Machin Medallion & Pin

Sometimes I get the impression that Royal mail consider that the general public have pots of gold hidden beneath their beds. They constantly bombard us with new products which I myself just can not keep up with.

The latest products ( but probably not the last in 2007) in their efforts to empty our purses is A Machin Medallion, and pin, said "to celebrate the 40th Anniversary"

The Medallion produced to compliment the anniversary is struck in sterling silver, hallmarked on the rim by Edinburgh Assay office. Reported to be in a limited edition of 2007 which is the amount to represent the 40th year of the Machin issue.

The reverse bears a simple message relating to the issue of the first Machin on June 1967. Supplied with a booklet designing the Machin and its status as an icon and a presentation case at :

(wait for it)

A staggering price of £89.95. You will need to add postage and packing to this price. £2.95 (UK), £5 (Europe) and £14 (the rest of the world)

Product 02: Machin Lapel pin

This is a 3D model of the 1st class Machin (actual stamp size) cast in a silver plated metal. This can be used as a badge or pin with a clutch tie back attachment. Said to be "a near accurate replica of a stamp with perforations and ellipses"

Cost for this is £22.95, postage & packing charges are the same as above. The presentation box and a booklet on Arnold Machins design are supplied with the purchase.

Very nice, but not for me thanks. What do you think?

Machin News

No one has ever said collecting Machins is an easy task.

It certainly is not easy for the specialist who collects mint singles. Where he / she is concerned, they have to be on top of their game acquiring as much knowledge of any new printings that emerge.

Hopefully this post will help to a degree.

With new postage rates and sheet values (April 07) add the forthcoming 40th anniversary miniature sheets and Prestige books, coils , 1st / 2nd class counter sheets ( smaller font). Not to mention business sheets with large font we have our work cut out making sure that as singles (if one collects singles that is), one of each are acquired to keep our collections up to date and complete.

I have not examined the miniature sheet at this time, but have been informed that the ( mauve ) £1 stamp has been printed with Iriodin ink where as the £1 (Ruby) stamp has not.

I can also confrm to you that this miniature sheet was printed sideways, so both the £1 mauve & Ruby stamps differ from their counter sheet printings.

Business sheets with Large horizontal stamps ( 1st and 2nd class ) are printed by Walsall in sheets of 50, these stamps can be distinguished from normal retail booklet stamps by the difference of the backing paper. The business sheets are not printed on the reverse.

Reprints of the pre pricing in proportion 1st class and 2nd class counter sheets, I can confirm that 1st class (gold) has cylinder D2 and 2nd class (blue) has cylinder D3.

(CYLINDERS were also getting to be minefield). They seem to have reverted back to the norm and have been upgraded by one number. I do know that collectors have contacted Royal Mail about the non uniformity of cylinder numbers, so perhaps Royal Mail have taken notice of collectors comments in this department?

As for singles from the prestige booklet, it is recommended one keeps a portion of the selvedge attached to individulal stamps until the experts can examine them in detail.

If you collect Country pictorial definitives, you may be interested to know that the 1st class Lion & Shield stamp from the Celebrating England Generic Smilers sheet is the first country pictorial stamp to be issued with self adhesive gum. If you look closer ( left) you will also notice that it has no security ellipses.

Machin Trivia (Did You Know)

The word Machin in french, roughly translated is "thing-um-a- jig" meaning "Something difficult to classify or whose name has been forgotten or is not known" Also known as "Whats it".

It has been estimated that 180 billion Machins have been printed since its introduction in June 1967.

The Machin, known as "The Queens Head Stamp" been recognised and recorded as "An Icon of The British Isles".

70% of the British public have heard of the Penny Black, but only 17% know of the term Machin. (Perhaps the 40th anniversary next month will change this figure)

Before his death in 1999 Arnold Machin O.B.E - R.A was commissioned to design the Millennium Medal.

Arnold Machins Plaster cast was photographed out doors with a Box Brownie (on a cloudy day) to gain the right effect, it is said " that studio lights were to bright"

Machin chose the actual simplicity of the design, based on the very first postage stamps introduced by Great Britain in 1840 (the penny black).

The Wyon head of Queen Victoria was also used in conjunction with the Machin Head to produce the Double head Anniversary stamps in 1990.

Up to date seven different printing companies have been employed by the Royal Mail to print Machins.

Although these will be reproductions of the pre decimals, If we count the french subsidiary Cartor who will produce 40th anniversary Generic sheets the total from next month will be eight.

In 1972 the value tablet on the £1 value was changed from a script type to a more modern block type.

Chambon Printings

Harrison & Sons also printed stamps on a press called the Chambon, these had a different sheet layout to the norm and were printed in double sheets of 100, the sheets were located one above the other, not side by side.

The Chambon sheets were separated by a horizontal gutter, this was the same size as the actual stamps but they were left as a blank label, the gutters running the whole width of the sheet. The cylinder numbers from these particular print runs appear opposite rows 8 or 18, only no dot panes exist.

The cylinder numbers from the top sheet are opposite Row 8 and are collected as a block of 8 (2 x 4) with the gutter below stamps 5 & 6.

Stamps from the bottom sheet, the numbers are located opposite Row 18, stamps from this sheet are collected as a normal block of 2 x 3.

Chambon printings only affects 2 stamp issues printed in sheet form, these are both 10p values. The first is a two band FCP/DEX with 10 mm phosphor, the other is printed on PCP1/DEX with additional two 10 mm phosphor bands.

Gutter pairs are also known from the larger format Harrison Photogravure printings in 1977.

Booklets exist with transposed panes.

Following on from earlier my post where I described the content of miscut booklets.

Booklets also exist (normal cut) with transposed phosphor bands. Above is an example of a a Machin £1.54 “To Pay” booklet FQ1 with right margin pane UMFB36a, DP71C.

This booklet has (Error) Phosphor bands transposed giving 4x 13p with two bands (instead of side bands) and 4x 17p with sidebands (instead of 2 bands).

Contains 2 each of U219a, U219b, U248e, U248f. This is a Cylinder booklet B4B5

Certainly one to look out for

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GET INVOLVED WITH THESE DISCUSSIONS

This blog is designed to assist ALL Machin collectors. Have your say, you do not need to be an expert to get involved.

Add your own account to the above list of Machin trivia, comment on any post including the one written above.

Enschede Printings

During the period of 1979, the 8p Machin stamps which were used for 2nd class inland mail up to 20 gr were needed in vast quantities. These were being used up quite quickly so in order to maintain supplies Royal Mail contracted Enschede of Holland to print new emergency stamps.

It was 12 years before Enschede were awarded another contract (1991) when they produced the 18p value. Then in 1993 all numerical Machin definitves in sheets were transfered and printed in Holland.

With this change over the Enschede imprint replaced that of Harrison & Sons in the margins of the sheets, this can be found apposite row 20. No phosphor cylinder numbers were used but the ink cylinder was, this can be seen in row 18. As with Harrison printings the sheets of 400 were printed and seperated into two, so both dot and no dot sheets exist.

Several transitions followed throughout a two year period, the contract ending in 1995. These transitions were enough to change the design and produce new collectable varieties.

Over the months to follow, different coloured phosphors and varnishes were applied to eradicate problems. Yellow phosphor (in different stages of thickness and colour) 4mm varnish under the phosphor ink, followed by a 2mm varnish, a change to from yellow to blue phosphor and the use of different coloured gums was also to follow. Blue tinted , white and cream gums are known. This gave the specialist collector an array of individual different stamps to aquire and catalogue.

Another difference was also noted, from 2 extension holes in the margins, which reverted to just one.

When collecting mint copies I always recommend collecting these in Cylinder block form, but it is not often one sees them for sale.

Well If you are interested I have news for you, as I recently acquired a small collection in cylinder block form which are surpus to requirements. Rather than sell these through my website I have listed some of them on eBay ( more to follow). Take a look you may be pleasantly surprised at the starting prices. I am also offereing discount postage (25p UK, Europe and(worldwide) . Winners will only pay an extra 25p for each multiple win.

If you fancey a dabble here is the URL.

http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZgbmachins

Royal Mail Are Driving Us Potty

John who is moderator and group owner of the Stamps of Great Britain web site brings us news of a new miniature sheet ( and a set of stamps) added to Royal Mails program at the last minute.

The miniature sheet will consist of of 5 x 1st class definitive stamps showing the Hogwarts crest and the crest of the 4 school houses - Hufflepuff, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. The issue date for these new stamps is 17th July 2007.

Are Machins on the way out and being gradually replaced with these trivia type definitives? God knows what they have planned for next year.

Take a look for your self and you decide. Do we really want these? My tongue in cheek comment on these new issues is reproduced below.

Wow!

We still have a gap in the program for 2007.

Im sure if Royal Mail thought deeply enough they could give us a couple of more new issues for August as well. Fanny Cradocks pudding recipes, or the anniversary the nine o clock news come to mind.

My am I so pleased ( and richer) now I no longer have an account for new issues.

These people at Royal Mail are now clearly taking the micky, and stamp collectors for a ride ( not on Harrys magic broomstick ), how on earth do collectors let them get away it?

What do you think? Are to many GB stamps issued each year?

If you are interested and wish to take a look, a link has been placed below to an image of the Harry Potter commemorative stamps. This is a to good an opportunity to miss, to glean more revenue so expect a smilers sheet too.

http://groups.msn.com/StampsofGreatBritain/newstampstobeissuedin2007.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=710

Dagger Perforations on Self Adhesives

Did you receive single self adhesive stamps from the philatelic bureau in 1998?

If the answer to this question is yes and they are still in your collection take a few minutes to check the perforations.

Look out for unusual pointed like corner perforations as are classed as an error.



This pointed like perf error is now in demand and is retailing at £200 + per pair.

The error went unnoticed for four years, until they took the interest of a keen eyed collector who bought them to the attention of others.

These 2 key stamps SG2039a and SG2040a were only issued to account holders by the Philatelic Bureau in single form , they were not available from any other source. The stamps were guillotined from sheets into singles at the printers, presumingly to make it easier for Bureau staff to distribute them to account holders who had singles on order.

For this reason complete sheets, multiples and top panes do not exist.

Now known to specialist collectors as "Dagger Perfs"
they were printed in gravure by Walsall Security Printers and issued on 06/4/98. It is estimated that only about 400 pairs have survived so the catalogue value rests at this time at £300 a pair.

I had 20 pairs of these singles in my collection, but sad to say none of my copies had the error perf, just my luck ! However yours may, so take my advice and do take a look.

Government Overprints

In all my years collecting Machins I do not see many overprints for sale , but whilst surfing eBay yesterday I came across this item.

Its not rare or unusual, in fact its the opposite, quite a common stamp, but I thought I would show it here as an example of what can be found to compliment a collection.

Prior to the beginning of 1971 certain pre-decimal 2d stamps are found with overprinted names.

Government offices and certain power suppliers used these on receipts or bills. The overprints were usually in the form of names or initials of the office concerned.

Fiscally used stamps normally have a hand written signature added or are date stamped, some stamps with just the overprint similar to the one left can also be found where they have been postaly used.

Overprinted Specimen

These are more sought after and are rare to an extent, the prices they command reflect this, good mint examples can raise prices into hundreds of pounds..

The £1 pre decimal stapled stamps cooks booklet is known to have contained panes overprinted "SPECIMEN".

Five values are listed these are: 1d 2 band, 5d 2 band, 4d left band and 4d right band.

The stitched version of this booklet were also issued with a philatelic bureau CTO overprint. It has been suggested that these booklets with the CTO overprint were sent out to certain firms to attract future advertising.

Also a £1 stapled decimal Wedgwood booklet was issued with panes overprinted "SPECIMEN". Stamps listed are the half pence 2 band , half pence left band, two and half pence side band ( left or right) a two and a half pence centre band and a three pence two band.

School stamps overprinted specimen were also used by the post office to train employees, these were not technically available to the general public, but they do exist in peoples collections.

Hints & Tips - Miscut booklets

Its no secret that Machin booklets are a passion of mine, I find them of great interest to collect as they are a whole new Machin medium in their own right.

I promised a write up on miscuts, sorry you have had to wait, but I have been busy of late with other projects and packing for my move.

Better late than never so here we go with a short description on what to look for.

People often confuse the word "miscut" with a miscut stamp or booklet cover, when in fact the term refers to the actual contents of a booklet. Ie: where the pane has been miscut.

Miscuts booklets should be removed by the quality control staff at the printers, but as with all errors some are bound to escape their attention and do slip the net. These find their way into the philatelic market and are highly sought after by collectors of booklets and panes, some are quite scarce and hold premium catalogue prices. They also make a nice display when housed and written up with the normal cut panes.

Above a miscut booklet showing the cut line in the centre of the pane

Below a normal cut booklet with lines at top and bottom

Most miscuts are easy to spot if you know what to look for, normal cut booklets have a guillotine line on both edges of the pane ( known as the cut lines). Most miscuts on the other hand show the cut line in the centre of the pane.

Miscuts are also known where they alter the se-tenant combination of stamps. These carry a bigger premium over and above the norm and command very high prices, some are in the £100s.

Do you have a collection of booklets tucked away? If so I suggest you dig them out and get checking the contents, its quite possible you have something of value that was thought to be a run of the mill item.

Good luck and keep em peeled.

More on Matthews

When I wrote about Jeffery Matthews recently, I made the comment that someone could write a book on his fantastic career and his contribution to British Stamp design.

Jeffery has never been shy to give his autograph to collectors, and many collectable Machin items bear it, in fact any fees obtained by doing so are donated straight to charity.

Jeffery has also been rewarded for his work receiving the MBE (Member British Empire) amongst other awards.

Whilst surfing the net I came across a nice piece giving an account where Jeffery actually gave an interview to Larry Rosenblum and David Alderfer during The Stamp Show London in 2000.

I am sure you will find it most interesting, read the whole account for your self, here is the link.

http://www.gbstamps.com/gbcc/gbcc_matthews_intvw1.html

Machins Made Early

On my previous post there was some confusion as to the second cover being available now. I have left a comment to clear up the confusion.

However, I have seen Royal Mail issues sold early in the past, but never 3 weeks in advance.

Do you want to make (create) an early pre release cover for the Machin 40th anniversary? If so check out the link below.


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Unissued-Machin-pack-number-398_W0QQitemZ120120262656QQihZ002QQcategoryZ65143QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
By the looks of the picture the seller has a pile 5 inches high.

Birmingham Postmarks "You Cant Lick Em"

Today I am going to write about two first day covers, which may be of interest to you. Well I find them of interest as they both not only have Birmingham postmarks, but Birmingham postmarks with a difference.

The city of Birmingham, in the West Midlands, UK ( if you did not know ) is my place of birth and the city where I live at this time.

The first is a double cover that commemorates the first self adhesive postage stamps of Sierra Leone and the issue of the first trial self adhesive Machin to Britain on 19th October 1993.

Printed by Joh Enschede (gravure) in landscape format the stamps had 2 yellow phosphor bands printed on OFNP paper.

These were issued in booklets of 20, originally only sold in the Tyne Tees test area, but they were eventually made available to all collectors via Philatelic counters. These stamps were withdrawn after the trial, as they were found to be difficult to remove from the backing paper and the ink used to cancel them tended to be to easy to remove from the shiney surface.

Here is a just a bit of trivia for you. Did you know self adhesives were also issued originally by Sierra Leone as a trial to see if they could combat stamps sticking together due to the humidity?

Getting back on track:

The novel cancel on this cover is in the design of a protruding tongue with a postmark which has the appropriate name of LICKEY END.

Lickey End is a small village, part of a local national trust beauty spot( the Lickey Hills) on the edge of Birmingham.

This village is only a mile from my house in Rubery, Rednal. If you remember I wrote a small piece about the Lickey Hills last year in conjunction with Michael Dodds visit from Australia. Below a blow up of the postmark. ( sorry its a bit blurred )

The second cover (shown below) is to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Machin due for release in June this year. This has the cancellation of MACHIN ROAD, Erdington, Birmingham.

I do not know if the name of this road bears any relation to Arnold? But it Is possible, after all we have trains and pubs named after him :-)

This is also interesting to me as the cachet portrays Machin booklets, which is one of my Machin passions and specialities.

Another postmark which I wrote about last year was the Kings Head, a public house in Kings Heath, Birmingham.

This postmark was used locally to commemorate the Three Kings miniature sheet issued 31st August 2006. If you wish to refresh or take a look at the page here is a direct link. http://www.gbmachins.co.uk/html/stamps_on_stamps.html

Stamp Addicts

Now this is an unusual Machin that is a mock-up from (of) an original stamp.

Created by The stamp Addicts, for April Fool's Day last month and which is being sold to provide funds for the Scarborough Philatelic Society in the UK. A nice addition to compliment a Machin or Cinderella collection.

Stamp Addicts which is a yahoo club where members help other members in enjoying philately. The club was founded in November of 2000, mainly as a portal to distribute free stamps to people around the world.

Since its humble beginning , it has now turned into a full fledged, cost free club, where members get to share experiences, stories, finds, ideas, and stamps in a relaxed and honest atmosphere.

The club has several moderators and many members. New pages are being developed to enhance the club's activities, on an ongoing basis.

To visit or join the club just click here http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stampaddicts/

Hints & Tips - Measure the Width

To determine the width of a Phosphor bar can sometimes be tricky. The correct method is to determine the measurement of the gap between the bars in mm ( not the band/s).

Subtract the distance measured from 21 mm, which is the normal width. ( vertical Machins only with 2 bands or one side band). I do have a distance reference for most Machins written in a text book.

To continue; IE: If your measurement of the gap is 12mm subtract this from 21mm which will = 9mm, divide by two and we have 2 x 4.5 mm bands.

Measuring Magnifiers

There are many loupes on the market. I myself I have two that magnify and measure with accuracy. The first one is a German made "Meetloep" x 10 with adjustable scale up to 10mm with 0.01 & 0.05 divisions, this was recommended to me years ago by James Skinner.

I choose another later, for general use, this is a "Ted Pallar" x 10. Pallar inc have a comprehensive list of magnifiers and are well know for quality and resilience.

The image of the print, perforations on all stamps and in particular the phosphor bars (with a UV lamp) are easily visualized and can be accurately measured with this handy little tool.

This one (left) has served me well as it is now 5 years old.

Summing it up : A precision Magnifier of fine quality, with a removable coated achromatic lens. It has high resolving power with a wide visual field and is provided with measuring scale of 20mm in length, with 0.01 & 0.005" divisions. Perfect use on a desk at the home or office, its small (eyepiece: 18mm. The field of view ( 36mm) has a scale diameter of 26mm. The height is 44mm.

The weight is only 56g so it is portable, which is great for taking to shows or exhibitions, it also comes with a case, lens cap and cloth .

A Review: The New MCC Catalogue

If I had to describe this catalogue in one a word it would be IMPRESSIVE. Price wise for the volume of information it contains, one word again BARGAIN.

I do have a couple of negatives, but this is just me being picky. Basically it is a revamped copy of the original 2004 catalogue in two volumes. Admittedly the images are now in full colour which makes an attractive addition. The chapters are reorganised and are a little easier to follow, I think the layman may struggle at first finding his/ her way around, but this is mainly due to fact that it covers every theme and topic that you could wish for.

I only noticed one mistake, the picture of VC prestige booklet was included twice instead of World of Invention, but I did dash through the contents so its possible there are more.

I would have liked to see De La Rue cylinder blocks with inset and short bands listed and priced. But as the saying goes "you cant have everything".

This new catalogue now has soft covers (paper back) which I feel due to the amount of use it will get, it will not take the punishment of time. But saying this another updated new version will be available again 2010.

Compared to the of the existing loose leaf catalogue. New content includes a section on Wilding definitives including, singles, booklets , panes, cylinder blocks and coils which is well written and easy to follow.

All new issues including country stamps in all formats are included. Also recent De La Rue cylinder blocks, the different papers and gums are dealt with ( a mine field in their own right) , all date & warrant blocks, booklets and panes are listed. Valuations ( prices) are sensible and are taken from the latest auction realisations, and a cross reference from several dealers lists.

If you collect GB Definitives or are a serious Machin specialist, this book is a 'must have' and its a credit to the dedicated group of committed enthusiasts that contributed.

I find the booklet & pane section invaluable as it includes all the different printing plate cylinder numbers, most errors booklets including miscuts.

In a nutshell

Over 1200 pages with to many sections to mention. Numerous separate sections covering practically all aspects of GB definitives and postage dues.

Pre-Decimals, Singles, Errors, Coil issues, Cylinder blocks, Warrant blocks, High values, Castles, Stitched books, Stitched panes, Machine books, Counter books, Christmas and Greetings books, Window books, Regionals, Dues and Training stamps and last but not least Wildings, Boots labels, and Miniature sheets.

Each section edited by an expert in his own field, Fully illustrated throughout with hundreds of colour pictures and diagrams. Each item is priced with genuine retail realisations (where known) and it includes all issues up to and including the new rates implimented in April 2007.

The Price for this is £35.95 + Postage packing, which is cheaper (UK only) if you buy direct from eBay .

My last word, in one, RECOMMENDED

Jeffrey Matthews Stamp designer

Someone could write a book on the work of Jeffery Mathews, he has done so much over the years for collectors of Machins, and has certainly put his mark on the designs of Stamps from Great Britain.

This will just be short lowdown on some of his achievements and as usual your comments are welcome.

Jeffrey Matthews began his career in the late 1940s and is one of Britain's leading graphic designers. His earliest commission for the Post Office dates from 1959 and his first adopted design was issued in 1965 commemorating the 20th anniversary of the United Nations.
In conjunction with his wife who worked under the pseudonym Charity Boxhall, he has worked on a large range of philatelic products.

Apart from significant work on the Country's range of definitive stamps he has made a particular contribution to the design of special stamps on royal and heraldic themes including, the 1984 'Heraldry' issue, and the 1998 'The Queen's Beasts'. One of his most important designs was for the Double Headed Penny Black Definitives of 1990, which celebrated the 150th anniversary of the world's first adhesive postage stamp.

He was also instrumental in the design of the Regional Machins or country definitive stamps as they are known.

Stamp Show 2000

One of my favourites is this miniature sheet shown above.

The Royal Mail celebrated the Stamp Show 2000 on 22 May 2000. A miniature sheet was issued featuring eight stamps illustrating the colour palette of designer Jeffrey Matthews. The Jeffrey Matthews Colour Palette was started in 1984 in order to return stamps to the original concept of a light tone for the Queen's head on a solid background. This sheet comprises of eight stamps in colours from his palette: 4p, 5p, 6p, 10p, 31p, 39p, 64p, and £1.00 and two pictorial labels.

The upper pictorial label features the shield and crest of the Post Office while the lower is a visual pun of the Jeffrey Matthews palette showing the eight colours of the definitive stamps along with the JM-monogram.The miniature sheet was printed by De La Rue Security Print.

Another Machin Book - Stamps of Great Britain

I have not yet had the opportunity to read this book, but have seen favourable reports about the content so I think it deserves a mention here.

Written by David Alderfer and Larry Rosenblum. Larry is a Machin specialist who often leaves replies to posts on this site. I wrote a small piece about his website back in early April. http://machinmania.blogspot.com/2007/04/larry-rosenblum-and-gb-stamps.html

TITLE:

INTRODUCTION TO THE STAMPS OF GREAT BRITAIN

The Price of this publication is well within the means of most collectors pockets: The hard cover is in the region of £30.00 US or (£15.00 GBP) or a soft cover (paper back) $25 US or £12.50 GBP (approx)

I am informed that the contents give ideas and inspiration on starting or improving a collection with stamps from Great Britain including the Machin design.

Readers can expect to get a broad, yet detailed view on a variety of subjects these include, postal history, printing methods, paper varieties and luminescence, perforations.

Collecting tips and suggestions are detailed also.

The book offers tips and suggestions on starting or improving a collection of Great Britain stamps and consists of ten insightful chapters which follows the chronological order of British stamps from Penny Black to Machin Booklets. I am also informed it is lavishly illustrated with more than 350 pictures.

The book is available from your favorite stamp literature dealer or direct from Amos Hobby Publishing at 800-572-6885 or and online at http://www.amosadvantage.com

Perhaps Larry can tell us more?

Hints & Tips - The Long and the Short of It

The hints and tips page last week seemed to go down well with readers, thanks for your emails they are much appreciated. Plese keep them coming.

Today as the Title suggests is (again) to do with UV Lamps.

A handy tip I picked up in my early Machin collecting days was how to convert a short wave lamp into a long wave. Although I now have both types, in portable and desk variations.

If you only have a short wave lamp a simple procedure is to place a piece or strip of clear plastic from a Prinz or Horwid Mount over the stamp you are inspecting. Using this method it converts the reaction of the short wave light to long wave.

This is perfect for viewing stamps issued after 1993 with C or A phosphor, and if in doubt it will identify those early (elusive) JET phosphor errors with ease.