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Last Post Feb 16, 2005 10:59 PM by: tonkhonker1
Replies: 26
daphne@ebay.com
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(1 of 26)

Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: "Stamp Collecting Basics"

Jun 11, 2002 3:04 PM
Welcome to the Workshops baord, jrwinsom, and thanks so much for taking time this afternoon to share your expertise on Stamp collecting!

And welcome to everyone who is with us tonight, too! Jrwinsom is a regular on the Stamps discussion board and has had 35 years of experience teaching people about the wonderful hobby of stamp collecting.

This workshop makes a great starting point for beginning enthusiasts--young and old alike! If you have questions along the way, please post.. we LOVE these to be interactive. If you have your own comments/tips to offer, please do that too!

And.. if you are out there in the "rafters" lurking to learn... let us know you are with us with a 'hello' so we can say "hi." :)

What the lawyers ask me to add...

Note: The statements and opinions made in this discussion board are those of Jrwinsom only and do not reflect eBay policy or eBay's opinion with respect to such statements.


Take it away, jrwinsom! :)

Daphne
eBay Community Development
--------------------------------------------


Join Me
at eBay Live 2002 in Anaheim!


Click here to view our current Workshop Calendar.
Click here to read the latest Community Chatter Newsletter.
Click here to contact eBay with your support or billing questions.
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jrwinsom
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Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: "Stamp Collecting Basics"

Jun 11, 2002 3:05 PM
1.) What is stamp collecting?

Stamp collecting is a wonderful hobby that will educate and entertain you. Enter a collecting world that will encourage reading, write-ups and research. You will learn about different cultures around the globe as well as your own back yard. Topical stamp collecting has been a favorite with many first time collectors. You can collect flowers, cars, space ships, insects, cartoon characters, world art and many other subjects on stamps to spark your interest. Assembling a collection is relaxing and rewarding. Stamps can be collected from your daily mail, postcards; you can join a local stamp club and trade or buy stamps. There are stamp shows with a dealer bourse to hunt down your next stamp; or you can participate on eBay’s stamp auctions (which is a lot of fun)! I highly recommend stamp collecting to anyone wanting a hobby to enjoy a life time.

Jrwinsom

Workshop Host
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jrwinsom
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Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: "Stamp Collecting Basics"

Jun 11, 2002 3:07 PM
2.) How to get started

The best way to start stamp collecting is to ask your friends to start saving all the envelopes with stamps on them for you. You can also visit your local stamp dealer or local show. Look for packets or small bags of stamps. It’s best not to buy too many, it can be overwhelming. Keep your stamps in a small shoe box for safe keeping.


Jrwinsom

Workshop Host

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jrwinsom
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Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: "Stamp Collecting Basics"

Jun 11, 2002 3:09 PM
3.) Basic: Parts of stamp defined

Stamp collecting has its own terms for parts of the stamps. The paper is specially made for stamp production, using pulp from wood, cotton, vegetable fiber and straw. Notice the stamp below; let’s look at the face side of the stamp. This design when printed can be one or more colors. The printing method used can be engraved, photo offset, lithograph or typographic, depending when the stamp was printed. Now look to the very outside edges of the stamp, these are called perforations, the hole size and quantity of holes can vary. They are measured in millimeters (mm). The reverse side of the stamp is where the gum (glue) or self adhesive glue is applied.

Jrwinsom

Workshop Host
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jrwinsom
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Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: "Stamp Collecting Basics"

Jun 11, 2002 3:12 PM
4.) Tools used in stamp collecting

a. perforation gauge

b. tongs or tweezers

c. hinges or mounts

d. magnifying glass

e. other



Stamp collecting is a hobby that requires a few tools. Here they are and why you should have them.:
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jrwinsom
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Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: "Stamp Collecting Basics"

Jun 11, 2002 3:14 PM
  • Perforation gauge - This is an important tool to those collectors who like the details. It should allow you to measure a stamp on cover or off. It should have readings from 8 to 16. It can be clear plastic or metal. These are not expensive and should be in everyone’s tool box.

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jrwinsom
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Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: "Stamp Collecting Basics"

Jun 11, 2002 3:15 PM
  • Tongs or tweezers - These instruments help hold the stamp so it won’t get damaged. There are pointed and shovel type, large and small, for the professional or student. These are essential to stamp collecting. We want to keep our stamps as clean as possible, and tongs provide that protection. Fingers are naturally oily. Remember that if you handle your stamps with your fingers this oil can and will get into your stamps. You might not see any today, but years from now it will show up. So handle with care, use your stamp tongs.

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    jrwinsom
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    Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: "Stamp Collecting Basics"

    Jun 11, 2002 3:17 PM
  • Hinges or mounts - The best advice on these is to have both. Most used stamps can be safely hinged to the album page. The hinges should be the gummed tissue type that is pre folded. Moisten the small end of the hinge first. It goes about two thirds up from the bottom on the back side of the stamp. Then moisten the large side of the hinge and mount the stamp in the album. This will allow you to view the backside of the stamp when necessary. Mint stamps should be kept in the plastic pocket type holder. These are available with a black background or clear both sides. They fit in a three ring binder and are inexpensive. When you are ready to mount your mint stamps, buy the individual type of mounts precut to fit your stamp. Place the mount on the album page first, let it dry, and then put your stamp into it. These types of mounts are available in many sizes, black background, clear background and pocket type.

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    jrwinsom
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    Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: "Stamp Collecting Basics"

    Jun 11, 2002 3:22 PM
  • Magnifying glass - A small loop type magnifier that is at least 5 xs will help you see the details on any stamp. The hand held type is also useful. These are generally inexpensive. For greater detail viewing, buy a 10 x or 15 x magnifiers.

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    jrwinsom
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    Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: "Stamp Collecting Basics"

    Jun 11, 2002 3:24 PM
  • Other items - Watermark fluid and watermark black tray. These will help see the watermark on the stamp if it has one. Stamp lifter; a small humidifier box that allows you to remove a stamp from an envelope or paper without getting the stamp wet. Especially useful for stamps with ink that is water soluble. Stock sheets to hold your duplicate stamps. Horizontal pockets and made from Manila paper.




    Jrwinsom

    Workshop Host

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    jrwinsom
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    Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: "Stamp Collecting Basics"

    Jun 11, 2002 3:26 PM
    Any Questions out there?

    jrwinsom
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    daphne@ebay.com
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    Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: "Stamp Collecting Basics"

    Jun 11, 2002 3:30 PM
    Great information, jrwinsom!!

    * POP POP PPPPPOP!!!*

    I'm making some fresh buttered popcorn... anyone want any?? Help yourself to some iced tea, too....

    *grabs bowl and a napkin* :)

    Daphne
    eBay Community Development
    --------------------------------------------


    Join Me
    at eBay Live 2002 in Anaheim!


    Click here to view our current Workshop Calendar.
    Click here to read the latest Community Chatter Newsletter.
    Click here to contact eBay with your support or billing questions.
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    jrwinsom
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    Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: "Stamp Collecting Basics"

    Jun 11, 2002 3:47 PM
    5.) Simple suggestions for first time collectors

    Start out slow! Get your tools, mounts and album ready for the stamps. You can make your own album or buy one. It can be as simple or complex as you want to make it. When buying stamps, packets and sets are best to start with. Buy a used set of catalogs and a beginner’s stamp book. Pick out a series of stamps from the catalog and buy or trade your way to complete it. Visit your local stamp club on their meeting night. Buy and sell stamps on eBay. Just enjoy yourself and have fun!

    Jrwinsom

    Workshop Host
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    karenica*s_finds
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    Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: "Stamp Collecting Basics"

    Jun 11, 2002 3:49 PM
    How can you collect stamps from mail if a postmark is covering them? Would they really be valuable with the postmark? Is there a way to remove the postmark off a stamp?
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