Is There A Stamp App?

I just received a very large collection of stamps from my Grandfather's estate (Mostly Pre 1939 German and Italian territories and colonies). Was wondering if there is an App for smartphones to aid in identifing and cataloging these. I have two three drawer file cabinets full of these and it would be difficult to ship to appraiser. I have no stamp collection background and I may have just acquired a new hobby or a headache??!

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Welcome to the forum and the hobby! You can go to most all public libraries and ask for a Scott Catalog which will provide information as to each issue and how to get a value and as well provide much more details. I'm sure there is some app out there but I'm not familiar in this area but would assume it would not be without some charge to download and usage fees, but would likely have far less information than the Scott Catalog. You can get from basic information to more detailed information since you have no background and are starting from scratch. That would be my suggestion if you have any inclination to develop a hobby and what better one than one from your grandfather as it would also hold some sentimental value as well. Best of luck! You can always ask questions here too!

I don't think tehre's a smart phone app, but there is a desktop app that works in conjunction with a scanner. It's not free, but it may be worth looking at: www.ezstamp.com

Otherwise, as Don said, another option is to look for a copy of the Scott Catalogue at your local library. The official title is the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue and it lists prices and information for pretty much every stamp ever issued by national governments of the world. It actually comes in 6 volumes, but Germany and Italy are in the same volume (Vol 3 - G-I). Just keep in mind that the values listed in that book are probably anywhere from 2-10x higher than their real world value. Also keep in mind that there are some very, very valuable stamps that are nearly identical to other stamps that are basically worthless. Don't just assume you've hit paydirt - read the catalog listings very carefully. If all else fails, post some picturs or scans here and board members can at least give you an idea if you've got something special or just run-of-the mill stamps.

Thanks so much, and I am sure that a trip to the Library is in my future soon.... and You may see more questions as I get deeper into this...Thanks again!

Sounds like you have a good plan in place. I hope you'll continue to enjoy the hobby.

BOTH!

I don't know a thing about apps. But I am fairly new to this hobby and can give from that persprctive.

First, take your time.
Second, if there sin't a pair of stamp tongs with the collection, get some.

AirborneBob, an emergency alternative to a Scott catalog is www.stampworld.com
It is probably a lot of work, but it may be worth all the trouble!
Also, I know there are stampclubs in your area. Go to www.stamps.org and there you can find the address(es) and phone number(s) of local folks. They could give you a hand and point to a local expert!

Peteer

you can buy older scott cataloges on ebay also, the prices wont be good but what was rare then is the same as what is rare now so you know what to look into farther and what is common stuff.

Jim's comment is a B-I-N-G-O! I use my Scotts 1958 Worldwide catalogue to look up most of the stamps I am interested in. If it has a good price in that edition, then I may do more research on current value.

But Using a 1 volume edition vice a 6 volume edition when dealing with stamps before 1960 is much, much easier than sifting thru multi-volume catalogue sets. The catalogue information and numbers for a specific stamp rarely changes from that which is first printed to a current catalogue information.

Thank you all...great tips....

So I have begun digging through a large number of albums. Started with Scotts; "The American Album for United States Postage Stamps" copyright 1949 edition. With most pages having from 3 to all entries! There are about 30 albums to go through....its going to be a daunting task for sure!