Mounting Stamps

economics 701 eh kirk? :)

Spock,
I was referring to myself. I was the one posting at 3 a.m local time! My conversation skills are poor all the time.

Kirk,
I'm rapidly approaching your position! I know that it isn't economically prudent but when I came to the conclusion that my stamps, however common, were little bits of history that were also miniature works of craftsmanship and art, I figured they needed to be framed.
Maybe that comes from working in an art museum when I was in school.

Dan

khj has solved one problem I have with the reminder of scotch tape non-acid double sided tape both temporary and permanent. I have used both on mounting photographs, it does not bleed through or change any colors and is "good for years"
Conn

For a single album collection I can appreciate the value in all mounts regardless of stamp value...especially when stamps come into the album at a modest to slow pace.

For a WW collection across several volumes and desire to process stamps at a pretty fast pace it becomes not only a cost issue but too tedious of a task to find the rigth size, cut and process.

Yet another reason why some enjoy a specialty in addition to a WW collection.

I agree all the way. I like the framed look for my stamps but don't want to spend that much on mounts for used stamps. So I have 2 collections....1 MNH in black mounts and 1 used with hinges.

I had a Scott Hingeless U.S. Album for stamps up through 1990 that I sold some time ago. I was really nice but expensive.

And then there are those as myself that use both depending on value or balance on my best album pages. And following the advice of a long-time dealer, I use hinges on my showgard mounts. It allows removal of the mount from album pages with no or minimal damage to thew album pages.

I'm sure you've had good success because you made sure to securely hinge the mounts. Good for you!

In general, I don't recommend this practice unless you are very careful, because a lot of people don't securely hinge the mounts, or don't use enough hinges on larger mounts. As a result, the mount rubs/moves with each flip of the page, causing the "fold" in the hinge to get soft and loose. Worst case, the mounts actually start falling off the page. I've purchased several collections mounted this way over the years, and only one was done as well as yours. All the others had signs of loose mounts or mounts falling out.

Ironically, last night I was thumbing through a Canada plate block collection I had recently purchased in which the mounts were "hinged" in place, to evaluate what I had. As I walked by later, I noticed a mount/PB sticking out from beneath the album. Sure enough, it had worked its way loose and I had KO'ed the plate block when I set the album down.

So if you hinge your mounts, make sure you do a good job like cgrotha. Perhaps he can provide some tips on how to properly hinge the larger mounts.

k

Ain't that the truth! Especially with inexpensive big souvenir sheets in the larger mounts!

Anything I'm going to display (mint or used) goes into mounts, even if it has a previous hinge from someone else's collection! If I'm selling through circuit books - hinges.

Where is the best place to purchase mounts?

I get mine at Internet Hobby Supply http://www.ihobb.com

I believe Subway is currently running a 30% off sale on Showgard mounts - but only if you mention the ad in Linn's

There is a vendor that sells Showgard 2nds for 1/2 price. I can share the info with anyone who wants to drop me an e-mail. These, I believe, are all the strips that need to be cut to length.

If I had it to do all over again I would hinge Black Showgard Mounts.
Behind the4 year old time block.
Conn

I thought I would be crucified if I mentioned how I mount stamps, but after reading this thread I'm not scared any more. Bring on the 6 inch nails. LOL
This is what I use...

They are acid free, water soluble gum, photo mounts. I have been using them for a few years now and they seem very successful. The gum easily peels off the back of mint stamps without leaving a mark. Sometimes they will peel off of used stamps OK, but if need be you could always soak them off.

Steve