Soaking Penny Blacks off an 1840s Wrapper: #philately 32

Comments · 204

• SC

  @ScottyK1701 · 3 years ago · pinned

  I've used the peroxide method for years. Bill uses 12% strength, but you can buy a weaker mix, I use 3%. That means the reaction isn't as fast and you have a bit of time to watch the progress and judge when you're happy it's done. Some stamps take a little longer than others. As Bill noted, this is only for the Line Engraved stamps.

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• JO

  @johnbateman5068 · 1 year ago

  He describes everything in layman's terms. You can see his genuine enthusiasm and love for his craft. Can listen to his narration all day.

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• RI

  @RichardPhilatelist · 3 years ago

  It was awesome witnessing this rare scene, and even better to review from an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/philately">#philately</a> episode. 🙌

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• PE

  @peterconrad2277 · 3 years ago

  This was a rollercoaster episode for my anxiety. &nbsp;Well done Bill and Graham.

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• DA

  @danstars1 · 3 years ago

  Fascinating detective work by Bill

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• PS

  @psarj · 3 years ago (edited)

  Excellent video, and great information from a line engrave stamp expert.<br><br>Be very very careful with the use of Hydrogen Peroxide. on postage stamps.<br>I have read about some concerns regarding the long terms effect on the strength of the paper.<br>So be mindful of Bill&apos;s advice to limit the exposure to 30 seconds or less. &nbsp;And be sure of the inks on the stamps you are cleaning!<br><br>There is also a viewpoint that the discolouration or sulphurization of he stamp reflects part of it&apos;s 182 year journey. &nbsp;Our role as collectors is to be careful custodians of the material for the relatively brief period that we own them!

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• PE

  @pennyfodca7752 · 3 years ago

  Well done Bill!! &nbsp;So interesting to watch.

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• KY

  @KylesStamps · 3 years ago

  Have not seen or heard of that peroxide trick. Wow. He knows what he is doing. Quality detective work right there! Great video Graham!

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• HO

  @hobbiescentrale7105 · 3 years ago

  A very nice educative video on how to spot alterations to a PB cover. Many thanks to Bill for shining light on this. 👍👍👍

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• SI

  @siam1883 · 3 years ago

  A superb vignette. I admit to being very apprehensive watching Mr. Barrell subject Penny Blacks, &nbsp;182 years old, to hydrogen peroxide, but he is obviously a real pro.

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• ST

  @StampCatStamps · 3 years ago

  Who would have thought a video on stamps would have my heart racing from nerves. All of the things he did to those penny blacks! Obviously though, an experienced professional. I learned a lot from this today!

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• GA

  @garyholdener2470 · 3 years ago

  Incredibly interesting and informative! &nbsp;Witnessing the detective work of an expert philatelist was so eye opening and educational. &nbsp;Thanks Bill and Graham.

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