Expert signature

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An expert signature is a small mark, usually initials or a name on the back of a stamp to indicate that an expert has examined the stamp and has determined it to be genuine. This can be handstamped in ink or written in pencil.

It should not be confused with just any scribble or a name or initials on the back of a stamp. Some owners and dealers once marked the back of their stamps, too. Nor should a number written on the back of stamp be taken as gospel, since catalog numbers have changed over the years and whoever wrote it could just be plain wrong.

Plus, as expected, there are some forgeries of expert signatures. There are also experts whose signatures are not considered reliable like "J. SCHL" (Julius Schlesinger). Some signatures are dealer guarantees, like "J.H. STOLOW", allowing a buyer to return a stamp (with sales receipt) if found not to be genuine.

Many expert marks are small and handstamped in permanent ink. A variety by catalog number might also be noted, but the expert's period of activity needs to be known since catalog numbers change over the years. Michel Germany Specialized catalogs not only give the current names and addresses of the accredited group of "Bundesprüfers" that specialized in various areas of German philately and related countries. Their expert marks/signatures are typically followed by "BPP". Also outlined in the catalog is (or was) the scheme used for marking different types of stamps.

In recent years, the trend has been to issue certificates rather than signing stamps. 



Here is a historic list of expert signatures including images of actual signatures and other details. Read everything carefully!: 

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