I'm New To This Forum So Excuse Me For Mistakes

We have many foreign and U.S. stamps. I'm 82 and no longer want to keep them. Some since 1940s. What I would like to know is how to find a reputable dealer where I can be certain that I would not be cheated during a sale. Also please recommend catalogs that show potential prices. Thanks, and sorry if asking too much for a beginner.

Hi, Fortbud, and welcome to the forum. You certainly have not asked too much, we are a friendly bunch on this forum, and collectively have a vast amount of knowledge and experience, and if someone doesn't have the answer, we can usually at least steer you in the right direction. As with many other first posts on this forum, the answer will usually be that it would help us to know what you have in your collection if you would post a few photographs of some of your stamps. And the other standard answer is to refer you to the stampsmarter website. A good source of reference is a standard stamp catalogue, such as Scott's, which, if you have access to one and know how to use it will give you at least a rough idea if you have anything valuable, but if your local libraries are closed (as mine are) due to the pandemic, this might be difficult. Unfortunately, many, in fact the vast majority of general worldwide collections turn out to consist of the most easily obtainable and therefore the lowest valued material. Unless you are a fairly serious collector and are purchasing specific stamps to complete a particular collection, the odds of you having anything of significant value are low, so don't expect great wealth. If you discover that your collection is in fact of relatively low monetary value, maybe you might think of handing it down to a younger relative. Anyway, good luck with whatever you do with it

My suggestion, would be to seek out your local stamp club,
go along with your albums, and ask for members opinions.
You shall no doubt, be met with agreeable people, together with honest appraisals.

Most have regular auctions, and you may be able to dispose of material to like minded people.

i always recommend people to get 2-3 appraisals and never sell to the first bidder.

fortbud: to follow up on Rod's suggestion about stamp clubs, and if you live in the US, go to this web site: www.stamps.org

This is the American Philatelic Society. Click on 'Community' at the top and scroll down to 'Clubs.' You can then enter your state to find nearby clubs and contact information for them. Be aware that almost all clubs are operated by volunteers and there may be a short delay in getting a reply.

Showing some scans will answer many questions.