You never want to handle stamps with you fingers, pickup some good stamp tongs or jewelry tongs that don't have sharp edges. You will also need a perforation gauge. Most US stamps where perforated 12, 11,10, 10-1/2 and so on. you need to measure the perforations to help identify the year your stamp was printed. If you have a scanner it helps to log your collection and post pictures here, but not necessary. You can get by with a good 10x jewelry loop for up close inspection of your stamps. Sounds like your collection is already organized, that's half the battle. IF you have a local Philatelic club near by where you live try attending or joining the club. There are a lot of good people out there that have collected for many, many years. They will be happy to mentor you and show you best practices for collecting, and identifying your stamps. You will also need a catalog of some sort. You'll hear of several catalog names from many collectors. For US stamps I prefer Scott Specialized, Doesn't mean it's the best catalog to use I just became accustomed to using it myself. You can also pick these catalogs up at your local library's and this will save you a ton of $$. Scott's Specialized for US stamps can run, $79.99. Last but not least, a good pair of digital calipers or clear ruler for measuring stamps. Such as the one you started you first topic with. This stamp was called a rotary waste stamp, and rare. The stamp it self should measure measures 19.75mmx 22.25mm. Follow the link below and you will have a better understanding of why Scott#594 is the most improperly identified stamp and how it became a rare stamp.
http://www.1847usa.com/ByYear/1923.htm
Posted 08/26/2012 09:00 am
