Gum
A
dilemma!
Illustrated
below is a large block of Scott #12, a classic Keatinge &
Ball printing as evidenced by the heavy dark gum, often referred
to as "molasses-like gum". Note how it has stained
the face of the block. When viewed from the verso, it is clear
how the gum was applied - with brushes, which created an uneven
depth varying from heavy to light, applied in different directions
and often leaving little air bubbles. Because of the often heavy
staining, many serious students soak their stamps to prevent
further degradation of the face. Thus it could be argued that
stamps with no gum, while listed in the Scott Catalog as less
valuable, truly are not. Many would assert that they are actually
more valuable and would counter with oft heard, "Are we
collecting the gum or the stamps?" Should we follow the
seemingly gum-crazed U.S. stamp market trend or save Confederate
stamps for future generations of students?
Below is the back of another large block, this of a Scott #11 Archer & Daly print. Uneven gum applied by brushes is not only the venue of Keatinge & Ball. Similar quandaries apply to these issues, although not usually as serious as with the thick dark K&B gum. As with the upper example, the gum staining is most easily seen in the margins where there is no design. This is why old time hoards of type I and type II stamps that had the gum soaked years ago appear fresh and bright with eye-popping color. So which is more collectible?
