Found: US Stamp Collection From 1893 Through 1974 And U.n.

I recently bought an old house. In cleaning and unpacking, I discovered "The All American Stamp Album" with U.S. and United Nation stamps. There are a few from 1893 through 1920s, and then for the 1930s through the 1960s the pages in the album are complete or nearly complete. How can I find out if this is worth anything?

There are very beautiful stamps here as well as ones that don't seem very interesting to me. I honestly don't know anything about stamp collecting. The earliest is a Landing of Columbus on the Columbian Exposition page dated 1893. That one appears to be cancelled, but most of the stamps in the album are not. They are on little clear hinges that look like tape, but I don't think they are because they haven't yellowed like old scotch tape. I'm guessing the collector was not a novice.

Is something like this worth more as a whole collection or individually? Would it be better to find a reputable shop and take it there, or just offer it page by page on ebay? Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Welcome! Finding a stamp collection in an old house is the dream of many a collector. Actually, in a way, it's how I started collecting as my father did the same exact thing before I was even born.

Feel free to show us some scans or photos as pictures tell us more than words. However, be prepared as the vast majority of the stamps from the 1930's to the present are really not worth more than the face value even mint (unused). There are a few exceptions, but many times these stamps are sold for less than face to dealers and at auctions. Each stamp may have been printed in the 10's to 100's of millions each or more. Same goes for the United Nations. With the exception of one souvenir sheet, early United Nations is very common even when mint and supply is higher than demand.

The 1893 2 cent Columbian stamp is also very plentiful and also has a minimal value, but you might have others from that time period that might be better. Some stamps from that time period and even those of the Washington-Franklin series have a lot of variations - many common, but some are rare and will take a knowledgeable person to ascertain the identity of the stamps.

Jennifer,

Condition is EVERYTHING. Try posting some pics of what you have. There's plenty of 19th century stamps that have hardly any value and yet some are extremely valuable.

Without pics its tough to tell.

The hinges on back are indeed hinges - glassine hinges. If it was tape, it would have probably stained through the stamps which would make them worthless for the most part. Glassine hinges are typical and usually don't hurt the stamps unless removed improperly without care.