Stamp collecting tools

Stockbooks are temporary albums that keep stamps safe until they can be properly mounted into albums. Many collectors like to use stockbooks to store extra stamps that they wish to sell or trade. Most stockbook pages have long shallow pockets that hold stamps into place. When needed, the stamp can easily be slipped out of the pocket and back in again. Most stockbooks have glassine like sheets between pages to prevent your stamps from sticking. Smaller pocket-sized stockbooks are great to take to stamp shows, for they allow you to keep your new purchases reasonably safe, until you are able to mount them in your album. Albums are great for keeping a well organized and protected stamp collection.

Stamp catalogs and price guides are illustrated lists of stamps, arranged by year, that give a current market value for a given stamp issue. Catalogs are great for identifying postage stamps, because many list color and design variations, watermarks, perforation sizes, printing types, and other factual information for each stamp issue. The catalog most widely used by stamp collectors is the Scott Postage Stamp Catalog. The fact is they are pretty expensive. A way of getting acces to them is by subscribing to a Philatelic Association. But with an internet connection you can access a free online catalogue too.

Stamp tongs are the best way to handle your stamps, without causing damage to them. Tongs are small light weight tweezer-like instruments used in the handling of postage stamps. Tongs come in a variety of tip shapes, allowing the user to choose which pair best suits their personal tastes.

Magnifying glasses are perhaps the most useful tool in stamp collecting. Many stamp issues vary only slightly in their design, maybe a single line slightly longer in one issue or a dot missing in another.

 

Glassines are translucent, thin, paper envelopes used to hold stamps. They are made of a special material that prevents stamps from adhering to them. Many collectors use glassines to keep their stamps sorted, clean, and undamaged until they can later place them into albums. Many dealers and retail businesses will also use glassines when shipping stamps to customers. Glassines should not be used for long term storage, because humidity and moisture may still get to your stamps, and could cause them to stick together.

 

Perforation gagues help measure the number of perforation holes in a two centimeter space along the edge of a postage stamp. Often times, the only way to tell the difference between two seemingly identical issues is with a perforation gauge. To use a perforation gauge, simply place a stamp on the gauge and slide it. When the dots or humps on the gauge perfectly match the perforation holes on your stamp, you have found your perf number.

 

So, after all these said, are you ready to start your collection now?