Morley-Bright Watermark Detector Kit

[guiness]

Hi there,
I've just joined the group and I live in Kent in the UK.
I have some items of my late dads, one of which is a Morley-Bright watermark detector kit in a white plastic box, with instructions. It seems to be complete (there's a list of what's included in with the instructions) but I have no idea if its a thing of interest or use to a modern stamp collector? If not, I thought I could try our local museum: can members advise me please? I can send a photo if required.
Thank you
G

[Admin Edit: I have changed your thread title to be more specific, because there are other more common ways to detect watermarks]

[khj]

Sorry for the loss of your father. My condolences.

Yes, they are still in demand. Although the shipping costs would suggest it best be sold in UK.

You will need to be specific, whether you have the Morley-Bright Roll-a-Tector or Inst-a-Tector, as they are different.

They key is the sachet. I believe there should be 2 (one to use, and one as a spare). These do leak over time, and since they are no longer being made, I've encountered questions over the years asking where replacements can be bought. I haven't been able to find a replacement supplier in over a decade (and that one was in UK!!!).

Without the sachet, the machine is unusable. I know of no simple workaround or way to make a home-made sachet.

So check first if you have at least one sachet (you may need to read the instructions to see if it is already installed). That way you can test the machine. From what I understand, the machine is pretty durable -- it's the sachets that eventually rupture/leak.

[khj]

Here is an old thread that contains some discussion about the sachet problem with the M-B: Need advice on watermark detectors please

Not sure if guyana1230 was successful in finding a replacement sachet. Here is a picture of what it looks like with the sachet.

Oct 9, 2019 0:41:33 GMT -5 guyana1230 said:

This is a morley bright detector, the sachet/pad in mine leaked ( well it was about 40 years old).

These are no longer available and cannot find any second hand ones either

[khj]

Well, what do you know. I just checked eBay and see a couple of used Inst-a-Tector kits in the US, and the price was lower than in past. I had hesitated to get one because the shipping from UK was prohibitive. So I got one from the US, just for reference/archive. Ironically, I won't be able to try it out until my thumb heals!

Beware, some of the listings do not include the sachet (gel pad). If you get one off eBay, make sure it includes the sachet (ask the seller ahead of time to confirm if not mentioned or not shown in the pic).

I now see that it is the Roll-a-Tector that comes with spare sachets, not the Inst-a-Tector. The sachets do not appear to be same size, but not sure.

[guyana1230]

khj, still can't find any with the sachets

[khj]

Yeah, all the places that had listed the sachets are still out of stock, and I doubt they will get them back again. You have the Inst-a-Tector, right? (not the Roll-a-Tector). It looks like the sachets are not the same size for the two different models.

[guiness]

Hi there Admin, thank you for this, there's a used up blue sachet and another one also which my be viable, and a tube of another substance, I will post a photo later today, as Im not sure if its good still to use. Thank you again. G

[guiness]

khj,guyana1230,

[crazyquilter]

guiness,

We are very happy that you joined us on our friendly stamp forum. Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.