The year 2014 marked the 50th anniversary of the first year of operation of the Germany & Colonies Philatelic Society following the amalgamation of the Germany & Colonies Stamp Club (established 1947) and the Stockton German Study Group (1960).
The G&CPS celebrated its inaugural year in 1964 with the first Germania Posta philatelic exhibition held in Stockton.
Recently I was successful in bidding for two lots in the Society`s Auction. They were:
Mi 578 12pf
Mi 579 25pf
Two of the values from the 1935 OSTROPA miniature sheet. Both were descibed as mint. The 25pf was devoid of glue whereas on the 12pf the glue is dark brown reminiscent of a glue pot used in a traditional caninet maker`s workshop.
Over the years I have read in various philatelic auction lists of this miniature sheet being offered as mint, the glue having been washed off as it is of a destructive nature and apparently quite acceptable in the philatelic world as such.
Has any member had any experience of this and would reommend whether the glue should be washed off to prevent the ultimate destruction of the stamp? I would say that despite the darkness of the glue it does not appear to have stained the frontal appearance of the stamp.
