Estate Auction

On Saturday I went to an auction to bid on some coins that were listed. I bought a few but most went to high. I then walked around getting a better idea of what was for sale. I found several boxes of stamps that would be for sale. I waited around and bought the lot for $15.00. Today I went through them to see what I bought. I discovered that it looks like two different collections, one assembled in the mid 1950's and the other in the mid 1930's..The 1930's set has a good amount of unused and unhinged 3 cent stamps of the times. All together I got four albums and two boxes full of world and U.S. stamps. At least a couple thousand. I am new to this so could anyone give me an idea of what to look for. During the past summer I picked some up a garage sales but all were from more recent times. I am excited to find an older collection
Thank you for any advice.

Congratulations and welcome!



My advice is to head down to the local library and check out a copy of the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalog (the A-B volume or the Specialized volume). Either of those volumes will help you identify the stamps you have and get a general idea as to value.

Keep in mind that the Scott catalog will not price a stamp at less than $0.20. Most US stamps printed after 1940 regularly sell for less than face value (as singles, anyway).

There are certain more desirable items you could look out for, but you will want to have a catalog to help you.

Please feel free to post scans here and/or ask questions.

to SCF, sounds to me like you quite a find so congratulations. I suppose one thing to do with the collections will be to send those to me. I will be happy to see if you have any keepers. Seriously, get a Scott's Specialized Catalog from the library to see what you have as has been suggested. Keep in mind that just because a stamp was made 125 years ago doesn't mean its worth a lot. Most stamps were printed in the millions. If a stamp has a high value on it then it perhaps has more value than the others. Of course, that depends on when it was printed.

Anyone on this forum will be happy to help, all you need do is to post a pic and ask.

Art

Yes, welcome and congratulations. I get to estate auctions when I can, but never have had that kind of luck. You are living my dream.
Sound advice above. Get some catalogues and a relaxing drink and start sifting through the boxes. (make sure your relaxing drink is nowhere near elbows )
And of course if you find you are having trouble coping, I can always send you my address. Always glad to help and lighten your load. (kidding of course)

Welcome! Sounds like you did well - post some pics or scans when you get a chance

Welcome... Lots of good people here and GREAT advice.