First decide whether the Monkey stamp is single, a block or a sheet
The 1980 T46 Gengshen Monkey issue comprises one stamp design. Before condition or value is discussed, identify whether the material is a single stamp, joined block or complete sheet and photograph the entire format.
The stamp was issued on 1980-02-15 with an 8-fen denomination. Its stamp size is 26 × 31 mm and the perforation is 11.5, while a complete sheet contains 80 stamps arranged 8 × 10.
Keep those specifications attached to the appropriate format. A block does not become a full sheet because a broad margin survives, and a detached stamp cannot supply the plate inscriptions of a sheet.
Photograph perforations before magnifying a defect
Show every side of a single stamp and the outer plus internal perforation lines of a multiple. Note short perforations, pulled perforations, separation, creases and repairs by exact location.
Never trim a sheet margin or detach a joined stamp for a tidier photograph. Existing separation and hinge traces are part of the condition evidence.
Read the gum under restrained light
Photograph the back without touching the gum. Describe sheen, toning, hinge marks, adhesion, thinning and disturbance separately, avoiding a broad ‘original gum’ claim when the view is incomplete.
A transparent mount or album leaf can produce glare and colour shift. Identify the packaging effect and do not force removal if adhesion or brittle perforations make it unsafe.
For a marginal block or complete sheet, photograph all surviving margins, plate inscriptions and positional features before close-ups. Keep the format and orientation clear in every image.
Preserve sheet margins and inscriptions
The 80-stamp 8 × 10 layout applies only to a complete sheet. Count what is actually present and describe missing or separated positions without reconstructing the original arrangement.
Keep the complete format beside each enlargement so a margin, inscription or separated position remains locatable.
Separate printing from later condition
Use neutral light for colour and low-angle light for creases, surface disturbance and repairs. A dark patch, offset or uneven impression should be located before its cause is interpreted.
Do not clean, soak, press or re-gum the stamp. Such work changes paper, colour, perforations and the evidence needed for assessment.
Photograph an album caption, receipt or certificate separately and match it to the exact single, block or sheet. Its wording cannot replace direct examination of denomination, perforations, gum and margins.
Prepare a focused T46 enquiry
State the format first, then show the 8-fen denomination, complete front, reverse, perforation lines and any surviving sheet margin. Add dimensions with the measuring method when relevant.
Locate every pulled or shortened perforation on the whole item before supplying an enlargement. This preserves scale and prevents a corner defect from being mistaken for widespread damage.
Keep colour-neutral originals when brighter copies are made for readability. The red and black design can appear quite different under automatic enhancement.
Where the gum side adheres to an album or mount, document the visible area and stop. A specialist can weigh the value of more information against the risk of separation.
A complete, format-specific set of images allows condition to be discussed without confusing one stamp, a block and an 80-stamp sheet.
