Okay, I have some stamps that have details / writings so small that they're almost invisible. I really want to identify them, as want to know everything about a stamp when someone asks me about it. Some people told me to use a magnifier, but it just doesn't work. Any help over here?
This is a pic I took with my usb microscope ,probably one of the best investments Ive made in a while.
I use a regular loupe, that my wife bought for me a few years back. I'd like to get one of those usb microscopes that @stampdad speaks of too. Someday.
I use a really good magnifying glass with high magnification and a light. If that's not enough sometimes I'll do a scan onto my computer to see really fine detail. Peter
Zararina I picked mine up on E-bay for 35 bucks and it hasn' t been one of those gadgets you play with for a while and throw in a drawer never to be used again. And to make it even better ,my son gave me a cable that connects my computer to my 46 incn flat screen.
A lighted magnifier usually allows me to see all I need to see. Raineydays statement about the scanner is a good idea. I hadn't thought of that before, but expect to use it in the near future. Don
This looks like a good investment indeed. Well, I have to agree that you're able to see the smallest details and now I'm looking forward to buying one. Thank you!
That's what I use. Peter, kudos for spelling "loupe" correctly! Way too many people spell it "loop", which is not correct. ( Ok, rant over)
I have a 5x magnifying glass and a 10x standing loupe. I also use enhanced magnified photos in specialized catalogs to pinpoint what I am supposed to be looking for. At age 53, even though I do not wear glasses or any other eyewear, it can be difficult to see many of minute details on some stamps (i.e., Liberty Bell Forever stamps, Canadian copyright dates imbedded into designs, etc.)
I generally use a basic magnifying glass for seeing the detail I need to see. With an HD camera, I can take a shot and view it on my computer screen much larger and that tends to reveal the details. I have never used it but I do have a classic microscope in the closet. i like the idea of a USB one but am not sure that I would use it a lot.
Steverd - I found mine on e-bay while shopping around . I grabbed this one because it was only 35$ and free shipping , Its a cheap knock off of some kind but it has actually done quite well . Ive just snapped a few more of one of my pieces from the Trans -Mississippi issues to show the true art in engraved plates.
