WHERE TO GET STAMPS

Of greatest importance to the stamp collector is finding a source of collectible postage stamps at little or no cost. Saving used stamps us a good idea for the beginner. Used stamps are easily available and can provide an inexpensive way to begin your collection. They can also provide a learning experience in the "how to" of proper care and handling of stamps.

Obtaining stamps for your own collection can be as close as your own mailbox. Begin by saving whatever stamps come on your own or your family's mail. Other people you know, such as friends, relatives, and even your own teachers may be willing to save stamps for you. If you know an adult stamp collector, tell him or her of your new interest in stamps. Most stamp collectors enjoy sharing their hobby with others, and many adult collectors will probably give you stamps for your collection.

Business mail may be another good source for stamps -- particularly if the company does a lot of correspondence with foreign countries. Almost everyone knows someone who works for a company receiving large volumes of mail. You can usually obtain the used stamps by just asking that they be saved for you.

To get your collection started, you might also wish to investigate purchasing packets of stamps from a variety, hobby, or stamp store. Unless you have a a use for duplicate stamps, you may want to look for the words "all different" on the stamp packet. Mixtures, although less expensive, contain many duplicates. But duplicate stamps can be used for trading with your friends. Many stamp stores have large assortments of stamps at a penny or two which can be fun to look through and add to your collection.

Stamps may also be purchased through the mail. Many newspapers and magazines carry advertisements offering free or inexpensive stamps. Careful reading of the ad will usually show that the company will also send out stamps on approval, which they hope you will purchase. Approval services are often more expensive than some other ways of obtaining stamps, but they allow you the opportunity to select stamps you want without leaving home. Care must be taken to read and follow the approval company's sales conditions, paying for those you keep and returning the others promptly. (Don't send cash through the mail- use a check or money order.)

After you have collected for a while, you may want to begin a collection of mint (unused) stamps. Current issues of stamps for your own country can be purchased at your local post office. Older issues and other countries' stamps can usually be obtained from stamp stores or by mail order.

WHAT TO COLLECT

Many beginners collect any and all stamps they can get their hands on. This is good way to start. Through the collecting of a wide variety of stamps come the basic knowledge necessary for the enjoyment of philately (stamp collecting).

Some collectors start as worldwide collectors and remain that way. They attempt to find as many stamps from as many different countries as they can. The general worldwide collector is always on the lookout for new stamps and enjoys the thrill of the hunt.

Many collectors are country collectors -- that is, they collect stamps of certain countries or just one country. For example, many stamp collectors find stamps of the country they were born and/or lived in the easiest to obtain. Another very popular way to collect stamps is by topic or theme, such as space, animals, sports, etc. Collecting by stamp subject can be very challenging and rewarding. You must watch very carefully! Stamps related to your subject may come from every corner of the earth and the subject may be only a small part of the stamp design.

Collecting first day covers (FDC's) is gaining in popularity. A "cover" is stamp collecting term for an envelope with stamps and a cancellation. Collectors try to obtain a special cancellation for a new stamp design on the day that it is first issued. Covers with a cachet (ka-shay) are the most desirable. A cachet is an illustration and/or explanation usually printed, drawn, or painted on the left side of the envelope that in some way (either through design or words) has special significance tot he stamp being issued.

Collecting postmarks is a never-ending search. Postmark collecting has many fans. You might want to begin by trying to collect postmarks from each state or from foreign countries. Others try to find as many different postmarks as they can from their own city, country, or state. For fun, try to find one postmark for each day of the year. For a challenge, try to find a postmark from the day you were born.

Postmark collecting is just one aspect of a larger collecting field known as postal history. Whether you collect modern meter stamps or early stamp less covers from the 18th and 19th century, you are learning about postal history.

There are many other interesting and specialized areas in stamp collecting -- too numerous to mention here. Be assured that there is no right or wrong thing to collect. Collect what brings you enjoyment and pleasure. Chances are that someday you will probably find someone else who is collecting the same thing you do!

SOAKING STAMPS FROM PAPER

Assuming you have either found or been given stamps on an envelope, your next job will be to remove the stamps from the paper. Do NOT try to peel the stamp from the envelope. You will tear it or damage the paper.

However, before deciding whether to remove the stamp, you should examine the covers (envelopes) carefully. Very old stamps may be worth more if left on the cover. Covers with interesting cancels, handstamps, postal markings, or unusual stamp combinations should be left as covers -- their stamps should not be removed as they help to tell an interesting postal history story. If in doubt as to whether to save the entire cover, ask a knowledgeable collector. Also, stamps from first day covers should not be removed.

To take stamps off an envelope, start by cutting neatly around the stamp. Do not cut so close as to trim off any perforations- the little "teeth" around the edge of the stamp.

It is best to sort your stamps before soaking them. Separate stamps that are on colored envelopes or have colored cancels. These stamps should be soaked on at a time in cold water so that if the color should run, it will not spoil any other stamps.

The most common way to remove stamps from paper is to soak them in a dish of warm, not hot, water. Allow the stamp to float free from the paper. After the stamp has separated from the paper, very gently rub over the back of the stamps with your fingertip to remove any remaining gum.

To dry the stamps, spread them face down on black and white newspaper or white absorbent paper. After the stamps have dried, they can be picked up and pressed flat between the pages or beneath a heavy book.

Care should be given in selecting the stamps for your collection. Torn, dirty, heavily canceled, and damaged stamps should be replaced when possible with better examples.

ORGANIZING YOUR COLLECTION

The cheapest way to store your stamps until you have decided what to do with them is to put them in clean envelopes sorted by country. Although white paper envelopes can be used, stamp collectors prefer the glassine envelope so that the stamps can be seen. They are available in many sizes at stamp stores or by mail order.

Other stamp collectors prefer to use stock pages or stock books for stamp storage. Stock pages are made up of a series of pockets in which to keep the stamps. There are many kinds of stock pages and stock books. A trip to your local stamp store should help you determine which type would best meet your needs. If there is no local stamp store, there are many dealers who sell supplies by mail. They advertise in many of the stamp magazines and newspapers.

At some point, the collector will probably wish to organize his or her collection on album pages. Stamp albums may have either printed or blank pages.

Album pages can be made by the beginning collector. It allows flexibility. In its simplest form, it can just be a piece of loose-leaf paper with a hand printed title. Stamps may be affixed to these pages.

Printed album pages contain illustrations of the stamps from one or more countries. Beginners often find it helpful to have a printed album to help in organizing the stamps they have. An inexpensive paperback album with printed pages may be fine for the beginner. If the enthusiasm for stamp collecting continues to grow, a better album can always be purchased. As albums vary greatly in size, quality, and price, a trip to your favorite stamp dealer should aid you in making a decision.

Better albums, although more expensive, have several advantages. They are made more complete. Since they are loose-leaf, this allows you to add yearly supplements to keep the album unto date. Blank pages may be added to the album to include materials such as covers, special cancels, etc. which may not be illustrated within the album.

Collectors of topical stamps usually make up their own album pages as printed pages are generally not available. Stamp albums are available for purchase at some variety and hobby stores, from stamp stores, at stamp shows, or by mail order.

Once an album has been acquired, the proper way of affixing the stamps to the album or loose-leaf page must be learned. NEVER tape or glue a stamp into the album space. For used or inexpensive stamps, the best method is to "hinge" the stamp. Stamp hinges, made with special peel able gum that will not harm stamps, are the most inexpensive and economical way to attach stamps to a page. Follow the directions that come with the package and always be sure that not too much moisture is used so only the hinge, not the back of the stamp, stick to the album page.

The preferred method for putting mint stamps and higher priced used stamps into an album is by using a stamp mount. Stamp mounts cost only a few cents each, come in many sizes, and afford more protection for the stamp as well as preserving the gum on the stamp's back. Your local stamp dealer or an experienced collector can guide you in making a wise decision in choosing the right sizes and the proper mounts for your collection.

STAMP COLLECTING TOOLS

The basic stamp collecting tools you will need are the album and hinges or mounts for affixing the stamps. Those have already been discussed. There are two other tools that the stamp collector considers essential.

Stamp tongs are used for handling stamps without damaging them or getting them dirty. Although they look like tweezers, they are not. Stamp tongs have special rounded ends and will not pierce or damage a stamp. Although y our hands should be clean when handling stamps, use the tongs to handle the stamps. Oils on your fingers can damage stamps.

Another "must have" for the collector is a price guide or catalogue of some sort. The Harris Brookman catalogs of United Stamps stamps are popular, inexpensive price guides. The Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue is a good source for finding out about the world's stamps. Although current editions are too expensive for beginning collectors to consider purchasing, they can be found at most public libraries. Also Stanley Gibbons produce the 'Stamps of the World' Catalogue - which is now in four volumes. Once again you might find these in most public libraries.

There are two catalogs for the space stamp collector - 'Conquete De L'espace' by Lollini and 'Weebau' by Pierre Bauduin. By clicking the links you will be able to find out more.

As you become more familiar with your stamps, a few other tools can be added to your equipment. Once beyond the basics, all stamp collectors need a perforation gauge, watermark fluid and tray, and color guide. Again, a stamp dealer or an experienced collector will be able to help you in learning the proper use of these tools.

FINDING OTHERS WHO COLLECT

Stamp collecting can be more fun if you find others who collect stamps. Ask your friends, perhaps they are collectors themselves, or know someone who is. Check at your school to see if they have a stamp club. If no stamp club exists, speak to your teacher or principal. Perhaps they would be willing to help organize one. They can do so by requesting free support materials from your local postmaster.

Frequently, larger populated areas will have either a city or county stamp club. Inquire at the library, post office, stamp store, or of your collecting friends to see if they know of a stamp club in your area. Stamp clubs are a fun way to meet new collectors, obtain new stamps, and learn more about the hobby.

Find a penpal from a foreign country, preferably one who collects stamps. You would gain much knowledge about the culture, history and geography of another country. You might even trade stamps through the mail. At the very least, you will get their country's stamps on your mail. Be sure to use commemorative stamps on the mail to your penpal.

Join a stamp collecting organization. There are many groups, perhaps some that even specialize in a collecting area that you are interested in.

Many stamp collecting groups sponsor stamp shows, which can vary from an afternoon "bourse" which features several dealers from the area to three or four day exhibitions which include displays by other collectors. Many of these exhibitions include special areas for young people to learn more about the hobby and add new stamps to their collections for free or at a reduced cost. You can find out about these shows in stamp collector publications, in your local papers, or from stamp stores in your area. Try to attend the next show in your area!

READING ABOUT STAMPS

Stamp Collectors who have the most fun with their stamps are the ones who learn the most about their hobby. Reading available literature will help to make your collecting experiences even more fun.

Next time you go to the library, check the card catalog under the subject "Stamps" or "Stamp Collecting." Check out the books. See if the library has any stamp collecting newspapers or magazines. Many of the stamp collecting newspapers or magazines will send you a copy free or at a nominal charge.

A trip to your local stamp dealer or stamp show will also help you find a few basic books about stamp collecting. Next time you are browsing in a book store, check to see what stamp collecting books are available.

Many National philatelic organizations and their special study groups have newsletters, magazines, and books to help you in learning more about stamp collecting. There are a lot of books about stamps -- enough to fill a library for stamp collectors!

Stamp Collecting is fun -- but finding someone to share the hobby with and reading about philately will pave the way to ensuring your hobby will last a lifetime!