what does foxing mean?

Hi

A description on ebay of a set of stamps that I am interested in says
that there is a small amount of 'foxing' on one them. What does this
term mean?
Thanks
Mike

G'day Mike,
click on.......
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=e...stamps.discuss

(make sure this link is in one line across the screen)

Type in foxing in the search box
click "search only in RCSD"

there should be 56 posts on foxing.
HTH



"mike" wrote in message om...
| Hi
|
| A description on ebay of a set of stamps that I am interested in says
| that there is a small amount of 'foxing' on one them. What does this
| term mean?
| Thanks
| Mike

I've been a collector for almost 50 years and never heard the term
"foxing" until today.

Is it synonymous with "tropical stain" or "toning" ?
Is it a relatively new term?
Is it British rather than American English?

mike wrote:

Hi

A description on ebay of a set of stamps that I am interested in says
that there is a small amount of 'foxing' on one them. What does this
term mean?
Thanks
Mike

Foxing is usually caused by a fungus. The treatment (at least here in the
U.K.) is with a chemical called 'Choromine T' which can be obtained from a
company called Papersafe. The chemical is a mild bleach and will replace the
rust coloured spots with white spots. Papersafe issue clear instructions and
warnings with each purchase.
Bob
(who has no connection with Papersafe other than as a customer)

"Linda Matthews" wrote in message
.. .
Hi Mike

Foxing is a term for stamps that have developed a 'stain' for a lack of a
better word. It usually is like a brown (rust) colour on the paper and
this
is caused either by ageing or the stamps were near some dampness or
both(?).
You usually notice it on the selvedge the most and also on the back with
or
without gum. Usually the 'foxing' is in a "spotted" effect. To sum it all
up, it is usually a chemical reaction on the stamp paper over a period of
time.
I hope I have helped you here.
Happy collecting.

Larry Matthews

Jim Kellogg wrote

It's a fungus and the term "foxing" is well known to book dealers and
collectors but stamp dealers tend to use the term "toning". For coins nice
"toning" is a plus but never for stamps.

I am of the understanding that rust / "foxing" and "toning" are
two different things. Rust / "foxing" is a fungal attack on the
stamp, resulting in spots of deep brown discolouration on the
stamp. Toning is the result of climatic conditions, and affects
the whole of the stamp.

I could be wrong, though - comments?

Incidentally, the British are definitely aware of the term "foxing"
with regard to books. British author Terry Pratchett in his book
"Guards! Guards!" describes a particularly unkempt book as
being "slightly foxed and extremely dragoned"...

- Dave
--
Check out Worldwide Stamp New Issues at
http://crash.ihug.co.nz/~jollian
(yes, I know it is badly out of date - anyone know how
I could get another eight or ten hours in the day?)

Please send replies to New Zealand instead of Zanzibar.
Sorry, but the spam is just getting a little bit too much...

David,
You're correct. The bottom line is toning i.e. foxing ain't a good thing for
stamps. A weak bleach solution will kill the fungus but practice on cheap stamps
first.

Jim K.

between Foxing and Toning! I often see Stamps
described as having "Tone Spots" - which is most
probably Foxing by another name!

Toning can be in spots, patches or all-over.

David,
You're correct. The bottom line is toning i.e. foxing ain't a good thing for
stamps. A weak bleach solution will kill the fungus but practice on cheap stamps
first.

Jim K.


Yes indeed - a word to the less experienced reading this NG...

NEVER, Never, Never try to treat any of your prize possessions before
a practise run - especially any "fugitive ink" printings, which should
not be attempted at all!

David.