Gum
An unused stamp is normally to be preserved with its original gum (O.G.); stamp hinges properly used will preserve the
Quartz Lamp
A lamp generating violet rays, much used by experts for detecting alterations or repairs to stamps.
Zincography, Zinco.
The photo-mechanical process of engraving by etching on sensitised zinc plates in line or half-tone. A zinco is a block
Free Stamps
See Privilege Stamps.
Entire
Collectors of stamped postal stationery preserve the complete envelopes, post cards, wrappers, etc., as “entires”; some, however, only preserve the
Bull’s-eye Cancellation
A postmark, in which the city, state, and dates have been placed directly on the centre of a stamp, or
Encased Stamps
Postage stamps wholly or partly covered with celluloid or metal serving as substitutes for small coinage.
Harrow Perforation
An uncommon form of perforation in which the punches are set in rectangular form to perforate a full sheet of
Gutters
The spaces left between stamps for perforation or cutting apart. The wider margin between panes is a pane margin. If
American Letter Mail
Company Local issues from Boston, U.S.A., issued in 1844 by Lysander Spooner.
Alwar
A feudatory state of Rajasthan, British India which issued its own locals from 1877-1899. Now part of India.
Andorra (Andorre)
Independent state in the Pyrenees mountains, between France and Spain, that is neither a republic or a monarchy. Governed jointly
Amadeus or Amadeo
King of Spain from 1870 to 1873. Several issues from Spain during this period bear his likeness.
BEP
Bureau of Engraving, Washington, D.C., where all U.S. currency and almost all U.S. postage stamps have been produced, since 1894.
Bridger and Kaye Ltd (B&K)
London stamp dealers, who publish the Commonwealth catalogue, normally referred to as the “Commonwealth” or “B&K”.