Gutter (philately) facts for kids
A gutter in stamp collecting is a special empty space found between stamps on a sheet. Imagine a big sheet of stamps, like the ones you might buy at the post office. The gutter is the blank area that separates one stamp from another.
Sometimes, gutters are just plain white. Other times, they might have small designs, numbers, or even advertisements printed on them. They often have the same size as a stamp, making them easy to spot.
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What is a Gutter in Stamp Collecting?
A gutter is the blank space that separates individual stamps on a larger sheet. Think of it like the empty space between pictures in a photo album. This space helps keep the stamps neat and makes it easier to cut or tear them apart.
Sometimes, a very large sheet of stamps is divided into smaller sections called panes. Gutters can also be found between these panes, acting like a border.
Why are Gutters Important to Collectors?
For stamp collectors, gutters are more than just empty spaces. They can be very interesting! Some collectors look for stamps that are still attached to their gutters because these pieces can be quite rare.
The printing or markings on a gutter can also tell a lot about how the stamps were made. This makes them a special part of the stamp's history.
Special Gutter Terms
Stamp collectors have specific names for different types of gutters and stamps connected to them:
- Gutter pairs are two stamps that are still connected by a gutter between them. It's like having a twin set of stamps with the blank space in the middle.
- Gutter block is a group of at least four stamps that are still connected, with gutters running through the middle of the block. Imagine a square of stamps with a cross-shape of gutter in the center.
- Gutter margin is a wider blank area that divides a large sheet of stamps into smaller sections or "panes." This margin often runs vertically or horizontally across the sheet.
Related Pages
Images for kids
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1953 DDR stamp sheet with St. Andrew's crosses printed in the gutters
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Top 30 stamps of an 1898 Cuban sheet showing a typical vertical gutter margin that divided the sheet into two panes of 50 stamps each.
