Inherited Collection From Former Postmaster, Now What?!

Hello from the midwest of USA!
I am brand new to stamp collecting. It's very interesting, but not something I expected to get into. I've inherited many thousands of FDCs and other stamps, and other post related things I havent even found yet. I'm slowly going through the collection. I dont expect anything I have is very high value. I think the collection is mostly 1950's - 1990's. There are some stamps from other postmasters in other countries, which are fun but again, not worth much I imagine.
Anyway, hello and I'm excited to join!

Hi... and welcome to a lifetime of learning and a ton of FUN! I've been collecting over 50 years. All I may suggest is go through what you have and find something that peaks your interest and start from there.

Not knowing exactly what you have, or what you may find, in your, "...many thousands of stamps and FDCs..."; there may be singles, plate blocks, postage dues, special delivery issues, postmarks, coils, machine cancels, postal stationary, printing varieties --- or more. I guess you will have plenty of sorting to do; by year, category, type, etc., and here is where a catalog will help.

You might find it helpful to invest a few $$$ in a "Scott U.S. Specialized Catalog". It will help you sort, understand what you have and gain insight into some of the collecting segments of the hobby.

The "INTRODUCTION" pages of SCOTT will give you a basic grounding of terms and what you should be looking at and looking for in your material. And while the "INTRODUCTION" covers the entire stamp history of the United States, a period earlier than the material you have, there is much that you will find helpful.

Also, if you have never handled stamps, etc. a few suggestions:
1. buy a good set of stamp tongs.
2. find a clean dry area to store your stamps, etc.
3. do not store material in moist or damp areas.
4. handle material with common sense: clean, dry hands; stamps are not cat and dog friendly (I know...I have two cats: one JUST LOVES to chew the latest version of 'label-type' stamps; the other likes to chew envelopes.
5. If you have children beware: my grand daughter spotted some loose stamps one day and before I knew it she had pasted them on the floor!
(~ I think you get the picture. ~)

Ask ten collectors "how or what to collect" and I'll you'll get at least twenty answers.
My suggestion: find one area that interests you, and focus on that to start... THAT should likely result in hours --- years of fun. I know, it has for me.

Howdy Stranger

We get a question similar to yours almost every day. It's a daunting task before you, but you will be able to retain your sanity.

There are several threads here -- use the search button and keyword inherit

Here's one to get you started:
https://goscf.com/t/28751

KirkS

Thanks so much! Thats funny to think about so many people in the same situation as me :)The collection came with a scott book, so I'm all set there. Good tip about the cats! I have two, and one of them always manages to distract me while the other makes a mess of things.

Oops! Hit reply too soon. Anyway, thank you both and I will get going on my new homework :D I wish I'd been around while my grandfather was in office, but its so fun to go through the collection. He implemented the zip code, so there are a lot of papers concerning that which I think are really interesting! I really like "Mr.Zip."
Thanks again, and I'll see you in the forums!

First of all Welcome to the board! I think Kirk said it best.

You mentioned this in your last post-
strangertown:

He implemented the zip code, so there are a lot of papers concerning that which I think are really interesting!

Could you elaborate on this a little more please? That could be a huge clue right there!

I dont think I understand what you're asking. A clue to what? On another note, have any of you heard of "Days Folly" in regard to an inverted stamp in the 60's?