When you have been collecting stamps for a while, you may begin getting more involved in identifying and evaluating your collection. You will likely have learned things that help you get a more detailed idea of what your collection holds. When you reach this point, there may be a stamp collecting supply that you need to purchase. You can find most of these supplies in a product book from a supply company. You can sometimes find them in hobby shops, although smaller hobby shops are not likely to carry them. Take a look at these interesting stamp collecting supply items for intermediate collectors.

Perforation Gauge

When you are trying to correctly identify your stamps, there may come a time when you need a perforation gauge. This tool is used to measure the number of holes per 2cm length of the stamp's perforations. Perforations are the tiny holes between the blocks of stamps. You have likely always seen them but may have never paid close attention to them at first. There may be an instance when you are dealing with two stamps that look alike and are issued the same. It is likely however that they have a different perforation count. This may or may not determine that the stamp is rarer than others that look like it or more valuable.

Watermark Detector

Another interesting supply item for an intermediate or advanced collector is a watermark detector. This tool helps you view hidden embossed or imprinted patterns on your stamp. These marks were made on the paper the stamp was printed on. Some stamps don't have watermarks. There are cases in which two stamps seem identical, but they have different watermarks. This tool is great for properly identifying rare and unusual stamps. A watermark detector can also identify forgeries.

Stamp Magazines

When you get more interested in collecting, you will likely want to start subscribing to a stamp magazine. These magazines will help you with tips and tools of the trade. They will offer features from other collectors and will show you different products and tools to use in collecting. They are very interesting and can be wonderful gifts for an avid stamp collector. A stamp magazine is one stamp collecting supply that every collector will enjoy. It can be a great way to see what other collectors are doing and what the experts have to say about stamp collecting as well.