Newbie Given Collection

Hi all
About 23 years ago I was given a box of stamps 100s of em, they are in small bags with the country names on plus some loose ones. they seem to be from all over world some with a water mark, there are some dates stamped some which preate 1900. How on earth can I get to know more about them it seems such a wonderfully diverse collection and really interesting.
Thanks in Advance

Chris

Lordwotsit
You need a catalogue to learn more about your stamps. Maybe you can find one at your local library before you think of buying one. If you have access to a scan you can show your stamps here. Another option is to find a stamp club in your area. Most philatelist like to help newbie.

thanx timbres667 I think I will scan a few in or a lot if you guys dont mind?

Good, lots of people on the forum like to id and value others stamps, any stamps.If you have problems transferring image on the site just ask questions. Daniel

to the community

Post some pictures, I would like to see what you have.

Hi Chris Whotsit

Welcome to stamps! You'll probably find the stamps aren't worth much in cash - but in real terms any decently varied collection is priceless, a wonderful way of finding out more about our amazing world.

Most UK libraries will have or can get Stanley Gibbons Simplified catalogues - alphabetic listings of the whole world in 5 large volumes. The latest year they have will be for reference use only, but they often have earlier years that you can take home.

A book that I think is definitely worth getting hold of is The Stamp Atlas "(A unique assembly of geography, social and political history, and postal information) (Hardcover)" - via Amazon from about £5 including delivery, Amazon listing at
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-li...ndition=used

It gives a lot of historical info and sample stamps for the whole world, and is great fun to dip into.

And as you get to know what you have, you'll find what most grabs your fancy - and then arrange it how you like, there are no rules in stamp collecting. Lots of useful advice on storage methods etc in this forum - and as several members have said, we're always happy to share what we know. It's an amazing hobby!

LordWotsit!

Would really like to see your stamps no matter how humble they are.
That is the best thing about stamping.
All of us get to learn something.
Stampers never stop learning or being beginners at some part of stamp collecting. KGV

Welcome Lord WotSit, glad to have you here.

Ask Phil (philately or the study of stamps (or tax)) is a great site having a nice list of terms and explanations.
http://www.askphil.org/index.htm

with the Glossary at this page:
http://www.askphil.org/b25.htm