Perforation Gauge.—An instrument for measuring the perforations of a stamp. Usual cost about 6d.
Philatelist.—Not merely a stamp collector, but one who "loves" (φιλος=a lover) his stamps.
Plate Numbers.—Usually spoken of in connection with the line-engraved stamps of Great Britain. They serve to indicate the plate from which any particular stamp was printed.
Provisionals.—Stamps which are intended for temporary use whilst a permanent issue is being prepared.
Remainders.—Genuine stamps left over after the particular issue has become obsolete. There is no objection to remainders as there is to reprints.
Reprints.—Stamps printed from dies after they have become obsolete. Many countries sell their obsolete dies, with the result that more or less inaccurate reprints are made from them. Reprints, for philatelic purposes, should be classed with forgeries.
Rouletted.—The presence of a frame of small slits around a stamp in order to facilitate separation from its neighbour.
Speculative Stamps.—Postage stamps issued by an unscrupulous Government for philatelic, rather than postal, purposes.
Strip of Stamps.—A row of stamps joined together (compare Block).
Surcharge.—An overprint placed on a stamp to alter its face value.