Hello From Dallas, TX

Hello everyone. I am brand new to stamp collecting and came across this forum in my searching for information.

I recently inherited a collection from my Grandfather and am at a bit of a loss for what to do with what I've got. So far I have done some simple organizing and filing, I have purchased some basic identification tools and done quite a bit of reading, but I'm really not sure where to go from here.

To give everyone an idea of what I am working with (at least in terms of the inherited collection) I will show you some pictures of what I have.

First there are thousands of used stamps, both from around the world, and from the US (where I reside). A couple of the zip lock bags on the left show a very small portion of those. Also in this picture you can see a Traveler album that has been very lightly filled in with stamps. These stamps are most prevalently in the time period of the 1930s, 40s and 50s it would seem.



There is also a US Album with most stamps filled in from the 1960s forward. Not sure what the cellophane covered collections are flanking the album.



Next is loads of glassine envelopes from all over the world. Seems like there is one labeled for at least 50 countries, many with mint stamps, others with used stamps. These stamps range from the 1900s through the 1950s.



Next there are quite a few what I would call "retail purchased stamps". Not sure if that is an accurate assessment, but basically they are little envelopes with mint stamp sets from around the world, and there is a value typed onto a card in the envelope as well. For example, just pulled one out that says "Dubai, 1969 set of 3 211-218...25 cents". This particular portion of the collection appears to be from the 1960s and 70s.



Next are the hundreds of stamps that are still on paper. Corners of letters, packages, etc...dating anywhere from the early 1900s through today.



Lastly are the boxes and boxes of thousands of letters and postcards that my Grandfather held on to. In this picture alone there are at least 200 postcards from the late 1800s, as well as hundreds of Air Mail letters from when he was on an Aircraft Carrier in WWII. There are probably 20 boxes similar in size to what is pictured here.



So basically I have become pretty enthralled with this hobby that was clearly very important to my Grandfather as well, but I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with everything. I would welcome some thoughts from the community on how to get started with this collection.

Thanks!

-Hayden

Hayden, Welcome...most of us would love to be in your "inheritance" situation..no one has left me any stamps yet..don't be overwhelmed..whats the hurry ? have fun !!

Hello zorrobond, welcome!

What a great collection, great collections to have and to go through.

I am imagining hat most of the monetary value of what you have shown and written about is in the covers (envelopes) and postcards.

There is much value in cancellations of certain times and places also, not only the stamps.

Most of the material from the 50's and 60's would be generally not as valuable but of course, there are always the exceptions.

Stamp catalogues and forums such as this one are invaluable assets to ponder and study.


When you are ready, you may find the other sections of this site to be of value, in posting pictures (great pictures, by the way) in appropriate forums here and there.

Asking questions is always considered contributing here. The showing of stamps and covers is appreciated.

Doug

edit: typos