Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Any advice guys or do you think I should maybe just concentrate on GB and maybe an album of worldwide?
Login to Like
this post
I don't know if you collected Guernsey or Jersey along with Great Britain..i am "playing around" with them..they are not expensive areas to collect !
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Now there is an idea, thanks Phil.
Login to Like
this post
I would take things steady to start with. New collectors (and we've all been one) tend to get carried away and that's when mistakes happen.
If you are on a limited budget, then even more reason to show caution, as you may find yourself spreading the funds around too thinly. Buy the best that you can afford, as time will show, buying that dirt cheap, scruffy 2 margined 2d blue will rankle a few years down the line. Then you'll end up replacing it. So you've wasted your money.
I'm sure most have done the same thing; I certainly have but then I didn't have anyone to give me advice.
Research your chosen collecting field as best you can. Don't hesitate to use this forum as much as you need, after all, there will always be a dozen more people 'in the room' who have been waiting for someone to ask that very question, but were afraid to ask.
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Hi tele1962;
Topical collections can be fun, and can be limited to a single country sometimes.
For instance town cancels of France, and maybe a interesting history factoid on each stamp
added and mounted to custom pages.
An interesting topic like light houses, with maybe the addition of stamps featuring ship-wrecks,
which tie in nicely with lighthouses, which are supposed to prevent ship-wrecks.
U.S. precancels seem to be a popular topic, altho I think they would be more interesting if
somehow history of the 50 individual states could be tied into the display of the stamps.
France and Belgium also have some interesting precancels.
Another topic that is very exciting is revenue stamps, of one country or another. I've seen
some very nice French revenues, that would make an interesting collection.
The classic stamps of France are much cheaper than the British classics, in my opinion.
There I go thinkin' too much....
TuskenRaider
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
I don't regret any of the filler dogs I've (knowingly) purchased, but then I don't pay more than a dollar for them. I'm not going to pay a month's rent for a beautiful copy of an old classic when my spot is filled with one with a big thin on the back that you can't see when it's mounted in my album. I'm not investing, I'm filling holes.
Chris
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
"The classic stamps of France are much cheaper than the British classics"
That's because they're, well... French.
I don't think you'll convince many Brits to collect anything French.
Chris
Login to Like
this post
I never felt any remorse about buying faulty stamps as long as the price was right. Actually felt a sense of pride knowing I got the best possible copy at the best possible price. I've got some beautiful stamps that "face up" quite nice.
-Ernie
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Taking TuskenRaider's thoughts a bit further:
He said,
"For instance town cancels of France, and maybe a interesting history factoid on each stamp
added and mounted to custom pages."
For many towns, postcards can provide welcome collateral images and maps additional information. If cancellations from different periods for the same town are collected, older and newer postcards would be appropriate. Stamps picturing famous people from the towns could be added as well.
"An interesting topic like light houses, with maybe the addition of stamps featuring ship-wrecks,
which tie in nicely with lighthouses, which are supposed to prevent ship-wrecks."
I once attended the judges' critique after VANPEX. A comment about an exhibit about lighthouses was that the exhibitor might have gone into the history of lighthouses. The judge suggested that stamps picturing volcanoes, which doubtless once served as "lighthouses," could have been been added to the exhibit.
"U.S. precancels seem to be a popular topic, altho I think they would be more interesting if
somehow history of the 50 individual states could be tied into the display of the stamps."
Again, postcards and maps would add interest to a precancel collection.
Bob
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
09:39:10pm
I recently started a new collection. All stamps over 100 years old (1915 and prior), with only stamps purchased for 10 cents or less. I wanted to see how many I could get. It will be a long term project. Basically, it is a reaction to being constantly told "I have many old and rare stamps for sale ...", "It's old, so it must be rare ..." etc. etc.
I figure it should be possible to build a collection of at least 10,000 different stamps and never spend more than a dime per stamp. Such stamps are readily available from 10c books at the stamp club, from penny approval dealers, from Stamporama approvals, and I think you could get a lot in 1 on 1 trades ... newer for older.
Roy
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Following on Roy's lead... You could do a lot worse than spending a whole bunch of evenings just going through the StampoRama Approvals and picking out anything that catches your eye for 2-cents and up, with many great stamps available in the 5- to 10-cent range.
I've placed several orders of nickle and dime stamps of nothing but date cancels. I didn't really care about the stamps themselves except that they were in okay condition. The main thing was a clearly visible date cancel.
Good luck!
-Steve
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
I like this thread and I like some of the answers here.
Remember; your collection is the way YOU want it - for YOU.
If you want to collect for value, great!
If you want to collect to just fill holes, fine!
You can do it however YOU like. No one's way is right or wrong!
I collect BOTH ways, depending on what area I happen to be working on at the time.
Investments are nice, but I mostly collect for fun....for ME. Getting that one stamp to complete the set is always exciting and satisfying, whether it's a perfect copy or not.
I can upgrade in the future if I so choose....but I don't always choose to!
Its MY collection! I can do it however I want - and so can YOU!
Remember - whatever way you decide is up to you and you alone.
If you're in it to invest, buy the best - if you're in it for fun, buy the cheap one!
NOW.....
after all that, you have to decide how you want to expand your collecting area.
It was mentioned (and I agree) that Guernsey and Jersey would be a natural direction.
Also, topicals might be, if you have an interest in something that could be collected on stamps.
My suggestion would be Central (or South) American countries, which are fast gaining in popularity but are still quite cheap in regard to most of their stamps.
I've actually thought about starting this up myself, but haven't decided as yet.
I hope all the ideas, thoughts and opinions have helped you get some idea of what you would like to shoot for next.
Just remember, though - be like Burger King says and DO IT YOUR WAY!!
(....wow...didn't know I couldtalk that much this early in the morning....)
Randy
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Thanks guys for all the advice.
For now I am going to concentrate on GB (mainland), including local to my area cancels & cancelled on Christmas Day, or any other GB material that takes my eye.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
I collect French stamps because from the 1920's to the 1960's there were lovely engraved stamps in France. The great thing is that the 1940's 50's and 60's tend to be very cheap to collect.
They are beautiful stamps and can be purchased for very little.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Just a quick update, i have set my cut off point year at 2000. Looking at many of the GB issues after that there are many IMO that are purely there for money making oportunities.
However i will continue to collect the Christmas issues or a particular set that catches my eye.
Login to Like
this post
I am shocked, Barry, shocked, I tell you.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
"Looking at many of the GB issues after that there are many IMO that are purely there for money making opportunities."
It's a funny thing, I hadn't really kept up with new stamp issues since I had walked away from the hobby around 1980. In those days we had serious concern in the hobby that USPS was issuing too many stamps just for profit. There was an outcry around 1976 when the first set of 50 state flags and Bi-Centennial souvenir sheets appeared. That fell on deaf ears as in the following years they stepped up the commemorative program and especially multiple stamp issues. The follow up to the state flags was another sheet of 50, this time state birds and flowers.
In those days I was printing and selling cachets for first day covers. Those multiple issues were the death of my business. I couldn't keep up with the rapid new issues, especially those multiple stamp issues!
I acquired a Scott 2004 Specialized catalog and was dismayed by the long sets of useless stamps. Note that I haven't even seen the past ten years! The pretty but unnecessary stamps remind me of the CTO stamps from suspicious countries. I have no interest in collecting them.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
It's interesting how postal corporations around the world, including Canada Post, are blind to the missed opportunities they have to collect money from stamp collectors. Canada Post is a great example.
I know of only one member of the BC Philatelic Society who collects mint Canadian stamps, and even he ignores such monstrosities as un-cut press sheets, not to mention the unending stream of "collectibles" — album pages for single stamp issues, annual "collections," sets of corner blocks, huge rolls of coil stamps, "official" FDCs, and commemoratives in both self-adhesive and water-activated gum versions. And then there are sports teams! My God! Check out these Canada Post offerings for the Vancouver Canucks. I'd have to have a salary like that of the average NHL player to afford to buy them. And Canada Post issued the same type of dross for the six other Canadian teams!
I swear that if Canada Post and other postal corporations just offered the same products and services they did 50 years ago, and dialled down the emissions of stamps "commemorating" everything under the sun from "Love" to ghosts to unknown artists and photographers, they would attract more collectors.
Nor are ordinary postal patrons treated well in post offices and postal outlets. I've noticed recently that you can't often buy a single stamp, but must purchase an entire booklet or pane of stamps, not a simple matter when a person can scarcely buy enough nutritious food to keep them healthy.
Bob
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Do you guys know which country still consistently turns out good stamps with sensible releasing of issues?
Login to Like
this post
So Barry, going back to your original post, what other countries or areas were you feeling catching your eye?
Regards ... Tim
Login to Like
this post
Still not sure Tim to be honest, there are so many to choose from.
Update:
I did originally toy with Czechoslovakia as they are cheap but more often than not very nice stamps. So maybe that will be my other collection?
Login to Like
this post
TuskenRaider's suggestion of a topical collection is still a good option. It has stamps relating to a topic you care about and provides a bit of world-wide flavor.
I had the same dilemmas you did with my US collection. I finally pulled the plug 12-31-2014 on new issues. I wanted to do something else, but another country seemed a bit much. I had been chipping around the edges with ancillary stuff like Revenues, covers, Cinderellas, etc., but finally settled on two new projects:
A topical collection
One From Every Country (there are even free album pages you can download)
Both have been relatively inexpensive (so far), and enough of a change from what I was collecting to be fresh and interesting.
Good luck finding what works for you!
Lars
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Space exploration has always been a fascination of mine.
Login to Like
this post
For you to know what country you would like best to collect you of course need to see what is out there. My collection (link below) is online for just that reason. To show people stamps from different countries hoping to inspire them to collect. You will find most stamps from most countries which will give you a good idea of what you might like to collect. Most stamps are very cheap with the occasional more expensive stamp here and there so most countries are not that hard to collect. You can also find most stamps below 30% of catalog, so be patient and wait for a good deal. If you go after a certain item or set you will most always pay much more than you would if you had waited for the right deal. Buying at auctions is usually best and purchasing collections on pages which you can use or parts of collections will give you the most bang for your buck. My favorite areas are Western European and North and South America. On the other hand countries like Belgian Congo, Liberia, Mozambique Company and several others should be top contenders as the stamps are generally very beautiful.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Mitch,
Phenomenal collection! I'm SUPER impressed. Thanks for sharing.
-Ernie
Login to Like
this post
Baz,
If you are collecting GB, there are so many different ways to go. Phil already mentioned Guernsey and Jersey, but Alderney is a cute little area to collect as well.
I love the regional issues of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and especially Wales.
GB also has a lot of foreign offices to collect.
Like others have said, though, take it slow, and build up a little at a time. One thing I can say, you will never be bored. 
BOB
Login to Like
this post
Bobstew617 said, about collecting topicals,
"One thing I can say, you will never be bored."
Too true! Nor will you ever have enough money to buy every topical you want! Every stamp shop, stamp show, on-line sales venue, or mail call may present you with something new. Stamps and covers you've never seen before may tempt you. It's a slippery slope, as my friend Mike says. I've probably lost track of the number of different collections I have, not to mention the new ones I've considered. Just yesterday, a collector in Australia sent me a gift package that included this cover, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli:
Neat, eh? At first glance I thought it had been posted, but it's actually a convincing sort-of-replica of an actual WWI censored cover. Damn! Now I have to start working on a Gallipoli collection!
Bob
Login to Like
this post
Tele1962- there are some Ebay sellers that seem to specialize in early Great Britain with minor defects. I have been using a Gibbons Windsor album and over the past couple years have managed to fill in maybe 70% plus of the spaces in the Victoria section. I have found that a lot of the stuff from that era being sold has defects anyway.
Login to Like
this post
For the last couple of months being new to the hobby I have been collecting GB on a limited budget (selling some of my collection of Blu Ray DVD's to fund it) and I am thinking of maybe another country also.
Any advice guys or do you think I should maybe just concentrate on GB and maybe an album of worldwide?
Login to Like
this post
Auctions
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
I don't know if you collected Guernsey or Jersey along with Great Britain..i am "playing around" with them..they are not expensive areas to collect !
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
Now there is an idea, thanks Phil.
Login to Like
this post
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
I would take things steady to start with. New collectors (and we've all been one) tend to get carried away and that's when mistakes happen.
If you are on a limited budget, then even more reason to show caution, as you may find yourself spreading the funds around too thinly. Buy the best that you can afford, as time will show, buying that dirt cheap, scruffy 2 margined 2d blue will rankle a few years down the line. Then you'll end up replacing it. So you've wasted your money.
I'm sure most have done the same thing; I certainly have but then I didn't have anyone to give me advice.
Research your chosen collecting field as best you can. Don't hesitate to use this forum as much as you need, after all, there will always be a dozen more people 'in the room' who have been waiting for someone to ask that very question, but were afraid to ask.
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
Hi tele1962;
Topical collections can be fun, and can be limited to a single country sometimes.
For instance town cancels of France, and maybe a interesting history factoid on each stamp
added and mounted to custom pages.
An interesting topic like light houses, with maybe the addition of stamps featuring ship-wrecks,
which tie in nicely with lighthouses, which are supposed to prevent ship-wrecks.
U.S. precancels seem to be a popular topic, altho I think they would be more interesting if
somehow history of the 50 individual states could be tied into the display of the stamps.
France and Belgium also have some interesting precancels.
Another topic that is very exciting is revenue stamps, of one country or another. I've seen
some very nice French revenues, that would make an interesting collection.
The classic stamps of France are much cheaper than the British classics, in my opinion.
There I go thinkin' too much....
TuskenRaider
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
I don't regret any of the filler dogs I've (knowingly) purchased, but then I don't pay more than a dollar for them. I'm not going to pay a month's rent for a beautiful copy of an old classic when my spot is filled with one with a big thin on the back that you can't see when it's mounted in my album. I'm not investing, I'm filling holes.
Chris
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
"The classic stamps of France are much cheaper than the British classics"
That's because they're, well... French.
I don't think you'll convince many Brits to collect anything French.
Chris
Login to Like
this post
04:57:25pm
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
I never felt any remorse about buying faulty stamps as long as the price was right. Actually felt a sense of pride knowing I got the best possible copy at the best possible price. I've got some beautiful stamps that "face up" quite nice.
-Ernie
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
Taking TuskenRaider's thoughts a bit further:
He said,
"For instance town cancels of France, and maybe a interesting history factoid on each stamp
added and mounted to custom pages."
For many towns, postcards can provide welcome collateral images and maps additional information. If cancellations from different periods for the same town are collected, older and newer postcards would be appropriate. Stamps picturing famous people from the towns could be added as well.
"An interesting topic like light houses, with maybe the addition of stamps featuring ship-wrecks,
which tie in nicely with lighthouses, which are supposed to prevent ship-wrecks."
I once attended the judges' critique after VANPEX. A comment about an exhibit about lighthouses was that the exhibitor might have gone into the history of lighthouses. The judge suggested that stamps picturing volcanoes, which doubtless once served as "lighthouses," could have been been added to the exhibit.
"U.S. precancels seem to be a popular topic, altho I think they would be more interesting if
somehow history of the 50 individual states could be tied into the display of the stamps."
Again, postcards and maps would add interest to a precancel collection.
Bob
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
BuckaCover.com - 80,000 covers priced 60c to $1.50 - Easy browsing 500 categories
28 Jul 2015
09:39:10pm
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
I recently started a new collection. All stamps over 100 years old (1915 and prior), with only stamps purchased for 10 cents or less. I wanted to see how many I could get. It will be a long term project. Basically, it is a reaction to being constantly told "I have many old and rare stamps for sale ...", "It's old, so it must be rare ..." etc. etc.
I figure it should be possible to build a collection of at least 10,000 different stamps and never spend more than a dime per stamp. Such stamps are readily available from 10c books at the stamp club, from penny approval dealers, from Stamporama approvals, and I think you could get a lot in 1 on 1 trades ... newer for older.
Roy
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
Following on Roy's lead... You could do a lot worse than spending a whole bunch of evenings just going through the StampoRama Approvals and picking out anything that catches your eye for 2-cents and up, with many great stamps available in the 5- to 10-cent range.
I've placed several orders of nickle and dime stamps of nothing but date cancels. I didn't really care about the stamps themselves except that they were in okay condition. The main thing was a clearly visible date cancel.
Good luck!
-Steve
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
I like this thread and I like some of the answers here.
Remember; your collection is the way YOU want it - for YOU.
If you want to collect for value, great!
If you want to collect to just fill holes, fine!
You can do it however YOU like. No one's way is right or wrong!
I collect BOTH ways, depending on what area I happen to be working on at the time.
Investments are nice, but I mostly collect for fun....for ME. Getting that one stamp to complete the set is always exciting and satisfying, whether it's a perfect copy or not.
I can upgrade in the future if I so choose....but I don't always choose to!
Its MY collection! I can do it however I want - and so can YOU!
Remember - whatever way you decide is up to you and you alone.
If you're in it to invest, buy the best - if you're in it for fun, buy the cheap one!
NOW.....
after all that, you have to decide how you want to expand your collecting area.
It was mentioned (and I agree) that Guernsey and Jersey would be a natural direction.
Also, topicals might be, if you have an interest in something that could be collected on stamps.
My suggestion would be Central (or South) American countries, which are fast gaining in popularity but are still quite cheap in regard to most of their stamps.
I've actually thought about starting this up myself, but haven't decided as yet.
I hope all the ideas, thoughts and opinions have helped you get some idea of what you would like to shoot for next.
Just remember, though - be like Burger King says and DO IT YOUR WAY!!
(....wow...didn't know I couldtalk that much this early in the morning....)
Randy
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
Thanks guys for all the advice.
For now I am going to concentrate on GB (mainland), including local to my area cancels & cancelled on Christmas Day, or any other GB material that takes my eye.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
10:01:21am
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
I collect French stamps because from the 1920's to the 1960's there were lovely engraved stamps in France. The great thing is that the 1940's 50's and 60's tend to be very cheap to collect.
They are beautiful stamps and can be purchased for very little.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
Just a quick update, i have set my cut off point year at 2000. Looking at many of the GB issues after that there are many IMO that are purely there for money making oportunities.
However i will continue to collect the Christmas issues or a particular set that catches my eye.
Login to Like
this post
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
I am shocked, Barry, shocked, I tell you.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
"Looking at many of the GB issues after that there are many IMO that are purely there for money making opportunities."
It's a funny thing, I hadn't really kept up with new stamp issues since I had walked away from the hobby around 1980. In those days we had serious concern in the hobby that USPS was issuing too many stamps just for profit. There was an outcry around 1976 when the first set of 50 state flags and Bi-Centennial souvenir sheets appeared. That fell on deaf ears as in the following years they stepped up the commemorative program and especially multiple stamp issues. The follow up to the state flags was another sheet of 50, this time state birds and flowers.
In those days I was printing and selling cachets for first day covers. Those multiple issues were the death of my business. I couldn't keep up with the rapid new issues, especially those multiple stamp issues!
I acquired a Scott 2004 Specialized catalog and was dismayed by the long sets of useless stamps. Note that I haven't even seen the past ten years! The pretty but unnecessary stamps remind me of the CTO stamps from suspicious countries. I have no interest in collecting them.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
It's interesting how postal corporations around the world, including Canada Post, are blind to the missed opportunities they have to collect money from stamp collectors. Canada Post is a great example.
I know of only one member of the BC Philatelic Society who collects mint Canadian stamps, and even he ignores such monstrosities as un-cut press sheets, not to mention the unending stream of "collectibles" — album pages for single stamp issues, annual "collections," sets of corner blocks, huge rolls of coil stamps, "official" FDCs, and commemoratives in both self-adhesive and water-activated gum versions. And then there are sports teams! My God! Check out these Canada Post offerings for the Vancouver Canucks. I'd have to have a salary like that of the average NHL player to afford to buy them. And Canada Post issued the same type of dross for the six other Canadian teams!
I swear that if Canada Post and other postal corporations just offered the same products and services they did 50 years ago, and dialled down the emissions of stamps "commemorating" everything under the sun from "Love" to ghosts to unknown artists and photographers, they would attract more collectors.
Nor are ordinary postal patrons treated well in post offices and postal outlets. I've noticed recently that you can't often buy a single stamp, but must purchase an entire booklet or pane of stamps, not a simple matter when a person can scarcely buy enough nutritious food to keep them healthy.
Bob
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
Do you guys know which country still consistently turns out good stamps with sensible releasing of issues?
Login to Like
this post
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
So Barry, going back to your original post, what other countries or areas were you feeling catching your eye?
Regards ... Tim
Login to Like
this post
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
Still not sure Tim to be honest, there are so many to choose from.
Update:
I did originally toy with Czechoslovakia as they are cheap but more often than not very nice stamps. So maybe that will be my other collection?
Login to Like
this post
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
TuskenRaider's suggestion of a topical collection is still a good option. It has stamps relating to a topic you care about and provides a bit of world-wide flavor.
I had the same dilemmas you did with my US collection. I finally pulled the plug 12-31-2014 on new issues. I wanted to do something else, but another country seemed a bit much. I had been chipping around the edges with ancillary stuff like Revenues, covers, Cinderellas, etc., but finally settled on two new projects:
A topical collection
One From Every Country (there are even free album pages you can download)
Both have been relatively inexpensive (so far), and enough of a change from what I was collecting to be fresh and interesting.
Good luck finding what works for you!
Lars
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
Space exploration has always been a fascination of mine.
Login to Like
this post
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
For you to know what country you would like best to collect you of course need to see what is out there. My collection (link below) is online for just that reason. To show people stamps from different countries hoping to inspire them to collect. You will find most stamps from most countries which will give you a good idea of what you might like to collect. Most stamps are very cheap with the occasional more expensive stamp here and there so most countries are not that hard to collect. You can also find most stamps below 30% of catalog, so be patient and wait for a good deal. If you go after a certain item or set you will most always pay much more than you would if you had waited for the right deal. Buying at auctions is usually best and purchasing collections on pages which you can use or parts of collections will give you the most bang for your buck. My favorite areas are Western European and North and South America. On the other hand countries like Belgian Congo, Liberia, Mozambique Company and several others should be top contenders as the stamps are generally very beautiful.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
07:52:21pm
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
Mitch,
Phenomenal collection! I'm SUPER impressed. Thanks for sharing.
-Ernie
Login to Like
this post
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
Baz,
If you are collecting GB, there are so many different ways to go. Phil already mentioned Guernsey and Jersey, but Alderney is a cute little area to collect as well.
I love the regional issues of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and especially Wales.
GB also has a lot of foreign offices to collect.
Like others have said, though, take it slow, and build up a little at a time. One thing I can say, you will never be bored.
BOB
Login to Like
this post
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
Bobstew617 said, about collecting topicals,
"One thing I can say, you will never be bored."
Too true! Nor will you ever have enough money to buy every topical you want! Every stamp shop, stamp show, on-line sales venue, or mail call may present you with something new. Stamps and covers you've never seen before may tempt you. It's a slippery slope, as my friend Mike says. I've probably lost track of the number of different collections I have, not to mention the new ones I've considered. Just yesterday, a collector in Australia sent me a gift package that included this cover, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli:
Neat, eh? At first glance I thought it had been posted, but it's actually a convincing sort-of-replica of an actual WWI censored cover. Damn! Now I have to start working on a Gallipoli collection!
Bob
Login to Like
this post
re: Collecting Stamps On A Limited Budget.
Tele1962- there are some Ebay sellers that seem to specialize in early Great Britain with minor defects. I have been using a Gibbons Windsor album and over the past couple years have managed to fill in maybe 70% plus of the spaces in the Victoria section. I have found that a lot of the stuff from that era being sold has defects anyway.
Login to Like
this post