Would these stamps be valid?

peter021072

I've got some stamps securely glued onto their backing.  There's plenty of tips for unsticking them, but I'm not sure if they will come off without ripping them. Is it valid to cut out the stamps with the backing on using scissors, and stick that onto an envelope with glue? 

km1500

Use white spirit on the back of the paper they won't rip

NBLondon

If you are sure that the stamps were stuck down but never used postally, then they are valid.  Whether they will be rejected as they go through the postal system is another question...   Remember that it's the receiver who will be surcharged not you - so maybe don't risk it if sending out to an eBay buyer.

Are we talking about pre-barcode stamps?   If it's the original backing they are stuck to - then they are valid for SwapOut.   If they are stuck to an envelope that was then not needed and not posted it will be assumed they were used and not Swapped.

peter021072

It's was the same type of backing, but swapped over to another backing, and they were arranged crookedly.  I've now cut them out anyway. I vaguely remember doing this many years ago and encountered no problems. 

I asked at the post office this morning whilst posting my swap envelope, and they said they would probably be OK, but not to risk it on a special delivery package. 

BdetteNoDebt

I used to work for Royal Mail and I suggest it's not worth the risk.  The machines are very sophisticated now and can detect changes in glue, weight, etc. It might get through but it might not. If you value what you're sending and who you are sending it to, it's not worth it. 
Remember, the Post Office is a totally separate company to Royal Mail.  

NBLondon

peter021072 said:

It's was the same type of backing, but swapped over to another backing, and they were arranged crookedly.  

So at some point you (or someone)  moved unused stamps from their backing sheet or booklet page and then stuck them down on a different one?  Then added glue..  and expected them to be usable afterwards?    Do you not think that might cause problems?

Or did you buy them like that (possibly on eBay)?  In which case, you may have unthinkingly bought previously used but unfranked stamps which are by definition invalid.