Start Stamp Collecting

That is one of the first sentences, or one of many you will hear from a very enthusiastic stamp collector. They will bring out their album(s) and sit you down and urge you to take a look through them, all the meanwhile asking that you be very careful with the pages. On the other hand, this could also very well describe you with your own stamp collection.

The stamp collection you have collected and worked on is on its way. At this point, you start to think about where best to keep your stamp collection. An ordinary cardboard shoebox gives or document folder can keep your stamps, but there should be better ways of keeping your collection. Your storage should also display your collection in addition to storing it. Also, the abovementioned methods can damage your stamps through dirt or creases and other environmental factors. So, why not frame the stamps themselves? Stamps are relatively small, and you can store more of it in the frame. Also, the frames go on the walls and will not take up shelf or closet space in your home. Stamps have traditionally been kept in commercial stamp albums, and they are still the most popular way of keeping collections.

When considering storage for your stamp collection, consider some important ideas. Your collection may end up in various kinds of storage. Depending on the quality of your collection as it grows, and your taste and preference as your experience and expertise in stamps increases, you may decide on many different kinds of storage methods through the years. Also, any stamp collector must consider high-quality plastic sheets or sleeves to prevent tangles when stamps come in contact with each other.

Stamp albums are available in many sizes, formats, and binding types such as notebook-type, loose-leaf binding type, and three-hole binder type. Whatever the format and size, albums must always have sturdy acid-free paper to hold the stamp collection in. Why the emphasis on protection and acid-free paper? Because stamps are very sensitive to environmental degradation. High temperature, heavy sunlight, high humidity (which encourages mold spores or mildew), strong electric-powered lighting, photocopying machines, and even simple air can damage stamps collections. Furthermore, several or all of those factors can react with each other to create very bad conditions to your philatelic collection.

Caring for stamps requires only a bit of work, diligence and money to preserve these small artworks. Taking the time to do so will help any stamp collector’s collection last a lifetime and longer.

Store stamps in the right place – A collection should be kept in a place that is not to hot, too cold, too moist or too dry as extreme conditions will greatly affect the condition of the stamps. Used stamps are relatively more tolerant of temperature changes but mint condition stamps should be handled delicately. Use Good Quality Materials – There are numerous materials available for stamp collectors to help them preserve their stamps. However stamp collectors should be careful when buying any type of material as some may contain a high acid content that would destroy the stamp. Archival-quality mylar is also a good option for storing stamps compared to sticky photo albums that will instantly ruin the stamps. Keep Stamp Albums in an Upright Position – The best way to store stamp albums is in the upright position. Avoid laying down stamp albums on top of one another to avoid pressing down the stamps, which may cause them to stick together. Do not Stick Stamp directly to the Album – By no means should a stamp be permanently attached to the page of the stamp album. The ideal way to store a stamp in an album is to use mounts or hinges. Never use glue or sticky tape as well as solvents regardless of the manufacturer’s promise of safety. Do not touch stamps directly – Always use a pair of tongs when handling stamps to avoid soiling the paper. Keep in mind that even clean hands leave a certain amount of natural oils and salt that can destroy a stamp.

Collectors come in all sizes, shapes and ages, range from the wealthiest to the most humble, the obsessive to the most casual, and gather anything from the obvious to the odd. In short, if it exists, someone will collect it, and usually proudly display it.

To know the real secret about collecting is quite easy and simple — that it really should only be for the fun and interest it affords you. For many, the thrill is always in the hunt. Garage sales, flea markets, curio and antique shops, used stores, following leads to almost anywhere. In fact, the achievement of getting a stamp is sometimes a letdown, for then the hunt is over. Not for long, fortunately, for there’s always another stamp to find or you may find the one you are looking for later.

Starting a stamp collection is easy — you pick stamps and start collecting them. Because stamps are in such ready numbers it is one of the easiest collections to start. Before long, though, you may want to know what’s available in your particular area, and then you can find magazines and periodicals which cover almost everything to do with stamps and collecting them. Postage stamps are miniature art prints that circulate to millions of people each year.

In this modern age, however, there’s a wonderful tool that can enhance your hobby - the Internet. If you go online, you can not only find information about your collectibles, but where to find them and, most important, you can talk to people by e-mail who has similar interests.

As your collection grows, you should find a way to display your work. What’s the point of having such a magnificent collection if you can’t show it off? There are lots of ways to do this; from simple shelves to display cases, glass-topped display tables, specially designed albums, even an entire room dedicated to your hobby. The point is - don’t hide what you do and take pride that there’s a focus to your interests. Remember, however, that your family may not share either your interest in your hobby or see any worth in what you’ve accumulated. For this reason, it may be worthwhile to see that your collection will go to someone who values it after you’ve gone. This may involve a person who shares your passion or, perhaps, a library or museum.

There again, you can use the Internet to offer your collection for sale. Advertise in one of the collecting magazines and, perhaps, if what you have is of value, donate it to a university or museum that will issue a tax receipt you can use as a deduction on the understanding that the collection goes to the institution when you depart this mortal coil for places yet unexplored.

You never know where collecting will lead you, but you can be assured of hours, weeks, even years of enjoyment, and you’ll never have a hobby that will bring you more satisfaction than stamp collecting.