Inherited Many Stamps - US And Other Countries

We recently inherited books and books of stamps. I have picked up a 2014 Scott's, 2014 Blackbook and a 2013 Harris. Started looking through and found it started easy because many of the stamps we have are examples in the books. But with different variations of colors for U.S. Stamps and with watermarks or not, I am way overwhelmed and out of my league here. Don't even get me started about how many stamps from other countries we have!

What is the best advice as to where to start? And do we leave them hinged in the ancient books or take them out and put the stamps in plastic covers? I am drowning in postage here.

First thing that comes to mind, is be very careful handling the stamps. I see what looks like a glassine hinge on the 3-cent stamp. if so, it can probably be peeled off gently without damaging the stamp. The two stamps look unused. If they have gum on the back, don't soak them in water.

Please show more pictures like this one.

First, welcome to the board. I understand that looking at a large collection and knowing nothing about it can be daunting. Indeed, the very stamps you pictured could be worth very little or a great deal depending on factors like you mentioned. Are you planning on keeping them or selling them? If keeping them, you could put them in a different album or a stockbook, etc. If you're selling them, I'd keep them in there for now as it makes it easier for prospective buyers to see what you've got in terms of valuable vs. common stamps, etc, although this depends on the quality of the album they're currently in.

In terms of identifying, most stamps can be identified with any or all of these 3 tools: a perforation guage, a watermark tray, and a magnifying glass. For watermark fluid, many collectors use Ronsonol lighter fluid, which is safe for stamps, effective, and inexpensive. All of these tools are easily available and could be obtained for less than $10 total. A perf guage is easy to get the hang of, and watermarking isn't too difficult on most stamps. The watermarks on some stamps, though, particularly the "single line" variety, can be very hard to detect. There are some other specialized tools out there as well that will help identify grills and other things, and they're also generally inexpensive.

This site may also be helpful. It offers identification guides on some of the tougher stamps:

http://1847usa.com/index.htm

With a little trial and error, you should be able to identify most of the stamps you have. Don't worry about it too much at this point if there are still a few left that stump you. There are some that are tricky, even for experienced collectors, and for those stamps there are services available that issue expert opinions.

Many of the stamps have hinges but had fallen off the pages. We use tongs to move the stamps and have put the single stamps in plastic selves for now. We have more than one copy of most stamps, so we will probably sell anything we have duplicates of. Here are some more pictures of some pictures of the 3 cent. Someone put 65 in pencil, but according to the description I have, the balls in the corners would make it a 64? I have no ideas on color. They all look the same to me. Glue is intact but hinge is on there pretty good. I have three of these so far in different colors and conditions.

More pictures

#64/65 are the same design....
ONLY difference is the color.
Nothing to do with the balls in the corner.

the #65 is the first photo is reperfed @ right.
Look closely....you will see the different hole sizes.

...stamps from other countries

Well, I'd love to see an GB stamps you have. From what you have posted already the stamps look in very nice condition.

Wow that Match & Medicine stamp in your third image down (Large and long black stamp that has a fellow with a mustache on it) could be something! I'd like to see a larger and clear image of it please?

Here is a close up of the medicine stamp and the other two Washington stamps that were all together.

To Scotzm - here are the GB stamps I have found so far. I know I saw a couple other stamps from GB but have to go back through and located them. I have so many countries that I am trying to get a list together. Many countries I am sure are no longer in existence. If you have another country you'd like to see let me know. Thanks!

This one has captured my interest! I would love to hear from: RevenueCollector, RevCollector, RevStampMan about this!

Scott specialized (2009) shows the US Medicine stamp as # RS114 and lists values as shown;

Old parer - $67.50
Silk paper - $1.10
Pink paper - $11.00
Watermarked USIR - $1.75

The "Muttonchop" was a popular look back then.

Scott specialized (2009) shows the US Medicine stamp as # RS114 and lists values as shown;

Old parer - $67.50
Silk paper - $1.10
Pink paper - $11.00
Watermarked USIR - $1.75

The "Muttonchop" was a popular look back then.


Yes, love the wigs and muttonchops! Thank you for this info. Do you know of anywhere to get more info on how to determine the paper type though?

JenB First welcome to SCF (Stamp Community family). Take them out of the Plastic and use Glassine envelopes. Plastic contains PVC and Acid and will ruin the stamps. That is unless the Plastic is PVC safe and of Archival quality. It looks like you have some very valuable stamps. Don't hinge any of the old stamps if you plan on putting them in an album. Please use Mounts. You can order mounts from Mystic Stamp Company very reasonable. They will help you in selecting the correct size.

If you take a good high resolution scan (1200dpi) of the back of the Stamp and post it here, we have a couple of US Revenue stamp experts here than hopefully can determine the paper.