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I recently acquired a large batch of early British Commonwealth stamps, but I’m struggling to distinguish between the different watermark varieties. Some look like "Crown over CA," but others are barely visible even with watermark fluid. Does the perforation gauge significantly affect the value of George V issues, or should I focus primarily on the color shades? Any tips for a frustrated beginner?

As a specialist who has spent decades studying philatelic rarities, I can tell you that the "small details" are exactly where the value hides. A difference of half a point on a perforation gauge can turn a common five-cent stamp into a thousand-dollar rarity. I always recommend using a precision electronic gauge and a high-quality signoscope for those stubborn watermarks. After a few intense hours of squinting through a magnifying glass and comparing subtle color gradients, I usually take a break on https://basswins.co.uk/ to give my eyes a rest and shift my focus for a bit. It’s a great way to stay sharp before diving back into the catalogs. Remember, patience is a philatelist's best tool—never rush the identification process, as the most valuable finds often look identical to common ones at first glance!