Stamp Collecting
Sources of Information
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A Window on ... Stamp Collecting Sources of Information |
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 | Where to Get HelpThere are several places where you can learn more about stamp collecting. Here are some possibilities:
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| LibrariesYour local library is a good starting point for information. Look in the adult and children's sections for useful books about stamp collecting. The librarian can help if you have difficulty finding something. Many of the books give you basic information about getting started and getting organised, plus lots of hints and tips to make your collection look interesting. They tell you a lot of about the stamps themselves and what to look for on a stamp such as watermarks, postmarks and perforation sizes. They often show lots of examples of rare or valuable stamps.Books and stamp magazines provide guidance on how to develop your hobby, so that as your collection grows you can present it and store it in the best possible way. The Guernsey Post Office produce a Philatelic News quarterly magazine that you may find interesting and informative. Web site http://post-office.guernsey.net/ Look out also for stamp catalogues in the library. These list stamps from all over the world and tell you how much they are worth.
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| Stamp ClubsStamp collecting is a private hobby and much of your time will be spent sorting and cataloguing your stamps on your own. Joining a stamp club can give you the opportunity to meet other people with the same interest as you, to swop ideas maybe to swop stamps. It is a good way to see other people's collections and you will be surprised at how much you can learn from just looking and listening. Information about stamp clubs can be found in libraries, in schools or in the local yellow pages.
For information about your local area Stamp Club contact:
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| The Royal MailThe Royal Mail provides all sorts of stamp and postal services. Current stamps including special editions can be bought from Post Office Counters. Books showing special editions and information leaflets are printed regularly. The Royal Mail also run a Collectors Club for anyone interested in stamp collecting. Starter packs, that include a magazine, are available for new members. You can get more information from:The Royal Mail Stamp Collectors Club FREEPOST Northampton NN3 6BR Web site http://www.royalmail.co.uk/youth/collect1.htm
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| Stamp ShopsIf you are really keen, this is probably one of the best contacts you can have. A specialist shop such as this will provide all the equipment you need. They will be able to supply you with a variety of stamps and deal with your requests for specific stamps. You can see stamps on display before you buy and get expert advice on every aspect of stamp collecting including how much to pay for your stamps. If they don't have what you want, they will know someone who does. They will also have details about stamp clubs for people of all ages and magazines that you can subscribe to. Look in yellow pages for names and addresses.
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| ExhibitionsExhibitions are held in libraries, halls or exhibition centres. They provide a chance for philatelists to display their stamps and for everyone else to look at some wonderful collections. Look in stamp magazines, local newspapers or ask at a central library for a list of local events.
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| Stamp FairsA stamp fair is a place where lots of dealers collect to sell, swop and talk about stamps. It is an interesting event to visit and you may see some rare stamps for sale. At the same time you will gain a lot of information. Look out for details of these in stamp magazines and local newspapers.
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| Hobby and Craft ShopsThese are useful places to buy your first packets of stamps. A good hobby shop will be able to advise you about what to buy and how to get started. They should also be able to tell you where to find your nearest specialist stamp shops.
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| Stamps by postSome stamp dealers offer a postal service. They provide you with a catalogue of stamps from which to choose your selection. Like all catalogue buying they have special offers and 'best buy' sections. Many of these services offer stamps on a sale or return basis. This means you pay for the stamps when you get them, but only if you want to keep them. If they are not what you want when you see them, then you can send them back. As with any other form of stamp buying it is worth shopping around. Check prices with local dealers and stamp catalogues to make sure you are paying only what the stamps are worth.
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| The Internet: Web linksThe Royal Mailhttp://www.royalmail.co.uk/
Royal Mail Stamp Collectors Club
The Guernsey Post Office
The Philatelic Society of Great Britain There are millions of people all over the world who are involved in stamp collecting. Some of them have written information pages for the Internet. Some information sites are for adult collectors but there are a few for junior collectors. Many of them will have something that interests you. Using e-mail you can link up with collectors from any country to swop ideas and information.
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