These are
tools every stamp collector should have.
COLOUR GUIDE
PERFORATION GAUGE
The
colour guide comes in handy when you have an unknown stamp.
You can identify it with the help of a catalogue (more on
that below). To identify it correctly you need a colour
guide to match the stamp to a colour on the guide. You will
then know what description to look for in the catalogue.
A
perforation gauge works in the following way. Put it next to
a stamp and count the number of perforations in 20
millimetres (or 2cm). The number of perfs in 20 millimetres
is the perforation of that stamp. This comes in handy since
two stamps might look similar but have different perfs. This
can dramatically influence the value of your stamp. Certain
perfs are scarcer.
TONGS
MAGNIFYING GLASS
Because
stamps are so delicate they should be handled as carefully
as possible. To prevent wear and tear, tongs should be used
every time you handle a stamp. Skilled collectors never
touch a stamp with fingers, they even mount them by using
their tongs. Fatty oils or cream on your hands can actually
remain on the stamp and cause them to lose colour.
Many
stamps have very fine detail and it helps to have magnifying
glass to take a closer look. It shows details four to six
times the actual size. A magnifying glass is especially
useful in looking for differences between seemingly
identical stamps. It is also great to view a beautiful stamp
through a magnifying glass.
WATERMARK DETECTOR FLUID
FLUORESCENT LIGHT
Some
stamps has a mark put on during manufacturing (to prevent
counterfeiting). The watermark will show when you use this
special fluid. (Note: there are some hazards in handling
watermark detection fluid, so check with an adult before you
use it). To look for a watermark, place the stamp with your
tongs, face down in a tray and cover with enough fluid. If
there is a watermark, it should become visible. If you take
it out the stamp will dry in a minute or two. Use a
newspaper to make sure the stamp is completely dry, before
putting it back in an album.
A
fluorescent light works in the same way as the watermark
fluid, but will work easier. You can hold the light above
the stamp and place it back in your album immediately. No
need for you to wait for the stamp to dry. Can be used to
check bank notes as well.
The
colour guide comes in handy when you have an unknown stamp.
You can identify it with the help of a catalogue (more on
that below). To identify it correctly you need a colour
guide to match the stamp to a colour on the guide. You will
then know what description to look for in the catalogue.
A
perforation gauge works in the following way. Put it next to
a stamp and count the number of perforations in 20
millimetres (or 2cm). The number of perfs in 20 millimetres
is the perforation of that stamp. This comes in handy since
two stamps might look similar but have different perfs. This
can dramatically influence the value of your stamp. Certain
perfs are scarcer. 
Because
stamps are so delicate they should be handled as carefully
as possible. To prevent wear and tear, tongs should be used
every time you handle a stamp. Skilled collectors never
touch a stamp with fingers, they even mount them by using
their tongs. Fatty oils or cream on your hands can actually
remain on the stamp and cause them to lose colour.
Many
stamps have very fine detail and it helps to have magnifying
glass to take a closer look. It shows details four to six
times the actual size. A magnifying glass is especially
useful in looking for differences between seemingly
identical stamps. It is also great to view a beautiful stamp
through a magnifying glass.
Some
stamps has a mark put on during manufacturing (to prevent
counterfeiting). The watermark will show when you use this
special fluid. (Note: there are some hazards in handling
watermark detection fluid, so check with an adult before you
use it). To look for a watermark, place the stamp with your
tongs, face down in a tray and cover with enough fluid. If
there is a watermark, it should become visible. If you take
it out the stamp will dry in a minute or two. Use a
newspaper to make sure the stamp is completely dry, before
putting it back in an album.
A
fluorescent light works in the same way as the watermark
fluid, but will work easier. You can hold the light above
the stamp and place it back in your album immediately. No
need for you to wait for the stamp to dry. Can be used to
check bank notes as well.