but that gets a bad press as a potential carcinogen--------don't know what they use now but it's probably flamable

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whatever it is -------it's better than a poke in eye with a wet umbrella !

one of the "experts" also told me " do not smoke when using lighter fluid as it can result in lost eyebrows"! and that was from previous experience on his behalf!

As far as breathing in the fumes, I don't think anyone will be doing this in a tiny enclosed cubical. Most people will be working on their stamps in a reasonably sized room...and if any doubts, use common sense...open a window or two!

Any lighter fluid is OBVIOUSLY flamable...but I'm guessing that the watermark detector fluid is flamable as well!

Interesting that the ZIPPO container says it is Light Petroleum Distillate.

Does any one who uses Water Mark Detector Fluid know what they use?

Interesting!

Anne

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I am having fun collecting WW and Indian States.

Thanks for that Anne, I've saved your advice in my stamps documents.
Best wishes
Glyn

I was reminded of BENZENE etc again today when I went to local hardware store for a can of paint thinners. "Hammerite" paint for a gate.

Not on the shelves!!

Only available from a locked steel cabinet .

Had to prove to the checkout lady I was over 21!

Apparently " Health and Safety" was saving young glue sniffers from themselves!

Wonder if it works as a watermark detector?

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whatever it is -------it's better than a poke in eye with a wet umbrella !

I think you're mixing up benzine (petroleum ether) and benzene (as in benzene ring).

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Nigel

I think they use naptha now.