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4. 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 favourite 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.
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