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General Philatelic/Gen. Discussion : Old mounts: Keep or toss?

 

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neena123

15 Aug 2013
03:26:37pm
I started collecting stamps as a child with my father, who collected his whole life and got me started. Sadly, he lost his life in a house fire and I inherited the stamps that survived. The ones that did are mounted in what appear to be very old cellophane mounts - nothing like the ones you buy today. Thankfully, this protected the stamps from the smoke and water (even those that are almost 100 years old), but I'm unsure whether to take them all out of the mounts and put them in stock pages (which is how I store my own collection), or leave them be since they mostly seem in pristine condition. Some mounts look yellowed and some were brittle (I tossed those), but I don't know if that's because they were in a fire or if they're just old. I took one corner block out its mount because it was "wiggly" and I feared water had gotten into it. The stamps themselves were relatively undamaged, but the ink side was shiny. For a moment I was thrilled that they were printed gummed-side up, but the gum is intact on the back, so that's doubtful. Most of the other stamps are not like this and they easily come out of the mounts. So, my question is: would it do more damage than good to leave them in these mounts, or are they ok to leave? I don't have any sentimentality when it comes to the mounts, I just want to preserve them best I can. Thanks in advance.
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HungaryForStamps
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15 Aug 2013
03:56:09pm
re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

Those are probably Crystal Mounts which my father and I (as a child) used long ago. One problem with the mounts is the gum was not strong and some people used scotch tape to affix the mount to the page and that gum is bad for stamps. So if you see any yellowing then I would remove them (as I think you indicated).

The plastic in these mounts can get brittle and it is probably not safe long term for archival purposes, but given the length of time they have probably been in the mounts already, its probably not something you need to address in a hurry. If the stamps are particularly valuable I would remove them immediately.

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HungaryForStamps
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15 Aug 2013
04:07:58pm
re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

Oh by the way, I stumbled in article containing an image of the mounts yellowing due to tape.

http://johnapfelbaum.blogspot.com/2012/10/evolution-of-stamp-mounts.html

I also seem to recall the gum from the mount itself yellowing on occasion as well. Maybe someone can confirm that.


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DSCStamps
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15 Aug 2013
04:33:52pm
re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

I think the newer technology is a ton better than the really old stuff. I also used the crystal mounts and got rid of every one of them. Modern mounts are the way to go, but with caution. Don't damage the stamps trying to get them out of the old mounts. There could be some real treasures if this collection is over a 100 years old.

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neena123

15 Aug 2013
06:03:14pm
re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

After reading that about Crystal Mounts, these stamps are coming out of 'em! Thanks for the advice. I got work to do, now...

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larsdog
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APS #220693 ATA#57179

15 Aug 2013
07:05:06pm
re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

I had to remove a bunch of stamps from crystal mounts once. It seemed that carefully raising the top surface from the stamp and cutting it in the middle with small scissors provided the best way to free the stamp from the mount with minimal impact on the stamp. If the stamp seems to be stuck to the mount you have to decide if you want to soak it and turn MH or MNH into MNG, or risk damaging the stamp when removing it. Good luck!

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sponthetrona2
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Keep Postal systems alive, buy stamps and mail often

15 Aug 2013
07:27:48pm
re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

The old mounts usually are brittle and damage to stamps can happen, unfortunately I've torn a stamp or two with those antiques. Although the new mounts can add up in cost I use them for all stamps, including canceled low value stamps. They look better in the album and keep safe your stamp or philitelic collectable from unexpected accidents. Perry

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DSCStamps
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16 Aug 2013
03:28:05pm
re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

I think we have a quorum, "Upgrade" and get rid of the ole mounts. They served their purpose for the day, but provide no value today. Another value of removing them from the ole mounts is being able to really check them out for condition and do watermarking, etc. Many of the old collections were not catalogued properly and this provides a chance to verify. Never know, there could be a rare find in there.

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jc1234
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18 Aug 2013
07:41:22pm
re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

"Although the new mounts can add up in cost I use them for all stamps,"


That is why they are always on my Christmas lists for Santa!
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BobbyBarnhart
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They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin

27 Aug 2013
07:07:24am
re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

"I had to remove a bunch of stamps from crystal mounts once. It seemed that carefully raising the top surface from the stamp and cutting it in the middle with small scissors provided the best way to free the stamp from the mount with minimal impact on the stamp."



I have found that the easiest (and safest, if you have a steady hand and are careful) way to remove the crystal mounts is by inserting the blade of a small pocket knife between the face of the stamp and the mount, then gently slitting the base of the mount (they are very easy to cut). Then you just need to lift the stamp off the page.

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"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. -Edmund Burke"

www.bobbybarnhart.net
amsd
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Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads

27 Aug 2013
08:18:41am

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re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

i do something similar to Bobby, inserting the top end of a tong and slitting the top. never damaged a stamp this way.


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"Save the USPS, buy stamps; save the hobby, use commemoratives"

juicyheads.com/link.php?PLJZJP
cdj1122
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Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..

28 Aug 2013
12:03:00pm
re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

These work very nicely.
Image Not FoundBut don't scratch your nose with them in you hand. They are not called "Lethal 908s" for nothing.

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".... You may think you understood what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you think you heard is not what I thought I meant. .... "
rniekamp
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02 Sep 2013
07:39:13am
re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

I've recently received stamps from an SOR auction, and some of them came in mounts. Since only a small portion of the back of the mount is wetted to put in an album, I remove the stamp and turn it over, so what had been the top of the mount is now the bottom That lets me moisten the "new" top and re-use the old mount. I have torn a couple (mounts, not stamps) but being able to reuse mounts appeals to my frugal side.

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DSCStamps
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02 Sep 2013
09:26:01am
re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

I also use the edge of my tongs to cut the old mounts versus a knife. I can kill two birds with one stone, per se. I cut the mount with the tongs and with the next move remove the stamp with the tongs. All in two quick motions, 2-3 seconds max.

I do not re-use the old crystal mounts, only the Scott's or Prinz, and I also occasionally flip the mount over to moisten a fresh portion of the mount. Hey, mounts are expensive too. I would rather spend the money on a stamp than more empty mounts.

Dan

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cdj1122
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Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..

04 Sep 2013
08:33:43pm
re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

Several times over the years I have seen albums where the money spent for mounts far exceeded to cost of the stamps they held.

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".... You may think you understood what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you think you heard is not what I thought I meant. .... "
Logistical1
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05 Sep 2013
11:39:47pm
re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

Charlie,
I never showed you my collection that many times.Laughing

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TinMan
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17 Dec 2013
09:44:49am
re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

LEAVE them Be. They were your Dad's. Or take them out of the old cruddy mounts and remount them just as your Dad put them in. The order. They probably are worth far more sentimental value than monetary value.

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Author/Postings
neena123

15 Aug 2013
03:26:37pm

I started collecting stamps as a child with my father, who collected his whole life and got me started. Sadly, he lost his life in a house fire and I inherited the stamps that survived. The ones that did are mounted in what appear to be very old cellophane mounts - nothing like the ones you buy today. Thankfully, this protected the stamps from the smoke and water (even those that are almost 100 years old), but I'm unsure whether to take them all out of the mounts and put them in stock pages (which is how I store my own collection), or leave them be since they mostly seem in pristine condition. Some mounts look yellowed and some were brittle (I tossed those), but I don't know if that's because they were in a fire or if they're just old. I took one corner block out its mount because it was "wiggly" and I feared water had gotten into it. The stamps themselves were relatively undamaged, but the ink side was shiny. For a moment I was thrilled that they were printed gummed-side up, but the gum is intact on the back, so that's doubtful. Most of the other stamps are not like this and they easily come out of the mounts. So, my question is: would it do more damage than good to leave them in these mounts, or are they ok to leave? I don't have any sentimentality when it comes to the mounts, I just want to preserve them best I can. Thanks in advance.

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HungaryForStamps

15 Aug 2013
03:56:09pm

re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

Those are probably Crystal Mounts which my father and I (as a child) used long ago. One problem with the mounts is the gum was not strong and some people used scotch tape to affix the mount to the page and that gum is bad for stamps. So if you see any yellowing then I would remove them (as I think you indicated).

The plastic in these mounts can get brittle and it is probably not safe long term for archival purposes, but given the length of time they have probably been in the mounts already, its probably not something you need to address in a hurry. If the stamps are particularly valuable I would remove them immediately.

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HungaryForStamps

15 Aug 2013
04:07:58pm

re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

Oh by the way, I stumbled in article containing an image of the mounts yellowing due to tape.

http://johnapfelbaum.blogspot.com/2012/10/evolution-of-stamp-mounts.html

I also seem to recall the gum from the mount itself yellowing on occasion as well. Maybe someone can confirm that.


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DSCStamps

15 Aug 2013
04:33:52pm

re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

I think the newer technology is a ton better than the really old stuff. I also used the crystal mounts and got rid of every one of them. Modern mounts are the way to go, but with caution. Don't damage the stamps trying to get them out of the old mounts. There could be some real treasures if this collection is over a 100 years old.

Like
Login to Like
this post
neena123

15 Aug 2013
06:03:14pm

re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

After reading that about Crystal Mounts, these stamps are coming out of 'em! Thanks for the advice. I got work to do, now...

Like
Login to Like
this post
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larsdog

APS #220693 ATA#57179
15 Aug 2013
07:05:06pm

re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

I had to remove a bunch of stamps from crystal mounts once. It seemed that carefully raising the top surface from the stamp and cutting it in the middle with small scissors provided the best way to free the stamp from the mount with minimal impact on the stamp. If the stamp seems to be stuck to the mount you have to decide if you want to soak it and turn MH or MNH into MNG, or risk damaging the stamp when removing it. Good luck!

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Expanding your knowledge faster than your collection can save you a few bucks."

stamps.colp.info
Members Picture
sponthetrona2

Keep Postal systems alive, buy stamps and mail often
15 Aug 2013
07:27:48pm

re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

The old mounts usually are brittle and damage to stamps can happen, unfortunately I've torn a stamp or two with those antiques. Although the new mounts can add up in cost I use them for all stamps, including canceled low value stamps. They look better in the album and keep safe your stamp or philitelic collectable from unexpected accidents. Perry

Like
Login to Like
this post
Members Picture
DSCStamps

16 Aug 2013
03:28:05pm

re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

I think we have a quorum, "Upgrade" and get rid of the ole mounts. They served their purpose for the day, but provide no value today. Another value of removing them from the ole mounts is being able to really check them out for condition and do watermarking, etc. Many of the old collections were not catalogued properly and this provides a chance to verify. Never know, there could be a rare find in there.

Like
Login to Like
this post
Members Picture
jc1234

18 Aug 2013
07:41:22pm

re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

"Although the new mounts can add up in cost I use them for all stamps,"


That is why they are always on my Christmas lists for Santa!
Like
Login to Like
this post

They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
27 Aug 2013
07:07:24am

re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

"I had to remove a bunch of stamps from crystal mounts once. It seemed that carefully raising the top surface from the stamp and cutting it in the middle with small scissors provided the best way to free the stamp from the mount with minimal impact on the stamp."



I have found that the easiest (and safest, if you have a steady hand and are careful) way to remove the crystal mounts is by inserting the blade of a small pocket knife between the face of the stamp and the mount, then gently slitting the base of the mount (they are very easy to cut). Then you just need to lift the stamp off the page.

Like
Login to Like
this post

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. -Edmund Burke"

www.bobbybarnhart.ne ...
Members Picture
amsd

Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads
27 Aug 2013
08:18:41am

Auctions

re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

i do something similar to Bobby, inserting the top end of a tong and slitting the top. never damaged a stamp this way.


Like
Login to Like
this post

"Save the USPS, buy stamps; save the hobby, use commemoratives"

juicyheads.com/link. ...

Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
28 Aug 2013
12:03:00pm

re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

These work very nicely.
Image Not FoundBut don't scratch your nose with them in you hand. They are not called "Lethal 908s" for nothing.

Like
Login to Like
this post

".... You may think you understood what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you think you heard is not what I thought I meant. .... "
Members Picture
rniekamp

02 Sep 2013
07:39:13am

re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

I've recently received stamps from an SOR auction, and some of them came in mounts. Since only a small portion of the back of the mount is wetted to put in an album, I remove the stamp and turn it over, so what had been the top of the mount is now the bottom That lets me moisten the "new" top and re-use the old mount. I have torn a couple (mounts, not stamps) but being able to reuse mounts appeals to my frugal side.

Like 
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Members Picture
DSCStamps

02 Sep 2013
09:26:01am

re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

I also use the edge of my tongs to cut the old mounts versus a knife. I can kill two birds with one stone, per se. I cut the mount with the tongs and with the next move remove the stamp with the tongs. All in two quick motions, 2-3 seconds max.

I do not re-use the old crystal mounts, only the Scott's or Prinz, and I also occasionally flip the mount over to moisten a fresh portion of the mount. Hey, mounts are expensive too. I would rather spend the money on a stamp than more empty mounts.

Dan

Like
Login to Like
this post

Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
04 Sep 2013
08:33:43pm

re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

Several times over the years I have seen albums where the money spent for mounts far exceeded to cost of the stamps they held.

Like
Login to Like
this post

".... You may think you understood what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you think you heard is not what I thought I meant. .... "
Members Picture
Logistical1

05 Sep 2013
11:39:47pm

re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

Charlie,
I never showed you my collection that many times.Laughing

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TinMan

17 Dec 2013
09:44:49am

re: Old mounts: Keep or toss?

LEAVE them Be. They were your Dad's. Or take them out of the old cruddy mounts and remount them just as your Dad put them in. The order. They probably are worth far more sentimental value than monetary value.

Like
Login to Like
this post
        

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