Stamp Collecting
Getting Started
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A Window on ... Stamp Collecting Getting Started |
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 | A Beginner's Shopping List The things you need to get you started include:
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| Stamps to get you startedIt is easy to start a collection. Every day letters come through the post, many of them with stamps of different values and different designs. Most will come from this country but some may come from other parts of the world. Family, friends and neighbours can pass on their stamps so your collection from this source can grow very quickly, particularly around Christmas time when we receive more letters than usual.The downside of collecting stamps in this way is that many of the stamps will be the same. You may be able to use some as swaps. You are bound to want some more interesting or unusual stamps to add to your collection. One of the fascinating features of philately is the fact that there is such a variety of stamps available from all over the world. An easy way to add to your collection is to buy stamps. Thousands of stamps can be bought from local stamp dealers very cheaply. They are often sold in packets containing an assortment of worldwide stamps. Usually none of these are of any real value so they are not expensive but they add interest to your growing collection. | |||||||||||
| Stamp AlbumA stamp album is useful for storing and displaying your stamps. It will also help you organise your collection. If you don't use an album then it is more difficult to look at your stamps. An album also helps to protect your stamps. If they are handled frequently in packets or other containers they will get damaged more easily and lose their value.Most young stamp collectors start off with "all world" albums. Each page is reserved for a particular country or group of countries. Often there is some information about the country and there is always lots of space to fix in the stamps. As you become more involved with your hobby you will find there are many different styles of album and you must choose the one that best suits your collecting. | |||||||||||
| Stamp HingesThese are used to fix your stamps into the album. You can buy them at most hobby or craft shops and after a few practice attempts they are easy to use. Never stick your stamps directly into a book or an album. Always use stamp hinges.
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| Magnifying GlassThis is useful to help you see the detail on your stamps. There are many aspects to look for such as the postmark (where and when it was printed) and details of the design that you will find interesting. The value of 2 identical stamps will vary according to some of these aspects. Many philatelists spend many hours looking for mistakes in the printing on a stamp that will make the stamp unusual and therefore much more valuable. | |||||||||||
| Stamp TweezersMany stamps are delicate and can easily be damaged. Sweat and acid produced on your fingertips can affect your stamps and lower their value. Using tweezers is the best way to handle stamps and you should touching them at all.Now that you have the basics you should think about organising your collection.
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If your stamps are stuck onto an envelope the best way to get them off is to tear or cut off the part of the envelope that has the stamp on it. Soak this in a basin of lukewarm water for about 20-30 minutes. You can now lift the stamp out of the water with tweezers and peel the paper from the stamp. If it doesn't come away easily, leave it to soak for a bit longer. Dry the stamps with blotting paper or between paper towels with a book on top to keep them flat. When they are dry stick them into your album using stamp hinges. 
