There is absolutely no doubt that Forensic Science and the Forensic Scientists that practice this profession have a major role to play in the authentication and study of postage stamps and other related matters within philately.

Philately abounds with stamps that have unjustly received a certificate of opinion stating 'fake' from one organisation and 'genuine' from another. This is totally due to the fact that opinions are subjective and rely on the personal experience of the expertiser.

Thankfully science does not operate in this way. In that scientific readings and scientific findings by their nature are repeatable and this can only give the operator the confidence required in the making of an informed decision or conclusion.

The world today relies on science and scientific findings in order to make conclusions, confirm findings, acquit or convict. Philately and philatelists must now be big enough to accept science as the new 'helping hand' that can assist in the advancement of this hobby. Philately has for too long relied on the basic magnifying glass, light microscope or comparator. These appliances although very useful, can not be definitive in all cases. They will at times pose questions rather than give answers, and in the hands of those who are wanting in experience, the wrong conclusion may well be drawn from their findings.

The story behind the authentication of the three 1864 Great Britain stamps on cover showing a plate number 77 and which can easily be regarded as a world class philatelic gem, is a very clear example of the major role 21st century science can play in the authentication of postage stamps.

The stamps on this cover have been declared as fakes by two major expert groups on two completely different grounds both of which have been proven, through Forensic science, to be totally unfounded. The expert opinions of faking in this case have been obtained through examinations using magnifying glasses with white light, light microscopes and comparators.

- For those who wish to read about the wonderful role forensic science and forensic scientists can play in the forensic study and authentication of stamps, then these links will be of interest:

http://www.1dplate77.com/1dplate77/foensicscience3.htm

- The complete story behind the two unjust opinions expressed by two major expertising organisations can be found on this link:

http://www.1dplate77.com/1dplate77/IsthisthephilatelicJusticeaworldclassphilatelicgemdeserves.htm

- The importance of EDXRF in the analysis of the stamp printing ink of an unrecorded Burma error of colour:

http://www.1dplate77.com/1dplate77/RamanandEDXRFinstamps-TheBurmaGV4aerrorofcolour.htm

- The importance of EDXRF in the detection of a faking ink:

http://1dplate77.com/1dplate77/faking.htm

Stamps and forensic science

Postage stamps and forensic science

Forensic science in philately

Philately and forensic science

Forensic science in stamp authentication