Need advice on watermark detectors please

Yeah, I have got lighter fuel and a black tray but they don't work too well on those Hong Kong stamps, I can tell enough to know there is a watermark on some of the 1973-78 definitives but not enough to work out which one of the 2 possibilities. Really annoying 

I don't use those modern fancy do-hickeys, so I can't give you any suggestions either.

However, is it something like the bulb has gone out? The bulb is actually an OEM replaceable part. You just have to search by bulb part numbers, rather than machine. If it's just the bulb, and you are having difficulty locating a replacement, PM me and I'll help you hunt it down -- I'm always scavenging for OEM parts to fix electronics.

OK, yes that has been an ongoing problem as the machines age. I've even remember reading about someone who tried to make his own makeshift replacement, but I don't think he got anywhere as good results as the original.

Hi

They are expensive, but Signoscope T2 or T1 work pretty well. I've only used (don't have one) the T2 but a friend had a T1 and he liked it. I would not use a Morley Bright as I have heard that the sachets leak, and in some instances ruined a stamp.

Jerry B

Did the same thing when I first saw this post. I went to Bill's site to see what he had.

And you are 100% right!

That is just way too much for a watermark detector. I'll just stick to my little black tray and lighter fluid for the time being.

I used to used to use watermark fluid, but it got too expensive. I switched to Ronsonol and have been hooked on it every since. Hard to kick the habit. Thank you Walmart.

The method I use in order as needed:

-- hold up to light
-- put on my Levi pant leg while sitting (you'd be surprised how many watermarks can be easily detected this way! just remember to put the stamp back in place before standing up instead of sorting the watermarks in your lap! )
-- lighter fluid in black tray

And if it's a old engraved yellow stamp, lots'a'luck! On those super-difficult yellow stamps, you almost have to go to light filters and non-black tray, or Signascope.

Ronsonol is more than 50% cheaper, readily available at almost every Walmart (their website will even tell you what aisle it's on -- typically it is a register aisle). I keep a part bottle of watermark fluid as back-up, just in case, but I haven't run into anything that watermark fluid will detect but Ronsonol won't.

And, as the example you mentioned, there are some watermarks that defy most, if not all, efforts/methods...

Hi

Just an observation. Ronsonol at one time was not "oily" feeling. I believe they were bought and now it is some "oily" substance with the Ronsonol name on it.

Jerry b

Hi sforgca

Thanks. I could not remember who bought them.

Jerry B