Broadening Your Philatelic Horizons
Stamp collecting is a flexible hobby suitable for nearly all ages and climates. While many people begin by collecting traditional postage stamps, the hobby of philately actually encompasses a much wider range of materials. Broadly defined, stamp collecting is the accumulation of material related to the payment of postage and the carriage of the mails. This means a complete collection can include items beyond standard postage issues. Philatelists frequently collect postal covers, specialized markings, and even non-postal ephemera. Understanding how to identify and organize these diverse items is key to expanding your collection. You can use StampSnap to help organize these varied items by creating a likely identification or digital collection record.
Identifying Postal Covers and Mail Markings
Postal covers are simply envelopes that successfully carried mail through the postal system. Rather than removing stamps from these historical documents, collectors preserve the entire envelope to study its journey. Covers often feature unique markings or labels applied during transit, which provide valuable historical context. These markings can include hand-stamped transit marks, instructional labels, or postage meters that indicate prepayment. Identifying these markings requires careful examination of the ink, placement, and text. Because covers represent the physical carriage of mail, preserving them intact is critical. Removing a stamp from a cover can destroy its historical context and significantly decrease its overall philatelic value.
Distinguishing Revenue Stamps and Christmas Seals
Not every stamp-like label was created to pay for mail delivery. Revenue stamps are issued by governments to indicate the payment of taxes on documents, tobacco, or proprietary goods. While they look similar to postage stamps, they serve a fiscal purpose rather than a postal one. Similarly, Christmas Seals and other charity labels are non-postal ephemera. These labels are created to raise funds or awareness for specific causes and do not carry mailing privileges. To distinguish these items, look closely at the text printed on the design. Revenue stamps often feature words like Internal Revenue or Duty, while charity seals typically lack postal denominations. Identifying these differences helps you categorize your collection accurately.
Safe Handling and Examination Techniques
When working with delicate ephemera, revenue stamps, or covers, proper handling is essential to prevent physical damage. Always use stamp tongs rather than your fingers to handle dry items. No matter how thoroughly you wash your hands, natural oils from your skin will transfer to the paper and cause long-term damage over time. Tongs feature a smooth gripping surface designed specifically for handling fragile paper safely. Additionally, a magnifying glass is an indispensable tool for inspecting fine details on seals and markings. Choose a lens with at least 5 times to 10 times magnification that folds into a protective case to prevent scratches. This allows you to inspect subtle text variations without touching the paper.
Organizing and Storing Diverse Materials
Storing a diverse collection of covers, seals, and stamps requires the right storage solutions. A stock book is highly recommended for organizing non-traditional items. Stock books feature plastic or paper pockets on each page and do not contain pre-printed pictures of specific stamps. This design allows you to organize your items in any order you wish. Alternatively, you can use a stamp album with acid-free paper. Never use photo albums with sticky pages, as the adhesive will cause permanent, irreversible damage to your collection. To secure loose items in your album, use clear plastic sleeves called mounts, or thin, folded pieces of translucent paper known as hinges. Never use household tape or glue, as these adhesives destroy the paper and ruin the item's value.
Researching and Cataloging Your Collection
To properly identify and learn about your non-traditional philatelic items, a stamp catalog is an invaluable reference book. Catalogs provide detailed illustrations, issue dates, descriptions, and information on how items were printed. While standard catalogs focus heavily on postage stamps, specialized sections often cover revenue stamps and other back-of-the-book issues. For items like charity seals or local markings, you may need to consult specialized philatelic literature or library resources. Keeping a detailed inventory is the best way to track your growing collection. Using StampSnap can help you maintain a structured digital record of your items, making it easier to manage your collection as you transition into specialized areas of philately.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a postage stamp and a revenue stamp?
A postage stamp is issued to show prepayment for the carriage of mail. A revenue stamp is issued by a government to indicate the payment of a tax or duty on documents, goods, or transactions, and is not valid for postage.
Can I use regular photo albums to store my covers and seals?
No. You should never use photo albums with sticky pages, as the adhesive on these pages will cause permanent damage to your items. Instead, use stamp albums with acid-free paper or stock books with protective pockets.
Why should I use tongs instead of my fingers to handle stamps and ephemera?
Even if you wash your hands thoroughly, natural oils from your skin will transfer to the paper and damage your stamps over time. Stamp tongs have a smooth gripping surface designed to handle dry stamps safely without leaving residue.
What are Christmas Seals, and are they considered postage stamps?
Christmas Seals are charity labels and are considered non-postal ephemera. They are created to raise funds or awareness for specific causes and do not have any postal value or carry mailing privileges.