1894 Scott International Postage Stamp Album

I received this album in a lot I purchased many years ago. It has been stored away and I got it out last night to consider repairing the album. There is a local binder that works with museums and I understand he is very reasonable. I read on his website the charges would be $25-35. That really isn't the hold up. It wouldn't be perfect but it would look nice and also you wouldn't feel like the album is falling apart when you look through it. The internal pages are in very good condition, mainly the binding is broken. I've included some pictures and looking for thoughts about restoration.

Love the cover and the map!

If it is only $25-$35 to repair the binding, it might be worth it to you.

You are planning to keep it, right?

The real fun would be leafing through the album, and enjoying those 19th century stamp illustrations and spaces.

As I collect also old albums, I will say go for it

It has some of the back of the book items. The maps are nice for reference as to just where a certain country was. They came and went very quickly when imperial expansion died out.

I hesitate to say it, bearing in mind my own inept efforts, but Brodart offers a range of materials for those interested in book repairs. Not cheap, though, if this is a one-off.

I'm a great fan of these pre-1900 Internationals. One major benefit is the inclusion of stamps that were dropped from the "Nineteenth Century" revision published a few years later. For example, your copy has actual spaces for Afghanistan rather than the blank page found in the revised version. (What was Scott thinking?) Also, your album has spaces for postal stationary and I would venture hundreds of other items omitted in the later revision.

Just to make sure you are aware, copies of similar albums which wouldn't need rebinding can be found on ebay. Whether this alternative appeals, I can't say--especially if there is any sentimental value to your album (belonged to your grandfather and that kind of thing).

I find those albums to be good reference material. Usually the paper is too old to support a collection, but the view of the early days of philately from early practitioners is valuable information.