What condition are the stamps?
If they are used, simply soak them off like you would a stamp from paper.
If the stamps still have gum on them, it may be best to leave the hinges alone. You could remove the loose portion of the hinge, but don't tug on the hinge if the flap is securely attached to the stamp. Some people use a dab of watermark fluid and a cotton swap to slowly loosen the flap from the stamp.
Soaking is fine. But I try not to soak very expensive stamps unless I have a real good reason. But even for inexpensive stamps, I'm too lazy to go through the soaking process for one or two stamps.
I place the stamp hinge up on a safe surface, lightly moisten a Q-tip with saliva and rub the affixed portion of the hinge to get it slightly damp. Eventually it gets loose enough to peel off by grabbing the loose part of the hinge with stamp tongs and pulling at an angle. If you use this method be very patient and don't tug the hinge off or get the hinge too wet. This method takes practice, so start on expendable stamps. Some folks use water or use a paint brush, but I find it hard to control the amount of moisture that way.
Other methods are to place the stamp hinge side up on a semi-solid surface, rub the affixed portion of the hinge with the curved part of bent spade-tipped stamp tongs until the friction heats and breaks down the adhesive.
Hello everyone can someone help me with a question I have. I have some old german stamps with hinges still on them ( I bought them off ebay ) how do I remove the old yello hinges without destroying the stamp? Thanks for any help Devil Dog
re: Stamp hinges
What condition are the stamps?
If they are used, simply soak them off like you would a stamp from paper.
If the stamps still have gum on them, it may be best to leave the hinges alone. You could remove the loose portion of the hinge, but don't tug on the hinge if the flap is securely attached to the stamp. Some people use a dab of watermark fluid and a cotton swap to slowly loosen the flap from the stamp.
re: Stamp hinges
Soaking is fine. But I try not to soak very expensive stamps unless I have a real good reason. But even for inexpensive stamps, I'm too lazy to go through the soaking process for one or two stamps.
I place the stamp hinge up on a safe surface, lightly moisten a Q-tip with saliva and rub the affixed portion of the hinge to get it slightly damp. Eventually it gets loose enough to peel off by grabbing the loose part of the hinge with stamp tongs and pulling at an angle. If you use this method be very patient and don't tug the hinge off or get the hinge too wet. This method takes practice, so start on expendable stamps. Some folks use water or use a paint brush, but I find it hard to control the amount of moisture that way.
Other methods are to place the stamp hinge side up on a semi-solid surface, rub the affixed portion of the hinge with the curved part of bent spade-tipped stamp tongs until the friction heats and breaks down the adhesive.