Vintage Reproduction Albums

Great, I bought the first volume (19th century) last year, but haven't decided yet if I will get the rest or not.

Did you get the 2 post or 3 ring? I really don't like the 2 post as they are large and heavy and pages tend to bind and not turn smoothly.

I got some blank pages with the set and played around with 3 hole punching one. It will fit into the Vario G 3 ring binders which are much cheaper than the Scott binders.

I think if you got the Subway 3 ring pages you would have to use the Scott 3 ring binders as the pages are wider and higher.

Yes, I got the 2-post version and put them in International binders. I generally don't like 3-ring binders because of the potential of the pages tearing out and pages getting stuck on the rings while turning.

I put mine in 2 post albums but found it very hard on the pages. Holes were starting to expand and some were ripping as too close to the edge.

I took all my pages in to a print shop and they 3 hole punched them for me for $50.00 which I thought was a great deal for around 5200 pages. They moved the holes a little further in from the edge.

I am putting them into Vario G binders with slip cases which will take around 25 binders as I only want about 200 pages or so per binder. I have a large sheet lifter in the front which I use to reclose the album. I turn pages carefully and it seems to work very well. They also lay flat which I much prefer.

I am also using clear hawid mounts for all mint stamps, which seem to fit just fine with no problems so far. With mounts, I can use glue sticks so pages don't wrinkle at all, no chance of moisture affecting the stamp, or gum being ruined.

It will take some more space than international binders, but so far I am very happy with the decisions to go this route.

Opinions, thoughts, and feedback are welcome.

I use mine with 2 post Scott binders. I make sure that the pages are held tightly in place with additional cardboard spacers in the binders so the holes don't tear. I have been using this for more than 10 years with no problems.

dutchman,
I'd be interested to hear how the holes hold up over time in a 3-ring binder. Also, are you using mounts on all stamps? I found that the pages did wrinkle many times whether I used hinges or mounts. I tried glue stick but the mounts didn't seem to stay stuck, especially on the corners and when I turned the pages.

I do think the key is to keep them tight in a 2-post binder like medic does, which eliminates friction on the holes.

Chris2015 and medoc

What are you using for spacers in the 2 post albums?

Not sure if I will use mounts on all stamps yet, but definitely all mint whether previously hinged or not.

I have had no problems with any albums using glue sticks with mounts falling off. I use it with Scott Specialty, National, as well as Steiner pages and no problems.

I also find the 3 hole albums a lot lighter than international albums and much easier to remove and install pages. Pages also lay flat and are much easier to work with. Pages also don't bend as much on the post edges which will keep mounts in place better.

Three ring is also much easier if you want to add vario pages for stamps not in the albums or for blocks or covers. Yes, you can do it with 2 post, but much more difficult.

If they had slots like Lighthouse or Ka-Be pages I think they would be fine in 2 post format but paper is too thin.

I have a number of the older international albums and by looking at them, they did not stand up too well as got too full and all the first and last few pages took a beating on the post edges and holes.

Thanks for the comments and feedback and if 2 post works for you and you are happy with it, that is terrific.

As with what people collect, how they store, and albums and pages, everyone has their own choices and ways of doing things as there is really no wrong or right way, only your own preferences.

dutchman,

I apologize if I came across as your way was "wrong" and my way was "right" I have tried almost every kind of method to house my collection, and I'm still looking for the "best" way for me. I have actually purchased several lots on Vintage pages that were 3-hole punched and can see many advantages to it as you mentioned above, including that the glue stick mounts are less likely to come off. Heck, I might even play around with putting a few pages in one of my Vario G binders and see how it feels...

dutchman,

For the outside spacers, I made my own cardboard spacers by cutting the cardboard cover of a box of photocopying paper in strips of one inch wide by 11 inches long pieces, and punching 2 holes using a 2-hole puncher converted from a 3-hole puncher (need to be able to move/remove the punches in the 3-hole puncher for that). I usually use 2 strips at the top and 2 at the bottom of the binder - I use more where needed. For the inside spacers, you can use the regular Scott spacers or make your own using thinner cardboard.

Even with slots Lighthouse don't stay flat because of the binders. 2 post don't lay flat, and 3 rings are a pain to turn. So no real winner only compromise. I use also spacer in my 2 post Scott Int album, only the first pages have tendency to tears at the holes, so I place 2 or 3 plastic protectors with some paper inside for the first pages. Can be a title, map or what ever fit there.

chris2015

I did not take offense at all so no need to apologize. I value all opinions and comments.

medoc

Thank you for the info.

area66

Thanks for the comments. I have almost all the different albums available and not one is perfect. They all require some give and take.

Does anybody make blank quadrille pages that match the Vintage Reproduction pages?

Just received the rest of my Vintage Reproduction album pages

Have fun with those. Personally I would recommend combining them so that each nation is together for the entire span, but that is a major collating project.

Exactly what I'm doing, and yes, it is a major collating project! I'm thinking I'm going to 3-hole punch them and just put the countries that I'm focusing on at the time in Vario G binders...