I just sent you a message. Thanks for the offer Alvin, that's extremely generous of you. As a new collector, I had literally just posted a message in another topic about how to get started, well, you just answered my question. lol. I currently do not yet own any stamps, so if you have any packets left, you'll officially be starting my collection. Thanks in advance, and if you ran out, thanks for helping others out anyway. It's really cool of you.
This is the first week of classes where I teach, so I've been a bit harried this week, but I'm glad you're on board. You'll make #5, but I think I'll keep this up as long as possible. I've been working with the local cub scouts and my son's old 4th grade teacher for four or five years now, and somehow it hasn't depleted the pile all that much, so....
Thanks Alvin, and no rush at all. I still need to pick up an album to start putting them in and all. I really appreciate the help starting my collection and I look forward to seeing what I end up getting. On a side note, it's very cool of you to offer your help to the local cub scouts and your son's 4th grade teacher. Sharing your hobby is great, even if stamp collecting might not be the most well-known hobby, I feel like it's something that could be a lot of fun when you get into it. Like Pokemon, as a child I LOVED collecting those cards.
@ MikeTheTech ~ You will be absolutely thrilled at the selection and quality of Alvin's VERY GENEROUS offer. A few things first: Do you have stamp tongs yet? They are only like $3.00 - $20.00 depending on how fancy and which styles you want. I just use your standard spade or spatula ended tongs. They are a MUST in stamp collecting. Please try not use your everyday tweezer to handle stamps as holes and damage will result. they just aren't designed for it. You may also want to start considering protective housing for your new found collection/addiction...lol Stock books are a nice thing to have and don't break the bank either. Maybe this should be it's own topic? "The Stamp Collectors tools of the trade" thread may be in order. What do you think? May help some new collectors get familiar with the gear perhaps?
Many thanks to Ratio411, who has once again upped the ante by sending me a bunch of extras to include with the packets. Looks like a couple of postage due will also be a part of future packets, plus some regular issues. I'll be sorting them out over the next couple of days....
Alvin....I think this is Awesome!!! I'm glad to see that there are people out there trying to help new people to the hobby. Keep it up man!
This is really an awesome thread. I believe your in #6 in Alvin's list now. Again, thanks Ratio411 and Alvin. Love it!
I'm not #6....thanks but I have 100s of US duplicates that I give away too to new collectors. I was just saying keep it up!!
I'm getting a lot of help. My stock of 2c Columbians, depleted mostly by the cub scouts, has been replenished for a while, and I'm including some regular issues and postage due stamps, which I had virtually none of before. And the simple of act of starting the process has sent me back into stock books and boxes I haven't visited in at least a couple of years. I'm pretty sure I could do this for quite a long time, and since most of us who have been doing this for a while have these stamps, it doesn't even begin to cut into my viable trading stock. Are you, Sam, looking to take advantage of the offer? If so, go to your "inbox" and send me your address.
Haven't posted in a while because I've been busy with my school year, but wanted to let folks know that the offer is still in effect. There's only one of the first group of ten packets left, but I'll be making up more as soon as it's necessary.
Why not offer such stamps to juniors in a stamp club in that way you advertise the site as well. I cound use a few of those 2$ columbians or was it 2c LOL Erich
That is great what you all do to help each other out. I am new and at times overwhelmed, but I take a deep breath and go on. I am not sure, {new to forums} if this is the right spot to be in? But where can one get information on stamps, I have 6 volumes, 2009 Scott catalog found on the web somewhere for free, a Mystic catalog. And web sites like Poppe Stamps, 1847usa to name a few. The information I am looking for is # printed, first issued at, issued date, Stanley Gibbons #, designer & engraver. I kind of go all or none. I have about 500 or so used & mint US & world stamps and working on getting them into albums. I just have to find the balance with the funds, which gives me time to gather the information. Again I have tried other forums, but , I feel like I am with family here.
Well welcome to the family ! The task you set yourself may be a bit too much all at once. That said, you already have all the basis tools, catalogues - internet. Next thing is literature or handbooks that specify. I am afraid you would need to balance your time aswell as the information and experience takes time to gather, but can be fun with time on your side. Erich
Yes it at times seems to be, but it started out with world stamps wanting to know about the stamp and at times where did it come from. Then I would daydream with the older stamps, who touched the stamp, what was on there mind, like 1942 was war these stamps were apart of history. I had the same thoughts with my coin collection. That most likely why I want to learn and feel the stamps in there time. A little crazy, but these stamps are history.
Why then not limit yourself on issues of WWII, WWI, Korean, Viet Nam or anywhere of moder UN conflict zones, Lebanon etc., etc Here is one of my favourites View attachment 1134 View attachment 1135 View attachment 1136 or View attachment 1137 OR View attachment 1138
Welcome! My comment is that retail catalogs like Mystic are great for reference, but do yourself a favor and don't buy from retail outlets. They generally are the absolute most exensive place to get stamps and supplies. Generally, Mystic sells at or ABOVE catalog value. If you buy from auction sites like Bidstart, you can get almost anything for a fraction of catalog value. Just a heads up! Btw: Have you contacted Alvin for a starter group?
No I have not, and thanks for the heads up on where to get stamps. I am currently getting the Heritage collection from Mystic, Book, stamps, and mounts at there stamp price. I figured it was a good way to get going on the right foot. I had also had gotten from Kenmore there World stamps by approval but $1.00 goes so far so I stopped that for now. But taking your recommendation I will look other sites like the Bidstart and let my $1.00 go farther.
