Where Do I Start?

An elderly friend received a copy of the "National Postage Stamp Album" as a Christmas gift in 1927. He later purchased the "American Album for United States Stamps" 1946 ed.

The first volume has several stamps from the 19th century through 1920. Of the first 213 Scott numbers, he collected about 38 stamps, virtually all used.

In the second volume he continued his collection starting where the National Album left off, that is, approx. 1922. Several pages in this volume are nearly complete, through end of WWII. Many are unused.

Obviously there are a huge number of variables, but how might I proceed to determine whether the collection is of significant value?

If I photograph some representative pages and post, can some of the more expert among you, suggest next steps?

Your help will be appreciated.


Scott 1926

First of all, Welcome!

Second, Yes...do post some scans of the early stamps and I'm sure someone on this site will be willing to help you identify them to help determine what you have.

Unfortunately, with few exceptions, most US stamps from 1940 to date were produced in such massive quantities that there is little value to them on the secondary market. Many of the earlier "classics" from the late 1800's to the 1930's do tend to keep their value better, but value has a great deal to do with condition. Obviously, if there are flaws in the stamps, values are greatly diminished.

We SCF members love to look at stamps, so anything you post I'm sure will prompt some reply that will hopefully help you in your endeavor.

Welcome, many of the early stamps look very much alike but the values can vary greatly. To start do you have a local stamp club, always a great place to start. Go to your library a get check out a copy of Scott Specialized Catalog of United States, if they don't have it then Scott Stamp Catalog Vol 1. Most of the post 1930 will be pretty easy.
The ones that are problems can be scanned and posted here and someone will help with the answers.

Thanks! I will get to the library.

What is the effect on old stamps of a scanner's bright light?

The general consensus is that a scanner is finished so quickly that there is no risk. Sustained exposure to light is definitely a risk.

Scott 1926 great to see you here on the forum. Sure would like to see some scans of those 19th century stamps and we might be able to help you with your dilemma. - Jeff