Newbie Who Inherited A Stamp Collection - Is This A Possible 423d?

The World Stamp Identifier on Stamp Smarter (http://www.stampsmarter.com/WorldID_landing.html) is the only online identifier which supports entering foreign language characters to search for stamps. Currently it has entries for English, Cyrillic, and Asian stamps; hopefully I'll get around to adding Arabic characters in the near future. It has over 4200 total entries (stamps) and over 3200 stamp images. The 'Universal Search' section has a pop-up foreign language keyboard; so for example you can enter this character

it will return examples of stamps from China. (Sorry, had to use an image because I can't figure out how to make the forum editor use foreign language characters.)

This tool started with the list from the Society of Worldwide Stamp Collectors website and was coordinated with the help of by APS. It may eventually become a common component of all three web sites if I can work out the details of getting the source code and SQL database onto their web sites.
Don
APS #094826

I too am an inheritor of old stamps. I have also purchased new sheets of US and British stamps, and continue to purchase sheets of US stamps. I don't anything really about collecting stamps, wherefores, what nots, and how-tos. Just reading posts of other members is helping me learn. I too appreciate everyone's wealth of knowledge and willingness to share it and help us newbies.

Welcome. First off, I recommend calling Mystic stamps and ask for a catalog. That is one of the best quick and easy ways of checking US stamps at a glance. And when you get into town, visit the public library which usually has a set of Scott catalogs in the stacks. Those can be daunting for the newbie, but the mystic 120 page or so catalog will get you in the ballpark of what you have of US stamps. and you can note the questionable ones for reference with a scott specialized catalog later on. An old Harris album usually has a few stamp identifier pages in the front or back. Good starter tools are a perforation gauge, magnifying glass or eye loupe, tweezers (with flat ends not pointed), and watermark detection fluid and a black tray for such. (ronsonol lighter fluid is ready available substitute for watermark detection fluid, just be careful with either...no flames obviously). Best way to learn is hands on and dig in. enjoy the hobby. One point though...begin stamp collecting for the love of doing so, not for a money making look for the high dollar stamp mindset. The best way I have found in collecting is because I love the collection and collecting of stamps. small works of art in my book.

Thanks for all the help, folks! Definitely an addicting hobby. :)

Thanks again for the help. What a fantastic community!