Greetings From Venice, FL

Hello everyone, my name is Jonathan and the username Twohassez is a play on my last name, Hasse.

In 2015, I inherited a stamp collection when my father passed away. The collection is small with 51 U.S. plate blocks stored in the little translucent envelopes. And I have done enough research to locate retail prices on all the plate blocks which range from $0.55 to $1.75 per block. I have also seen multiple comments indicating 30%, 40%, maybe 45% of that retail value is what I might get for selling.

The collection also includes several dozen envelopes and postcards with old U.S. stamps, some embossed but most are lick-and-stick, ranging from 1 cent to 6 cents. Most are cancelled with postmarks ranging from 1941 to 1947. However, a few penny postcards are unused and unmarked by USPS.

In any event, if any of this summary information strikes a vein then it would be great to hear what more I might do in terms of research on this collection.

Finally, I did want to ask one question for which I have been unable to find a definitive answer. That question is does the condition of the glue on the back of the unused plate blocks affect the valuation? Reason I ask is that many of the plate blocks were apparently exposed to too much humidity being stored in a filing cabinet for decades in central Florida. So, many of the plate blocks are either permanently or partially glued to the little translucent envelopes. I tried to unhook one block using a small piece of paper board and successfully separated some of the block. But I stopped when it became obvious that forcing the issue was either going to tear the block, the envelope or both.

Thanks for your thoughtful consideration,
Jonathan Hasse

Twohasseez,

Yes, the gum damage will prevent the mint blocks from being considered mint and yes, just pulling them off of their envelopes will create a thin spot which will further decrease their value. Your cards look fine.

The bad news is your material appears to be common of minimal market value; however, given its family connection, to you and your kids, it has its most value as a family heirloom.

Collecting for the enjoyment of collecting, whatever that might be, is the name of the game. Don't hesitate to ask questions especially if you need basic information and especially more advanced sources of information for any possible topic. You should be able to find folks on this board a little further along on their collecting journey glad to share experiences.

Wishing you many enjoyable future days in our hobby. Russ

Welcome to the forum! You have a great resource here.

You have a nice start to a U.S. collection of a certain era. The envelopes are called "glassines." If you are interested in the hobby, make plans now to attend for Jan. 20-23 to the big winter stamp show in your area in Sarasota.

There, you can view exhibits (which are often very specialized but give you an idea of the breadth of this great hobby; talk to stamp club members, who can answer a lot of your questions; visit with dealers of your appropriate interest).

Before then, check out the Scott catalog from a library; get other stamp books from the library; and visit important online stamp sites that offer beginners information - Linn's Stamp News, StampSmarter, American Philatelic Society ... check out Graham Beck's or Ted Talks Stamps videos.

And feel free to ask questions here.