How To Organize/Start A Collection From Inherited Mess!

inherited thousands of stamps 30 years ago - untouched until now. The owner was a stamp dealer and collector. The collection includes 20+ partially filled albums (most dated 1935-1950; obviously bought from multiple parties) and hundreds and hundreds of glassine envelopes of stamps - for US and all countries. I'd like to organize into an actual collection- but am completely overwhelmed. How does one even begin? Buy new album and transfer out from all the old albums? I will not be adding to the collection - only organizing what is there. Is there a best source for help in identifying which stamp is the 'best' since there are multiple copies of all the stamps. Any guidance appreciated.

Are there sone albums still in good shape? Are they "world wide" or country selective? As for loose stamps, are they organized into countries, otherwise? If we knew more, it would be easier to offer suggestions. Relax, it could be a lot of fun. There is no pressure.

The albums are in good shape for the most part - just old, yellowed and some loose pages. (Example: 3- 1938 Modern Postage Stamp, 2 1961 Ambassador, 1966 Scotts American, 1930 Modern, 1956 Regent World, 1956 Aristocrat) I just really don't want to keep 20 albums. Plus there are loose leaf albums, stamp stock books, and 'self service stamp' binders with priced stamps for purchase. The albums are both worldwide and US. I have sorted the loose ones by country, which was much more difficult than I would have expected! So my next step is how do I merge all of this together?

I hate to say it, but from the description it sounds like "seconds" that the dealer couldn't sell or bought as part of a larger package. You may want to post pics of the "older" or "better" items and we can then reply with better comments.

That sounds like a fun project, and I am sure it will take some time.

You will need a stamp catalog if you don't have one yet. Since the stamps are mostly older, you can get an older Scott's catalog, or whatever you like, for a reasonable price. Try looking online: E-bay, HipStamp and other sites.

I would start with one manageable area, perhaps USA. Then pick the US album that is in the best condition. Old albums with badly yellowed pages or brittle paper should not be reused because the high-acid paper can eventually ruin your stamps. You will need stamp hinges and/or mounts. I use hinges for lower-value used stamps, but use mounts for any mint stamps or higher-value used ones because it protects them better.
For stamps with only one variety, like most commemoratives, choose the best copy of the stamp for your collection. Evaluate them based on condition, centering, and general appearance. I pick the best used and mint copy of each stamp for my collection, and place the used copy behind the mint one in a mount. (Others may warn you against this, but I have never had a problem with it.)
Stamps which have many varieties: different watermarks, perforations etc., get sorted into piles or envelopes by their design, and then you can consult the catalog and further sort them by perforations, watermark or other characteristics.

You can decide which worldwide album (if any) will best suit your needs. Tackle the stamps one country at a time. Duplicate stamps can be sorted into envelopes and later can be sold, traded or given away.

Good Luck! I hope you learn to love the process! I find it very satisfying.

I think the best thing you could do would be to turn the whole accumulation over to me. I'll take some time and go through it for you. Probably take me ten to 15 years or so, if that's okay!

In response to the 'donate to me' reply - are there good places to donate stamps to? I'm sure I will not want even half the stamps in the collection, and I'm really not interested in trying to sell.

If there is a local philatelic club, you could reach out the them and see if they would take the accumulation. They might then auction it off to their members as a way of raising funds to maintain club operations.

In this scenario, you want to be local, though, so someone can just pick up the material from you. Avoid shipping costs which on albums rapidly add up.