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General Philatelic/Supplies, Literature & Software : Recommendation for US stamp album?

 

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Larryc3a
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22 Oct 2009
11:33:47pm
Can someone help me select an album? I'm interested in US stamps only. I've not found any pictures of the inside of albums or descriptions that will help me choose. I've seen names such as Liberty, Independence, National, Citation, Classic, Heirloom, Freedom II, etc etc. I hate to spend so much money on a "pig in a poke". I want more from an album that just a place to affix a stamp. Looking more for a history book. Any advice would be appreciated.
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Bobstamp
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23 Oct 2009
04:13:39pm
re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

I think that proprietary country albums are reasonable investments for beginning collectors. They can help teach a good deal about a nation's philately; as the collector fills the spaces, he or she will soon gain an understanding of what stamps are difficult to find, which are hard to find in good condition, and, depending on the album, perhaps what kinds of basic varieties exist.

However, I have used U.S., Ireland, Denmark and Sweden albums in the past, and in each case found them wanting:

• Some spaces remained empty because I could never find or be able to afford the stamps.

• Album layout did not match catalogue numbers.

• Album layout was not attractive.

• The albums did not allow for any but single copies of stamps. If you found and wanted to keep pairs, blocks, covers, varieties, singles on piece, etc., you had to use blank pages.

• And, for me, even completed pages, or perhaps completed pages especially, were just plain boring.

Eventually I started making my own pages with my computer; today, I concentrate on exhibit sheets and web pages and rarely look at the two albums I still have.

Bob Ingraham

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Musicman
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APS #213005

23 Oct 2009
06:36:04pm
re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

Larry,

Allow me to put my 2 cents in here;

I'm a US collector as well. I have - and have had - numerous albums, but the one I like the best has been my 3-Volume American Heirloom Album from Mystic Stamp Company.

Now, I'm sure we will hear from someone saying "stay away from Mystic"....and yes, they do charge more for their stamps than they should usually....BUT - if you want a really nice album set with lots of info on nearly every US stamp, this is a great album set! And you can get it for under $40!!

The new pages every year for the previous issues is very inexpensive as well. It's a very nice set with 3-ring lay-flat pages and is easily expandable by purchasing an extra binder later on (which is what I did).

It's available on Mystic's website, or I can send you info on it if you prefer. I may even have a few sample pages I could send you if you like.


Randy/musicman

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Harley

24 Oct 2009
05:17:51am
re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

From the other side---
I havent used printed albums,or computer printed pages in years.
I opted for the stock pages.
Come with ,from 1 to 8 pockets, single sides,double sided,solid backing or clear.
Prices vary,depending on type and brand.
I am parcial to Vario brand. all vynl.
Although I mainly collect coil stamps,and only need the 8 pocket pages,I do however use a variety for blocks,SS sheets,small panes (U.S.)and odd shaped items.And I use 2 pocket pages for my covers.
All I use for binders are the 3 ring type,which are very inexpensive,to moderate price range,depending on type and quality.
You can arrange,or rearrange as needed,to suit your personal collecting needs or habits.
And a bonus,,no hinges or mounts needed.

As to needing a lot of info and stories on or about the stamps, try thr Linns Yearly stamp books.They are very informative and should fill your needs for color images of the stamp and all about them.
I like the soft cover edition,for I can take it apart,three hole punch the pages,and insert it in the front of the 3 ring binder,along with the needed pages for that years stamps.Just enough room in one album to accomodate the book and pages.
This is just another way to collect and store your stamps.
TOM

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Bobstamp
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24 Oct 2009
10:16:20am
re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

Not really another side, Harley, so much as another option. I also use stock pages (Vario), as well as stock books and a Lighthouse album, with stock pages designed to hold #10 covers. With the possible exception of proprietary albums, collectors interested in collecting a variety of postal artifacts -- stamps, coil pairs and strips, mint and used, stamps on piece, covers, booklets, post cards, sheets, blocks, souvenir sheets, mini-sheets, etc. -- will over time need many different means to store them.

Bob I.

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Capestampman
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Mike

24 Oct 2009
06:14:37pm
re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

Larry,
I have to agree with Randy/musicman in the fact that I also have the Heirloom album and have enjoyed it since buying it in 1993. Mine is the older two volume set, and I do need to update it, which I am now exploring. It is a great album, with a lot of information about each stamp, and I understand that they now use the Scott numbers in the space provided for each stamp, which is a great bonus.
Good luck in making your album choice, it's just like our great hobby of stamp collecting, decisions, decisions, decisions.

Mike (capestampman)

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"It's been 7 years now, since I joined a support group for procrastinators. We haven't met yet..."
Musicman
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APS #213005

24 Oct 2009
06:36:56pm
re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

Larry,

Everyone here makes good points and good "arguments" for their preferences in their areas of collecting.

Key here, I believe, is to not limit yourself. There are many good ways to store and present your collection. Explore all the options available to find the one or ones that are right for you!


Randy/musicman

P.S.
By the way - Tom - glad you're back!!

(Message edited by musicman on October 24, 2009)

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Sponthetrona2
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Keep Postal systems alive, buy stamps and mail often

25 Oct 2009
08:58:54pm
re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

I know this may sound really time consuming BUT .... I made each and every page on my computer (saving each page in case I decide to change it later). This way I can add personal stuff. The design is easy, especially if you own all the stamps. Since I collect MNH, LP. Plate Block, Mint, and Cancel of every US stamp I can get. Yes it was a big task but if you wish send me a email and I'll send you a couple images (see attached)of the pages so you can see how easy it really was.... Perry

image

(Message edited by sponthetrona2 on November 01, 2009)

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Bobstamp
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25 Oct 2009
10:07:27pm
re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

A nice looking album, Perry. Below is an example from one of my exhibits; I consider albums and exhibits to be essentially the same thing, and I try to design my exhibits so that I can add new sheets at any time.

In case you wonder about the color of the paper, the explanation is that I chose it to resemble recycled wartime paper, in part because the exhibit is about the wartime economy of Great Britain. But there's a bonus — dowdy old covers look much better against this paper than against pristine white. I've been told that philatelic judges will mark you down if you don't use white paper, but my experience does not bear that out. And I wouldn't care anyway.

I've also been told that I write too much. Well, it would be "too much" if words were wasted, but they're not, and I feel that if a story is worth telling, it's worth telling thoroughly. But, again, I don't create these pages for other people, I create them for me.

Bob

test image page

(Message edited by Bobstamp on October 25, 2009)

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Bobstamp
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25 Oct 2009
10:09:21pm
re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

If Tim is watching, what the heck? I did an a test post with the same image, and it worked well. Now I get an error message, and the image doesn't upload.

Bob

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Bobstamp
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25 Oct 2009
10:09:46pm
re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

I'll try again:

test image page

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Larryc3a
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26 Oct 2009
01:16:16am
re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

I'm reading all your great ideas. Thanks a bunch. BTW, just went to my first stamp show. Starting to feel like a real collector.
Larry

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Author/Postings
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Larryc3a

22 Oct 2009
11:33:47pm

Can someone help me select an album? I'm interested in US stamps only. I've not found any pictures of the inside of albums or descriptions that will help me choose. I've seen names such as Liberty, Independence, National, Citation, Classic, Heirloom, Freedom II, etc etc. I hate to spend so much money on a "pig in a poke". I want more from an album that just a place to affix a stamp. Looking more for a history book. Any advice would be appreciated.

Like
Login to Like
this post
Members Picture
Bobstamp

23 Oct 2009
04:13:39pm

re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

I think that proprietary country albums are reasonable investments for beginning collectors. They can help teach a good deal about a nation's philately; as the collector fills the spaces, he or she will soon gain an understanding of what stamps are difficult to find, which are hard to find in good condition, and, depending on the album, perhaps what kinds of basic varieties exist.

However, I have used U.S., Ireland, Denmark and Sweden albums in the past, and in each case found them wanting:

• Some spaces remained empty because I could never find or be able to afford the stamps.

• Album layout did not match catalogue numbers.

• Album layout was not attractive.

• The albums did not allow for any but single copies of stamps. If you found and wanted to keep pairs, blocks, covers, varieties, singles on piece, etc., you had to use blank pages.

• And, for me, even completed pages, or perhaps completed pages especially, were just plain boring.

Eventually I started making my own pages with my computer; today, I concentrate on exhibit sheets and web pages and rarely look at the two albums I still have.

Bob Ingraham

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this post

www.ephemeraltreasur ...
Members Picture
Musicman

APS #213005
23 Oct 2009
06:36:04pm

re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

Larry,

Allow me to put my 2 cents in here;

I'm a US collector as well. I have - and have had - numerous albums, but the one I like the best has been my 3-Volume American Heirloom Album from Mystic Stamp Company.

Now, I'm sure we will hear from someone saying "stay away from Mystic"....and yes, they do charge more for their stamps than they should usually....BUT - if you want a really nice album set with lots of info on nearly every US stamp, this is a great album set! And you can get it for under $40!!

The new pages every year for the previous issues is very inexpensive as well. It's a very nice set with 3-ring lay-flat pages and is easily expandable by purchasing an extra binder later on (which is what I did).

It's available on Mystic's website, or I can send you info on it if you prefer. I may even have a few sample pages I could send you if you like.


Randy/musicman

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Harley

24 Oct 2009
05:17:51am

re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

From the other side---
I havent used printed albums,or computer printed pages in years.
I opted for the stock pages.
Come with ,from 1 to 8 pockets, single sides,double sided,solid backing or clear.
Prices vary,depending on type and brand.
I am parcial to Vario brand. all vynl.
Although I mainly collect coil stamps,and only need the 8 pocket pages,I do however use a variety for blocks,SS sheets,small panes (U.S.)and odd shaped items.And I use 2 pocket pages for my covers.
All I use for binders are the 3 ring type,which are very inexpensive,to moderate price range,depending on type and quality.
You can arrange,or rearrange as needed,to suit your personal collecting needs or habits.
And a bonus,,no hinges or mounts needed.

As to needing a lot of info and stories on or about the stamps, try thr Linns Yearly stamp books.They are very informative and should fill your needs for color images of the stamp and all about them.
I like the soft cover edition,for I can take it apart,three hole punch the pages,and insert it in the front of the 3 ring binder,along with the needed pages for that years stamps.Just enough room in one album to accomodate the book and pages.
This is just another way to collect and store your stamps.
TOM

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this post
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Bobstamp

24 Oct 2009
10:16:20am

re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

Not really another side, Harley, so much as another option. I also use stock pages (Vario), as well as stock books and a Lighthouse album, with stock pages designed to hold #10 covers. With the possible exception of proprietary albums, collectors interested in collecting a variety of postal artifacts -- stamps, coil pairs and strips, mint and used, stamps on piece, covers, booklets, post cards, sheets, blocks, souvenir sheets, mini-sheets, etc. -- will over time need many different means to store them.

Bob I.

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www.ephemeraltreasur ...
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Capestampman

Mike
24 Oct 2009
06:14:37pm

re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

Larry,
I have to agree with Randy/musicman in the fact that I also have the Heirloom album and have enjoyed it since buying it in 1993. Mine is the older two volume set, and I do need to update it, which I am now exploring. It is a great album, with a lot of information about each stamp, and I understand that they now use the Scott numbers in the space provided for each stamp, which is a great bonus.
Good luck in making your album choice, it's just like our great hobby of stamp collecting, decisions, decisions, decisions.

Mike (capestampman)

Like
Login to Like
this post

"It's been 7 years now, since I joined a support group for procrastinators. We haven't met yet..."
Members Picture
Musicman

APS #213005
24 Oct 2009
06:36:56pm

re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

Larry,

Everyone here makes good points and good "arguments" for their preferences in their areas of collecting.

Key here, I believe, is to not limit yourself. There are many good ways to store and present your collection. Explore all the options available to find the one or ones that are right for you!


Randy/musicman

P.S.
By the way - Tom - glad you're back!!

(Message edited by musicman on October 24, 2009)

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Sponthetrona2

Keep Postal systems alive, buy stamps and mail often
25 Oct 2009
08:58:54pm

re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

I know this may sound really time consuming BUT .... I made each and every page on my computer (saving each page in case I decide to change it later). This way I can add personal stuff. The design is easy, especially if you own all the stamps. Since I collect MNH, LP. Plate Block, Mint, and Cancel of every US stamp I can get. Yes it was a big task but if you wish send me a email and I'll send you a couple images (see attached)of the pages so you can see how easy it really was.... Perry

image

(Message edited by sponthetrona2 on November 01, 2009)

Like
Login to Like
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Bobstamp

25 Oct 2009
10:07:27pm

re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

A nice looking album, Perry. Below is an example from one of my exhibits; I consider albums and exhibits to be essentially the same thing, and I try to design my exhibits so that I can add new sheets at any time.

In case you wonder about the color of the paper, the explanation is that I chose it to resemble recycled wartime paper, in part because the exhibit is about the wartime economy of Great Britain. But there's a bonus — dowdy old covers look much better against this paper than against pristine white. I've been told that philatelic judges will mark you down if you don't use white paper, but my experience does not bear that out. And I wouldn't care anyway.

I've also been told that I write too much. Well, it would be "too much" if words were wasted, but they're not, and I feel that if a story is worth telling, it's worth telling thoroughly. But, again, I don't create these pages for other people, I create them for me.

Bob

test image page

(Message edited by Bobstamp on October 25, 2009)

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Bobstamp

25 Oct 2009
10:09:21pm

re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

If Tim is watching, what the heck? I did an a test post with the same image, and it worked well. Now I get an error message, and the image doesn't upload.

Bob

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Bobstamp

25 Oct 2009
10:09:46pm

re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

I'll try again:

test image page

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Larryc3a

26 Oct 2009
01:16:16am

re: Recommendation for US stamp album?

I'm reading all your great ideas. Thanks a bunch. BTW, just went to my first stamp show. Starting to feel like a real collector.
Larry

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