Very New Collector Of Cut Squares. Noobie Question.

I have a very noobie question... Please be gentle! When cutting your own squares is there some general rules as to how much border to leave? Do you save the cancellation? I don't want to cut any, I'd rather have entires. But I inherited several cut squares that are very ragged looking and need trimmed. Thanks!

If you feel trimming is needed, leave as much margin as possible. Be very wary of removing any cancel information.
Don

Thanks. 51studebaker. Your answer fits exactly with my thoughts and what I have been doing.

I use a half inch border around similar stamps of issue,
Increase that to include Postmarks or Cover printing if shown.
Primarily to keep a uniform display.
Cut so the stamp impression sits square to the cut.

Here is an Australian Cut square that fetched $600 in 2014, Phoenix Auctions Australia

This occurred from a collectors deep knowledge of his/her discipline, (to recognise the importance) and the scarcity of the item.

Postal Stationery collector February 2014 Vol 20 No 77

I'd add, if any still have the flap or other side of the envelope (as appropriate), keep that attached.

First of all the full used envelope (or unused) is more valuable and desirable.

That said a 2"x 4" corner was a common size, larger if there are marking you wish to preserve. The other version, the one you seem to be inquiring about is called a "cut-square."

If you retain the entire envelope, you can then differentiate between many varieties of the envelopes upon which the design was placed and there are many.

Thanks all for the information. I intend to collect the entire envelope, used or unused. I just have a lot already cut out and am looking to kinda make them uniform.