Too Many Stamps - What To Do?

I am in a quandary here. I love these old stamps every one of them, but I also know that I suffer from philateliitis (collect and keep everything you have, NO MATTER WHAT). I have these nice QV one pennies and yes I see the FB and the squared circle, but how many of these do I hang onto. When is enough too much. And if I decided to part with them - How? I would like to know that they are going somewhere they will be used and not tossed. Or maybe they should be. Are they worth filling someone's page, or am I missing something really valuable? I honestly don't know what to do other than pack them away and ignore the issue, but I don't think that's gonna help. Suggestions anyone please?? - Jeff

Same deal here although I know they are more recent. (aaaargh! pardon me while I go jump off a bridge!)

Jeff

It is afterall a hobby. I am in the same predicament as yourself because I too hate to part with stamps. However, having said this, I did have to bite the bullet and say, 'ok, enough is enough' and part with some of my collection. I did this because I wanted to get some sort of a hold on my collection and also be able to specialize more in the areas I want to keep.

There are still a lot of stamps I have to part with, notice I said 'have to part with' as apposed to 'like to part with'. I realize that I cannot keep them all. I am now down to about 10 countries that I collect and, sad to say, there are about 2 or 3 of them I have not been adding to lately because I am stronger in other areas.

I guess the main point I am 'trying' to make here is that I want to get my collection to the size that I can 'manage' ok. If that day will ever come, who knows??

My opinion anyway

Chimo

Bujutsu

There is a simple solution Jeff. Send all stamps that are stressing you, weighing down on you, hard to find a place for . . . to me.

You will then get a feeling of elation and well being.

please send one of each to me.
thank you

Another set of problem children. Anyone recognize that KBS perfin?

You could turn them into things of beauty using "Stamp Craft"
(See my post today on What's in your library)


Just kidding of course

An interesting thread. I recently overcame a long-standing *fear* of parting with "excess" stamps. I started giving them away. Not all of them, mind you. Some leave her in exchange for others or cash to help fund the addiction. I have no inclination to be a dealer, so I figure I might as well make someone's day and/or get someone started on a new area of interest. The feeling of freedom from clutter and of doing a good deed far outweigh the packrat tendencies. And the need for ever more storage space.

One thing you could tell yourself repeatedly is "It's only a collection if I manage it; otherwise it's an accumulation. I want to be a collector, not an accumulator."

Whether it's true or not, maybe it'd help you part with some.

Or you could just arrange to be burgled? I was spared this hard decision when the vast majority of my stamps were stolen early last year. Now I'm only collecting a few things -- including, as it happens, the Germany Scott 48 you list here. {envy}

Do you make a study of any sort of cancels at all? That would perhaps be reason for keeping some.

Sometimes stamps are kept as traders.

But then you must know what you are collecting and not be distracted off the beaten path.

To collect everything is to collect everything I think.

The trick to it all I think is to have some sort of system to order them or sort them out, other than just by country and denomination and year. Cancels work.

Creating a database like Rod has done for others to enjoy is a greeat thing but requires a certain skill and dedication that not all share to a large extent.

At this time I am drawn to the hexagonal cancellations (second scan second row first and last I think?) but partly because of the enjoyment of the hunt I think.

Great ideas, all of you. I will keep posting the overflow and you just keep telling me what you specialty is and we can see where it goes. mcgeesorg why Germany Scott #48?

mcgeesorg why Germany Scott #48?

@jhlovell: Actually, the answer's in @Puzzler's: I got a very large number in a box lot (close to 1000) and rather than allowing myself to be miffed, I noticed how many had nice cancels -- so started a cancel study. Worked for me. {shrug}

Michel #47 has a lot to offer for an eagle-eyed collector. 8 `Plattenfehler` listed in Deutschland Spezial. Just one to mention: smaller `1` in 10 (and this one has a pretty good CV too).

are those germans from the 1890's?

My stamps are divided into 3 parts 1)my collections stamps and covers 2) my cataloged duplicate stamps and covers 3) bulk...i can not allow myself to part with the super duplication...but one day it will go the way of all flesh...it will be alot easier on my heirs !

stampvirgin: yes they are, most of them

puzzler: great ideas, have a close look at first scan first row #5?

too much curve?

wadmalatz: don't have a Michel can you explain more??

philb: welcome back