Trimming Unperforated Stamps

Is it a bad practice to trim unperforated Stamps as long as there is some good selvedge left?

Of course it's a bad practice to tamper with any stamp.

But It's your collection. It's what makes you happy, no one else.

Unless it's exceptionally valuable, clip away.

I wouldn't do it unless it's a post classic era stamp, otherwise I must echo kcaramat's reply.

Its your stamp, your collection, do it your way. You can turn an ugly stamp into a fair stamp with just 1 swipe of the cutter. That being said, I would not remove any part of the image itself. But, trimming selvage is just cleaning up anothers mess. I view it the same as using an eraser to remove unwanted comments from the front of a cover.

Art

Unless the selvage is torn or otherwise damaged on non-perforated stamps, it may be preferable to keep the selvage as is. These are considered "sheet margin" stamps and sometimes command a premium. Especially if the entire design and all margins are present.

This only applies to classic-era stamps.

Of course, if you don't like sheet margins, well...

Hope this helps.

The only thing I was thinking was the stamp was not cut straight. There is about an equal amount of selvege and was just thinking it would clean it up. Make the selvege even on all four sides.

I echo the sentiments of others. It is your collection and as long as you plan on keeping it I would trim them because you'll feel better. My collection has a value of (0) because none of it is for sale and no one else in the family has the least amount of interest in it along with the 5000 CD's I've accumulated as a result of the reviewing. For all I care they can put the stamps on the CD's and use them as coasters. But for now my collection is priceless and I enjoy them daily. You might ask family members what they think. I hope I didn't sound too negative but I'm trying to be realistic.
Tom

No Tom you were just honest and that's what I guess I was looking for. My family has no interest in "MY" stamps either. When unperforated Stamps were cut at the P.O. they were usually cut with scissors and one side is usually uneven. Bowed or crowned like a 2x6 or inverted. I was just thinking of cutting it straight but after everyone's input. I think I'll just leave them as is. I'm the only one that Gloats over them anyway. Thanks for everyone that made a recommendation.

TinMan,

Good choice. They are only your stamps for a little while...