Stamps Wrapped In Saran Wrap?

I have some older stamps that the previous owner wrapped in Saran wrap, presumably to protect them. The stamps are nearly all mint, pre-1940's. I would guess this was before mounts were readily available or affordable so this collector was doing what he thought was best with what he had at hand.

As far as I can tell there is little or no damage to the stamps except for a few blunted perfs. The wrap hasn't yellowed and the colors look OK.

I want to unwrap them and put them in mounts but I'm afraid that I may damage the stamps in the process. Does anyone have experience with this? Are there pitfalls in unwrapping the stamps that I need to know about?

Karen

Is it wrapped in clear wrap with a small piece of cardboard behind? I have found a few of them like that. I've never removed the plastic though. I am sure the fine peeps here can help you.

I have noticed that some old stamps have thick paper hinges on them, I have always wondered what they are or if they were hand made.

Take care,
SueStamps

Guess it keeps them crisp and fresh.
The only thing I would be careful of is the gum sticking on the back. Hopefully they didn't pack them back to back. But if any moisture got in (hopefully they didn't use that cheap imitation wrap!) then you could have a problem. I've never had success separating stuck mint stamps. Board members have offered methods for saving them, but I've never found them successful.
Just go slowly, that's all I can suggest.

Can I ask a question? I'm brand new here and just opening these TONS of stamps that I inherited.. and don't want.

I have tons of loose stamps - in good shape - some slightly curled.
I'd like organize them and put them in ?? what - so that I can see what I have.

What do you suggest? I just rescued and relocated them from an ancient Russell Stover candy box from the 1970s.

Hi,I had some of the Saran wraps myself. I used a pair of very small "sharp" scissors which I bought at a crafts store and inserted carefully into the plastic and cut. Keith

You could try those sharp tipped scissors that have the curved blade that comes in a one of those bathroom sets with the scissors, file, etc.

Thanks for the suggestions. I hadn't thought of using sharp-tipped scissors. I think that would be a last resort for me. My hands aren't steady enough and some of the stamps are probably valuable... I won't be able to assess condition until I get them unwrapped.

The stamps are individually wrapped and mounted in an album. I think James' suggestion to be very slow and careful and using tongs or maybe sharp-tipped tweezers is the way I'll go.

Ladybug Glad to have you with us!

You will find a lot of good advice about what to do with your collection if you search using keyword ' inherited'. The Search button is at the top of the page on the right hand side near where you sign in. Limit your search to the 'Main Stamp Collecting Forum' category. If you search all you will get hundreds of 'Introduce Yourself' posts that won't be as helpful.

Many members have asked that question when they were first getting started so there's a lot of wisdom already out there. That being said, don't feel inhibited from asking questions. Reading those threads will help you with your question and they'll help you to form more specific questions. Even if you decide you don't want to collect stamps you can find good information on what to do with them.

The first steps I would take are to learn the techniques that keep your collection safe:
1) Store stamps protected from humidity, high heat and light.
2) Handle your stamps using stamp tongs to protect them from the oils on your skin. Stamp tongs are like tweezers but the ends are blunt and the contact surfaces are smooth.
3)Place your loose stamps in envelopes or a stock book to help prevent creases or other kinds of damage.

I hope this helps!

Karen

Hi Ladybug, I had some curly stamps myself. I placed them in acid free envelopes "not touching each other" and put it near the back of a book and stacked 5 large books on top of the book they were in and left it for a week. Now they are flat again. :} Keith

Would a hot iron work on curled stamps using a thin cloth like a pillow case or something in between the stamp and hot iron?

The heavy book method is much better than using an iron because heat is not great for stamps.

This is kind of drifting off-topic. People won't be looking for your subject under this heading. It would be better to start a new thread with a heading that describes your question so people can see it.

Also I'm sure there are threads on 'curl' if you want to look. There are probably other good ideas already in the archives!