Philatelist

A (Announcer) Here's another stamp collector. Sir, would you mind being interviewed for our podcast on the internet?

P (Philatelist) Sure OK

A So you are a stamp collector, correct?

P No Not correct. I am a philatelist.

A Well what is the difference?

P Well a stamp collector simply places scraps of paper that match images in an album in the album. Where as a philatelist researches each stamp issue for the characteristics that make it distinct.

A For example?

P Well take the color of a stamp. Most collectors rely on a color gauge like the Wonder Color Gauge. You know, hold up the stamp to various colors on the gauge until the color of the stamp matches the color on the gauge.

A So how do you identify the color of a stamp?

P Well, I use a refraction analysis tool connected by a USB port to a computer which has a program I designed that can report the frequency of the ink in the stamp. Each stamp has its own color, hence its own frequency. This tool simply selects through bit analysis the correct frequency. Then it compares that frequency to a data base, much like looking for a fingerprint match. There's much more to this aspect but I presume you have limited time.

A Yes. Well what other research do you perform on a stamp to identify it precisely?

P Then there is the physical dimension of the image. Again the computer comes in handy in conjunction with the precision veneer caliper scanner tool. As a stamp is scanned, the image size is compared to a data base and the size is then associated with a specific catalogue of images. Then other factors lead to identification.

A I'm reluctant to ask. Like what?

P Well my favorite tool is the perf tooth chart. In my stamp room laboratory I have developed a much more accurate perf gauge graduated by tenths, not half's. This accounts for humidity and temperature at the time of measurement. And this tool in conjunction with a tooth measurement can positively differentiate an issue.

A Let's move on to more standard tests. Like watermarks. You do investigate watermarks, right?

P Oh, unquestionably. But rather than use the antiquated lighter fluid or watermark fluid, I use an enhanced sino scope from Germany where all the details of the paper sub straight can be observed.

A So nothing is easy with you?

P What do you mean?

A Well I bet you have some high tech method of determining hard paper, soft paper, porous paper and so on.

P You bet cha. But the apparatus I use for this determination fills a huge space on the corner of my stamp room laboratory. The apparatus is my own invention. I expect to patent it, eventually.

A Have there ever been issues that you could not precisely identify?

P Oh, many. Those Washington Franklin issues from the 1920's are quite difficult. But not for long. Because I have been working on a dyno reflex investigative generator where any stamp issue can be inserted in a slot and the specific identification determination is available in a matter of a few hours. It will be a breakthrough for the philatelist, alleviating all of the individual tests I have mentioned and many more.

A So won't that take all the fun out of stamp collecting. I mean philately?

P Yes, I guess it will. But progress can not be held back.

A Speaking of back, now back to the studio.

P But you haven't asked me about my margin analysis tool, perf diameter microscope, weight comparison, Geiger counter reading of ink, paper tensile strength, MRI runs to analyze paper abnormalities. Oh, and there's ink analysis of the cancel on used issues to fix date of use through the ink comparison data base, and ...

A We have to go. Thanks .

P Well, OK. But anyone can visit my website at www.nothingbettertodo.com

A Bye