Just Finished A Scott Album Reorganization Project..........

Hi,
I collect worldwide from 1840 thru 1960, and use the Scott's International Albums - Parts 1 thru Part 5 (1960). Previously, each part held the original pages (i.e. Part 1 thru 1940, Part 2 thru 1949, etc.).

After two years, the division by year (as opposed to country) became a hassle, and I decided to collate them by country.

Well, as you may know, Part 1 of Scotts International is not conducive to merging with later years. Pages often have two countries on them, and it just doesn't work.

So, I kept Part 1 "as is", and then merged the Part 2-5 pages by country, and portioned them to the Part 2-5 binders. I have to admit, it isn't perfect, but it works a lot better than what I had.

Just wanted to pass along my latest project, for you guys are the only ones I know that might appreciate it..........

ENJOY,
Mobilman44

An elegant solution!

For the Part I pages that are split among countries, what about making copies of the pages, and splitting them that way?

Your solution is the best. Separating as suggested would create "holes" or empty spaces and you know we collectors feel about that. Ha-ha! One would have to mask out part of each page with the 2 countries and scan each page twice so you would could split the countries where you would end up with one country on a page. Also, it may require moving images around to make the edited page aesthetic looking. After, it would then take a special printer to handle the large Scott International blank sheet size to print so pages appear the same.

forget all that garbage of making copies of pages . Just buy a used Part 1 and just take out the pages you need to make a complete orderly set up with your other pages. That's what I did 25 years ago.

Not a bad idea keeping part 1 together. Sadly, us worldwide collectors know that when it comes time to sell, that 1840-1940 album will probably be worth as much as the rest of your collection will be from 1941-present.

Thank you for the response!
I considered duplicating part 1 pages and blanking out the conflicting countries, but frankly that just didn't sound like it was for me.
I guess the kicker was that my Part 1 album has about 1/4 inch page space left, and as I took out the USA section (I do USA with Nationals), and have many glassine dividers in it already, I still have room to grow with blank pages for unlisted stamps.

You know, while I find stamps of the '40s historical documents of war and recovery, and while I find stamps of the '50s to be visually pleasing, the real value in the collection is in the Part 1 album.

ENJOY !
Mobilman44

I recently combined the first two Scott Internationals and it went better than I expected. I experienced the same issues that others have. I counted 10 countries that wouldn't combine without duplicating pages or other problems. Still, I find the advantages of having all of the issues of a country together outweigh the disadvantages. But Mobilman44 is right on the money: Whatever approach you take, ENJOY!

i've yet to delve into international yet. I don't think I will.
Tom

sdtom, you are a wise person. Unfortunately, some of us heeded the siren call of the Internationals before we knew better. And once hooked, there is little chance of turning back.

I just completed a similar project when I added part 5 and 5A into my collection. Years ago I went the same direction floortrader did and purchased a used copy of Part 1 and used the extra pages to fix the problems when Part 1 was split.

With all the pages I have added over the years I am up to 9 x 3" binders. However, after finding Steiner's stampalbums.com, I've been more inclined to start a new country collection rather then trying to expand the (many) missing early issues or issues past 1965.

sdtom... You start with just one little Scott International and it will pretty much stop there :)

Sure!
I started with part 1, knowing full well that I only wanted to go thru to 1940. But then I realized, Part 2 had a lot of pages of 1940 stamps, and gee, WWII had such a major affect upon stamp issues. So I guess I'll go thru to 1949. But gosh, the 1950s have such good looking stamps, many of which I recall from my childhood collecting. So, I'll go thru to 1959, and got Parts 3 & 4. Finally (?) I realized Part V has some pages for 1959, and it just doesn't seem right ending on a "9" year, so I'll add in the pages for 1960..........

So far I've resisted but I know what you mean. It's like trying to eat one potato chip. It has never worked for me.
Tom

[quote]I started with part 1, knowing full well that I only wanted to go thru to 1940. But then I realized, Part 2 had a lot of pages of 1940 stamps, and gee, WWII had such a major affect upon stamp issues. [/unquote]

Boy, does that sound familiar. Except in my case it's with Steiner pages and I kept printing more countries. The cost is minimal but within about 8 months I had filled two bookshelves with binders and now I wish I'd have restrained myself a little.