Mounting Stamps

I want to put all my mint stamps in an album with mounts but my question is this. I have some stamps with selvage and some with selvage that have plate numbers. I can't seem to find the correct size mounts to fit these type of stamps. Can anyone help me out here, how can I mount these? Am I missing something with mount sizes?

I think I may have answered my own question. I have ordered pre-cut stamp mounts, looks like I just have to measure the stamp with the selvage on it and order bigger sizes. I was thinking that the mounts were just a few standard sizes.

Hi crabop,

Welcome. A quick check of the manufacturer's lists will show you packets of long strips (about210mm) in clear or black versions. Just measure the height of your stamps in mm and order some packets. You just have to measure the width of each stamp adding 2mm each side and cut the strips to suit using a small mount cutter or paper trimmer.

You have the choice of open top Hawid type mounts where one large size can be trimmed height and width, or the closed top and bottom split back Showgard type which will suit only one height and can only be trimmed on the width. The hawid open top type mount strips are more economical as a 'one height' size packet of strips can be trimmed to suit various stamp heights as required.

Happy stampin'
Terry
(Edit for typo. TC)

Buy your mounts in strip various sizes and then you can cut them to size to fit your stamps. Or you can do what I do. Just tear the selvage off and throw it away. Hey I know what some are thinking but before you get started. They are my stamps and I'll do with them as I please. I don't like selvage on stamps unless it is a pane or souvenir sheet. The main reason I don't like selvage is it doesn't fit good in my albums. I use the American Heirloom.

I usually buy a certain size of mounts and then trim it to fit selvage. I had some Bahamas ones that didn't quit fit and I'm afraid to tear the stamp if I take off the selvage so I just put a hangar page behind :)

Like TinMan I will take the selvedge off, it is just blank paper. If there is a sheet number or other info printed on it I will keep it intact.

Terry

Exactly as others have said, if it's just blank paper, it goes away. If it's a plate number, I'll keep it but I have such a variety of mounts that I can always make it work. It might not fit within the boxes on the page, but it's my collection, I can do what I want.

Beautifully said!
I love the strip by the way, and get a bunch of different sizes.

I don't like selvage, either, because it makes a mess of the order and neatness I like in my albums. But here is a tip. Some collectors have been known to fold the selvage over and tuck it under the stamp. I have occasionally seen this in collections I've purchased.

The only thing about folding the selvege over is it doubles or even if it's a corner stamp triples the thickness of the stamp. Then the stamp doesn't fit good in the mount either.

Well folding it certainly seemed to work for those choosing to do it. I never would have known they were folded until I went to remove them from their mounts.

It probably does work ok for the people using the split back mounts but certainly not for the Hawid Mounts

unfortunately one can go broke buying a whole assortment of monts for the many stamps in a collection. oh well, we all havee to deal with the evils of our hobby.

Thanks all for the information, I haven't decided what to do with the selvage stamps yet.

A minor further consideration for the "folding over the selvage" question. It raises the risk in high humidity environments of the mint selvage sticking to the gum on the stamps. Admittedly, this is a minor risk but I've seen it happen.

I also remove selvage in most instances unless there is a plate number or other inscription but I think it depends on the age and rarity of the stamp.

IMHO, I'd avoid the open back mounts; have seen too many instances where the collector has licked the back of the mount and moisture got inside the mount causing gum damage. I use Lighthouse open top mounts and trim them to fit.

NBSTAMPER a way to not worry is not to lick the mounts. I had a problem when I first went to the mounts of them falling off the pages so I bought the dollar store school Glue sticks. Three in a package for a buck and glued the mount to the page with the glue stick. No more worrying about moisture getting into the stamp and no more falling out of the album. A little Dab will do you. I still have one stick left unused after five years and probably 2 or 3,000 mounts glued.