Looking For Some Advice On What And How To Exhibit Someday

Hi- looking for some advice from some of the advanced US collectors and philatelists out there-- to briefly explain:

I've been more of an accumulator up to now, but I've built up a fairly nice collection, with some stamps that most folks don't have-- especially a few key 2c red Washington Franklins-- 357 and 358 blue papers (and a 369), cert 461, cert 519, cert 491, I've found 2- 500's, and 2- 534B's.

I've got some nice classics-- some of the better are a 4-margin #1, a #20 with a cert, an August Issue #56 mint with cert (now E56-15h), a #64 with cert, #75 with a cert, some of the tougher grills- 86, 87, 90, 92, 96, 97, 98-- so I've got a good start with the collection.

I don't collect anything after the 1920's Bureau's issues.
I started in the past year with revenues, and Proprietary Medicines.

I don't have stamps that a lot of folks do want-- I doubt that I'll ever own a dollar value Columbian (do have a Western Cattle in a Storm, though), or I'll ever own a Zepp or C1-6-- just don't have any interest in going with the flow.

I don't have covers, and don't have a great knowledge of Postal History. What I'm looking for is a suggestion on how to proceed if I want to look into beginning exhibiting. This would be for local shows here in Tennessee, and I would not expect to win-- but I also wouldn't want to be embarrassed.

Here are a few things I've thought of:

1- 1861 3c Stamps-- since I already have the August and pink. Many different cancels and covers available, an to put up a few panes, it would be possible, even though not every use or A25 would be possible on my budget. I could find a few patriotic covers, several Tennessee covers (I'm in Tennessee), and some nice cancels to exhibit, I think fairly easily.

2-- I've thought about the 2c 1st Issue Revenue orange stamps, and trying to see if I can put together a complete year of dates and exhibit. It would be a less-serious, more fun exhibit and would be really cool if I could find a February 29th from one of the years.

I have a few nice references, but plan to study and become a student of the classics, as I have with the 2c red W/F's in the past-- and I'm extremely detail oriented (I'm a pharmacist by education, now work for the State of Tennessee).

Can any of the advanced collectors advise, or let me know how to improve on either of the ideas above? Really looking for ideas on where to proceed knowing a little bit of what I have now, and what I've learned thus far.

Thanks for any advice, help you can offer me. If anyone wants, send me an email and I'll send my phone number, or I'll call you so we could chat.

Thanks again! Ray

The site below shows many examples of fine exhibitions from where you can get some ideas; they are great to leaf through anyway, even those in a foreign language. It just goes to show what a good communicating tool stamps are.

http://www.japhila.cz/hof/index02.htm

I hope that helps, can't do much more as I am not experienced enough in this complicated hobby.

Wow, Perf14, what a great site! Thanks for posting the link.

Sounds like you have a very nice "start" to an epic collection! (well, at least I do anyway)

Great reference site perf14

Local clubs should be a great help here. We have a few gentleman with "The Memphis Stamp Collectors Society" that would be more than willing to set you up. How far are you from Memphis? Or try a closer club maybe in Nashville or Knoxville.

Hey Mac, I recently accepted the treasurer job for our club in Nashville. Several exhibitors here, but they aren't US classic guys/gals. We have an couple of dealers in US material but neither are specialists, at least I don't think they are. So I was just looking for some other opinions out there. If you're ever at a show over here, give me A shout, it's always nice to put a face with the font. :)
Ray

I never thought I had enough good stuff for displays so I never really thought about it. Great discussion all, thanks- jeff

Well here are some of the best sites to research on the net. The first link gives examples, rules and is basically gives it all.
http://stamps.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi...rg/index.asp br /

This second link gives multiple sites with exhibits to give you some ideas. I am sure you can find something with the links and good luck.
http://stamps.about.com/od/historyo...bitsList.htm

Nice links, 1775mac..er..good marital advice too :)