Finding The Good Covers Amongst Many

I have a stack of covers from all over the world which don't fit into any of my collections, so I have decided to part with them. So my question is, when sorting through covers from all over the world, what are you looking for when looking for the good covers?

When looking through I look for things that might be of interest for another collector. For instance, this cover.



Since it has been sent from XI Congres Postal Universel I'm thinking there must be some collector who wants this in his collection (after all, we stamp people do collect everything), and therefore would be worth its own listing at, say, ebay.

Also, this cover caught my interest.



As it has a stamp with a boat on and is commercially used by what seems like a shipping company (or something similar), it should fit nicely into a topical collection.

So, any suggestions to what for look for on a cover?

I usually collect by era (KGV 1910-1936), but I also collect a range of other covers. My choice is for eye-appeal, markings and unusual routes. The cover you have above is from the Faroe Islands, and commercial covers from there must be a good bet for the future.

Here in Australia, many people are collecting decimal covers (>1966) showing correct, non-philatelic usage of current stamps on specific routes.

In other words, there are no rules. If you start listing covers for sale, they usually sell!

Very good question. I am curious also.

I would think the way you are doing it so far, with topics and themes, is a big part of it and would yield the most sales.

But with some, there are the sander and receiver's names, which make the cover more valuable (famous figures, movie stars, political figures or those connected to them, or a signature (say from a first flight or event). US Civil War covers come to mind.

Illustrated covers with an illustration that falls into a topical interest, like your ship cover, nice.

Part of the idea is to know what topics would interest people more and what names are which. That takes a lot of time and specialized knowledge sometimes.

Best to start big and work down. Example: Animals, Bears, polar bears, etc.

Postmarks is a big one. Certain eras, or types, or shapes. I collect hexagon shaped postmarks and stamps and am getting interested in France railroad cancels (scallop shaped / corrugated circles). Some collect event or first day cancels, or cancels with topics in / on them.

It depends on how you title your sale and advertise them and point out the nice features that not everyone will catch in a quick glance. The better sales techniques and thought you put into the whole thing the better sales you will have (hopefully).

Any hex-shaped cancels in your lot of covers? You have to reach 50 posts and two weeks I think it is to trade or buy and sell on Stamp Community but that happens quickly when you ask questions (contribute) and answer questions (contribute) and admire and pay tribute to others passions and hard work (contribute).

Thanks for the answers.

@Puzzler, good suggestions and along the same thoughts I've had. Just find something on the cover that will tempt a collector to buy it. The trick is to recognize what others will regard as tempting, but I guess the keywords here are experience and training. Regarding hex-shaped cancels, I can't remember having seen any, but I will keep an eye out for any.

@jubilee. I've heard that the market for pre-decimal Australian covers are good, even picked one up cheaply at a whim on a Norwegian auction site.

I have a few focuses for covers.
US Covers: Use of new stamps on cover, unusual usage or markings
Worldwide Covers: The plan is to have a cover from every country that issued postage stamps. So if it is an attractive cover (and non-philatelic) and not in my collection yet, I will buy (I don't have one from the Faroe Islands yet).
Panama Covers: Right now I am looking for early air mail covers.
Canal Zone Covers: I already have an extensive collection, but if something pops up that would complement the collection I might buy it.

A local cover from Wurttemberg:

I have a few Canal Zone covers from the WWII period. Drop me a note if you'd like a scan

i have many covers from many countries addressed to me.

warm wishes.

@Smauggie: I'll keep you in mind. I have a few covers from Faroe Islands, most of which seems to be FDC (of the kind you buy the stamp, put it on a envelope and have it cancelled on the day of issue), but haven't checked the dates yet. I might try and sell it all as a lot someplace, but haven't really decided on that either.