This consolidation happened when stamp collectors and enthusiasts all over the United States gathered together in the year 1886 to create the American Philatelic Society (APS). Fuelled by the same keen interest exuded by its present-day members, it is home to the largest congregation of stamp collectors worldwide. To date, the APS has more than 44, 000 members. Because APS is a non-profit organization, the APS has been kept alive by years of continued donation and patronage from its sponsors, marginal revenue (almost like a donation) from the philatelic services they provide, and the receipt of the members dues.

In the APS level, the organization aims to promote stamp collecting, devise innovative ways and programs to better enhance the benefit acquired by stamp collectors, to offer philatelic services both to avid stamp collectors and the general public, and to assist their members in the exchange or disposal of stamps in their collections. Their continued growth of the American philatelist community is fostered by the various activities spearheaded by the APS.

The APS chapter in San Antonio, Texas goes by the name of the San Antonio Philatelic Association (SAPA). Formed in the year 1896, the SAPA is in fact a life member of APS and the umbrella of the Texas Philatelic Association. It is labeled APS Chapter #388, and as Texas Philatelic Chapter #3. At present, the chapter has over a 130 members participating in their various activities. They even allow juniors, who are between the ages of 12 and 18, to participate in the SAPA when they have at least a sponsoring parent acting on their behalf.

In the year 1996, the SAPA organized a stamp show in order to celebrate the centennial it shares with the Texas Philatelic Association. Labeled TEXPEX 96, it debuted the first new reprints of coil stamps in the country.

In fact, the beginnings of the Texan obsession with stamps began in San Antonio. Alongside the creation of the SAPA was the creation of the Texas Philatelic Association (TPA), the umbrella organization under which various philatelic groups in the state of Texas are affiliated to. To date, the Texas Philatelic Association is one of the oldest philatelic associations in the country that continues its operations even in the present day. Its foundation, called the TPA foundation, was certified as a Texas Non-Profit Foundation, Inc. in the year 1975. This was created in order to encourage the study and research on philately (through the creation of libraries, laboratories, and to afford research grants and scholarships. The cost of research may be reimbursed once the grant is made to publish any and all study the foundation finds fit.

Membership in the TPA subsequently means a lifetime membership to the APS (as membership in SAPA translates to a life membership with TPA and APS). This membership affords various benefits for philatelic enthusiasts, which include the receipt of the bi-monthly official publication, the Texas Philatelist. This publication covers regular columns, list of upcoming events of TPA and other affiliate chapters, and feature articles of interest to philatelists particularly in the Texas area. Membership also helps members take steps toward the acquisition of much-desired stampsthe TPA allows for free advertising of want ads on the TPA, as well as facilitate auctions for the sale and purchase of stamps between and among members. The association also helps members, particularly those of similar philatelic interests, to get together through the directory of members they provide. Being a member means invitation to TEXPEX, the annual convention-cum-exhibition held annually in Dallas. It also means access to information and answers to queries that may be provided by expert-philatelists also affiliated to TPA.

Like the SAPA, the TPA allows memberships for individuals aged 18 and above. Junior membership is also available for those under the age of 18 but with parents who will sponsor their participation. Membership in TPA is not, in any way, geographically limited to Texas alone.

The San Antonio Philatelic Association continues to be an active member of both the APS and the TPA. Unlike other stamp clubs, the SAPA takes pride in the fact that it remains to be one of the few clubs that meet consistently every week. Meetings of the San Antonio Philatelic Association are held at St. Lukes Lutheran Church in Santa Monica, San Antonio, Texas on Fridays at 7:30 PM. For each Friday of the month, there is a pre-assigned agenda for the club; the first dedicated to a business meeting and presentation of the members. The second Friday is, on the other hand, dedicated for stamp auctions, while the third Friday is for a program organized by the members of the club. The fourth Friday of the month, finally, is dedicated to stamp bourse.

In order to help all the members keep up to date on events and happenings in the club, the San Antonio Philatelic Association issues a bi-monthly newsletter called The Philatex.

If you have a hobby of collecting different items, stamps may excite you the same way coins do. People who engage in collecting stamps do not just enjoy the hobby. They learn at the same time. They gain knowledge on art, history and stories about different places.

If you want to be a serious stamp collector, you may want to consider collecting commemorative stamps. These stamps are produced by a certain country to depict a memorable event, a person or an important object that may be a part of their history.

Why would a person want to be a stamp collector? Anyone can be a stamp collector. People of all ages may try this hobby. One main reason why collector choose stamps is that it is considered as one of the most affordable hobby. People may collect coins, cars, tags, pins and many more but stamps are considered one of the most inexpensive way of collecting.

Stamp collectors come in all ages. It is not limited to certain type of group or age bracket. Even kids can become stamp collectors on their own little ways. Stamp collectors even start this hobby at a young age. What is important is the passion you have for collecting stamps regardless of their price and origin.

A stamp collector may find old stamps that he can include in his collections. You may even get these stamps for less than a dollar. There are few collectible items that you may consider as inexpensive, and stamp collecting is one of them.

A stamp collector may also benefit from learning from the stamps he collects. Collecting a stamp may interest a collector to research about the stamp, why it was produced and the events that are featured on a specific stamp. You will enjoy and at the same time learn many things from them.

Being a stamp collector is not a difficult task. There are many places where you can get your own collection of stamps. Postage stamps used for airmail may also be used. Stamp collectors compile them depending on the country they came from.

There are also sites and message boards in the Internet that features stamp collecting. You may even earn friends through these sites. People may also exchange stamps and some make use of these sites to display their collections. Others even consider selling their stamps thus making the hobby as their source of income.

If you would like to be a stamp collector, then you should know all information about stamps. It does not necessarily require people to know everything. One important thing to remember is to know how to take care of ones collections.

Stamp collectors are very disciplined when it comes to taking care of their stamps. That is because stamps are very fragile since they are made from paper and other thin materials. It takes responsibility to become a stamp collector.

Stamp collectors are also considered as artists on their own way. And if you think you are not gifted with that talent, stamp collecting will help you discover the art that is within you. Stamps come in various colors and images. Some of the images may be considered an Art. Choosing from these many stamps will enhance your artistic skills and will develop your creativity and imagination.

If you would like to be a stamp collector, you should also have the necessary supplies needed. If you are a beginner, the album is the first accessory needed. This will compile and organize all the stamps that were collected. The album will also ensure that the stamps will be safe from dirt and moist.

Stamp collecting may be considered a skill to many. However, everyone can be a stamp collector if they wish. It is an educational and informative hobby that even kids will benefit from it. It does not only give fun and knowledge but it is also a way to discover the artistic side of every person.

Stamp collecting does not only involve collecting stamps per se but also other stamp-related pieces such as envelopes and packages which contains the stamps. Would one believe that stamp collectors are revenue-generating agents for countries which make limited edition stamps?

There are collectors who are involved in collecting stamps for the sheer fun of it. There are those who have taken stamp collecting into a higher level and have taken a philatelic way of stamp collecting. Philately is basically the study of the intricate details of a stamp. Many have become philatelists because they have seen the value of the stamps.

If one is starting to collect stamps, he can ask his immediate family members or friends for their stamps if they are not into collecting. Many people just throw away stamps without realizing that there are people who might be interested in them. One might want to ask his grandparents regarding stamps, they may have saved some stamps from years ago. Older stamps are harder to find and most probably more expensive than the common ones which are produced today.

There are certain basic things that a stamp collector needs to be able to do. These things will make someone enjoy stamp collecting and preserve the integrity of his stamps. Whether a collector is a casual stamp collector or a philatelist, these are must-do things in stamp collecting.

A good stamp collector:

- keeps his collections safe

Collecting stamps or anything in general is not about gathering all the items and leaving them somewhere in the corner of a room for it to catch dust or cobwebs. In collecting stamps, the items should be safely kept in a container (usually an album) which will keep them from being damaged or destroyed. The slightest tear or scratch on a stamp will definitely decrease its value.

-has the right supplies

In relation to the previous trait of a good collector, he must have the proper tools to be able to keep his collection safe. Having the right tools doesnt mean spending ones pockets out. Stamp collecting supplies are relatively inexpensive and one can avail them without digging too much into there pockets.

-knows what to collect

Theres nothing wrong with collecting any kind of stamp in general, especially if one is just beginning to collect stamps. However, there would come a time that a collector feels the need to specifically target a certain set which he would want to collect. There are many different kinds of stamps which are out there for collecting. There are postage stamps, postal stationery, revenue stamps, first day covers and other stamp collectibles.

If there are duplicate stamps, one might consider selling the duplicates or exchanging them for other kinds of stamps. This will avoid redundancy in the collection and allow it to expand.

-knows how to assess the value of his stamps

Stamps can be very valuable. One needs to have basic knowledge on how to appraise the value of his stamps. He can start by reading stamp catalogs and other detailed informational materials. Stamp catalogs list the price of different kinds of collectible stamps, they also give some nifty facts about certain stamps. One can also ask the help of expert stamp collectors about the values of certain stamps which are not included in the catalogs.

These are just a few traits of a good stamp collector. No matter how one collects or what he collects, the important thing is that he enjoys what he does and finds meaning in it.

While some people collect stamps without regard for its quality or details, the more dedicated stamp collectors who understand this profitability pay attention to a variety of details that would determine the worth of the stamp.

CONDITION

The first and most simple rule of thumb isif the stamp is damaged, its likely to be worth very little, or worth nothing at all. The condition of the stamp plays a huge factor especially with dedicated collectors.

A used stamp in excellent condition is one with its complete set of perforated edges and is not torn, has the design centered in the stamp, still retains a degree of vibrancy of color as when it was issued, has a very light cancellation stamp (as with used stamps), and the gum or adhesive of the stamp as close to intactness as possible, and is not creased or folded in any way.

A stamp without its complete set of perforated edges has lesser value than its counterpart with less physical damage.

Meanwhile, a stamp with equal spaces placed between the perforation and the stamps design is considered centered; its value marginally decreases when it is poorly centered, and greatly decreases when the perforation runs through the design.

The vibrancy of the colors of the design, on the other hand, is affected by the soaking or lifting method used on the stamp to remove it from its original envelope attachment, or by exposure to sunlight. Obviously, the more vibrant the colors are, the greater the value of the stamp.

The cancellation of a used stamp plays a vital role because if the stamp is too heavily cancelled, there is a huge possibility that the visibility and clarity of the design is compromised.

Lastly, a stamp with the gum or adhesive as close to being intact has greater value. Hinges, or the marks left by heavy licking and attachment to paper, greatly affect the value of the stamp. A lightly hinged stamp would be of higher value than one that is heavily hinged.

Unless one is an expert in stamp lifting or soaking, many stamp collectors opt to keep their stamps attached to a small portion of the envelope they were originally attached to. The first reason for keeping the stamp attached is the fear of tearing or damaging the physical wholeness or condition of the stamp, which may happen when removing the stamp with insufficient or no soaking at all. Another possibility is that of the ink of the stamp running. This happens usually with stamps issued before the 1940s. During this period, fugitive ink, which runs in water, was used to print the designs on the stamps. Some of the ink used in canceling stamps may also run in water onto the design and completely ruin the stamp completely; therefore with the difficulty of identifying the ink used in stamp cancellations, stamp collectors either resort to stamp lifting or simply keeping the stamp in its original form. Soaking stamps may also cause the design to fade and lose its vibrancy.

UNIQUENESS

The second consideration that must be put to mind is the uniqueness of the stamp. The profitability of the stamp comes from the fact that many collectors seek out particular designs. A unique stamp may be three thingsa stamp from a much earlier period, and thus holds a great historical value, a stamp that was released in limited numbers over a short period of time, and a stamp that features a particular historical or social event of note to collectors and the general public. The fewer of the stamp available for acquisition in the free philatelic market, the likelier the stamp enthusiasts will bid higher for it.

In relation to this second consideration is the DEMAND for the stamp. This is usually indicative of the market value that a stamp can go for, and is usually revealed in stamp catalogues. Stamp catalogues, which are accessible from most libraries, will not only reveal the possible selling price of the stamp (although most sellers mark their stamps at a lower price), but also how many of the stamp was issued, where it was issued, and how it may be classified. Some popular stamp catalogues available in libraries include the Scott, Stanley Gibbons, Michel, OCB, Hibernian, and Sakura catalogues. The price quoted in the catalogue will clearly imply how much collectors are willing to pay to get that stamp.

At the end of the day, a professional stamp dealer may help in the valuation of the stamp. The valuation of the stamp may be subject to the experience of the professional dealer and his or her knowledge of its demand; however, he or she will still return to the basic three listed above. This is because among all else, these are universal standards by which a stamps worth is measured.

A collector should exert the effort of availing these items. He should learn how to value the importance organizing and preserving the items he has collected. One true trait of a special collector is the way he preserves his collections by attending and being concerned with the safety of his stamps. It is important to preserve and secure the stamps because these items are only pieces of papers. They can easily be torn or may lose their designs when they are not properly attended.

Here are some basic tools and accessories that are essential in securing a preserving stamp collections.

1.Stamp tongs are similar to tweezers that are designed and specially made to hold, and pick up the stamps. It is important to handle the stamps with the use of tongs. These are used especially for those stamps that have higher value and have limited edition versions. They may come in stainless plastic or stainless steel. He may want to consider buying the plastic tongs, which are more affordable than the stainless steel tongs. He needs to make sure that the tongs do not have sharp or pointed edges.

2. A watermark detector will allow a person to see the transparent prints and embossed markings that were intentionally made to value the price of the stamp. He may be able to detect those prints using watermark detectors and identify some forged stamps that are used for illegal purposes.

3. Magnifying glasses are helpful in examining and determining what kind of inscriptions and special prints are featured on the stamp. It may also be used to identify the condition of the paper, if it is a special or ordinary stamp. It also spots small wrinkles like spots or printing errors on the paper. These spotted markings may influence the value of the stamp.

4. Stamp hinges and mounts secure the stamp on the album. Stamp hinges are folded and rectangular in shapes, which are made from glassine paper wrapped with glue to hold firmly the stamps on the pages where they are pasted. These items have low prices and a person can purchase thousands of hinges for only a few dollars. On the other hand, stamp mounts also hold the stamps from the pages without altering the original glue of the stamp. The face of the stamp mount features a transparent plastic sleeves where the stamp will be placed. A collector can preserve and prolong the designs and marking in the stamp using these hinges and mounts.

5. Stamp catalogs are helpful in identifying the current value of a particular stamp. These items are also responsible for giving reference and information regarding the stamps value and additional information about the stamp. There are catalogs available in libraries if he may not able to purchase these items.

6. Stamp albums are very essential to a stamp collector. Almost all stamps that are collected are placed in albums where they could be displayed and secured properly. A collector can organize and he may arrange his stamps according to the category or types they represent. He may choose what size of album he may purchase. There are albums that have large spaces and can accommodate thousands of stamps safely.

7. There are tiny aligned holes in the stamp that are called perforations. The purpose of the perforation is to allocate the individual stamp from those collective stamps. The use of the perforation gauge is to measure the tiny holes by 2 centimeters in length from the blocks to the perforation. Most of the time, stamps can have similar features and prints but one thing that separate their similarity are the perforations. These perforations serve as the identifying factor that will distinguish the difference between two identical stamps.

These supplies and accessories are commonly used in stamp collecting. A collector can enjoy exhibiting and displaying his stamps on a well-organized album using some accessories that can make the stamp collection presentable and safely secured.

Why is stamp collecting so popular? It is a hobby that doesnt need many expensive tools or equipments. However, there are some basic tools that a collector must have to be able to further enjoy collecting and preserve the stamp in good condition. These tools are usually inexpensive and can be purchased easily. Here are some of the supplies for stamp collecting:

Albums

These albums are very significant in the whole stamp collecting hobby because it secures the stamps and allow the collector to be able to organize the stamp collection and at the same time display them in an attention-grabbing way.

One must be able to know what kind of albums to use for his stamp collection. A good stamp album would have thick pages which can hold a lot of handling and stress. It must also have ample space for the stamps so as not to get them too crowded. The binding of the album must be sturdy and strong to hold the pages more effectively. Last, but not the least, the pages must be acid-free.

Mounts and Hinges

The small rectangular pieces of gum-coated paper or glassine are called stamp hinges. They are used to attach the stamps to the pages of the stamp album. They work like ordinary door or cabinet hinges. These hinges do not cost very much. In fact, one can purchase a thousand of them while spending only a few dollars.

Another tool can be used to attach the stamp into the stamp album pages, this is the stamp mount. Unlike stamp hinges, stamp mounts do not damage the gum of the stamp. Mounts have sleeves where the stamps are inserted, therefore eliminating the need to attach the stamp to a gum-coated hinge. These mounts costs more than the stamp hinges and are usually used to hold the more expensive kinds of stamps.

Tongs

These are comparable to ordinary tweezers. These tongs are usually made from plastic or stainless steel. They are used for handling the stamp to prevent damaging it. Using tongs for expensive stamps is a must because a simple touch can destroy or decrease the value of a stamp.

Magnifying glass

In collecting stamps, one of the greatest thrills is examining the items. A magnifying glass is needed in order to effectively assess the stamp at hand. This will allow a collector to spot certain tears, damages or errors on stamps.

Envelopes

Thin translucent envelopes made of glassine come in different sized and are used for storing and sorting the stamps before they are placed in the stamp album. These can also be useful in mailing the stamps to other people.

Watermark Detector

This will allow a collector to see the embossed pattern that was printed on the stamp which indicates the time when the stamp was made. Although not all stamps are embossed with watermarks, having a watermark detector sure is handy.

Catalogs

These are good references for one to be able to assess the value of his stamps. Usually, these catalogs give some useful information or interesting facts about certain stamps which they feature.

The world of stamp collecting is an exciting and wonderful one. Stamps tell the story of the world and its history. Having the proper stamp collecting supplies can make the whole experience of stamp collecting more intense and fun.

It must have been a confusing part for people who are not so much into stamp collecting when some people say that they have acquired their first sets of stamps during their scouting years as they tried to gain some merit badges.

Basically, merit badges are reward or honors given to the Boy Scouts of America, based upon the different activities required for them to accomplish. Each activity is centered on a particular area of study. The object of this activity is to finish all the actions that were called for. Once accomplished, a particular merit badge is awarded to the concerned person.

Every merit badge that is given to a particular buy scout includes a leaflet or a booklet that entails all the information regarding the merit badge as well as the requirements for that particular award.

There are instances wherein some badges should be obtained by a member of the Boy Scouts of America in order to achieve the highest rank in the organization the Eagle Scout.

Consequently, among the many subject areas that are included in the long list of merit badges is the stamp collecting. The stamp collecting merit badge was created in 1932 and has continuously been updated ever since. In fact, it was just in January 1, 2001 that this particular merit badge was updated.

In the updated edition of the stamp collecting merit badge, most of the changes were focused on the requirements stipulated in the merit badge. Some of the notable changes are purely textual in nature. Here are some of the examples:

1. In the 5th requirement for this particular merit badge, wherein the scout is required to show the functions of at least 3 of the given stamp collectors tool, the letter s in the word magnifier was omitted.

2. In the 8th requirement, where the scouts are required to mount and show some given requirements based on a stamp album that was homemade or was bought at a local stamp collector retailer. The requirement on showing and mounting a collection of 75 or more different stamps on a single topic, the word scouts as one of the given topics was change to scouting, and instead of the inclusion of the term etc. it was also omitted.

These are just the known changes in the updated version of the stamp collecting merit badge. They may seem minor in details but they could have been made for some purposes that were not disclosed.

For a gist of the requirements stipulated in the stamp collecting merit badge, here is a list, though, not in full details just to give you an idea what stamp collecting merit badge is all about.

1. Stamp collecting merit badge requires a scout to explain how history, people, geography, etc. was better understand through stamp collecting. It was also required by the merit badge that the scout should be able to know the development of the U.S. postal system as well as its difference with that of the other countries.

2. They were asked to describe the concept of topical stamp collecting and the different classifications of stamp collections.

3. Scouts are required to present some examples of the different kinds of stamps like the perforated stamps, coil stamps, etc.

4. Scouts were required to prove the link between the catalog value and the equivalent market value of the stamps. They were also asked to give details on the definition of the word condition when associated or linked with the stamps.

5. In order to gain stamp collecting merit badge, scouts were also required to show at least three of the given stamp collectors tool like the stamp tongs, envelopes, hinges, and magnifier.

6. Certain activities were also required to be performed by the scouts such as the proper way of mounting stamps in a stamp album. Then, they were required to talk about ways on how to contribute in the preservation of the stamps and the accessories that go with it.

7. Scouts were also required to perform any two of the given actions stipulated in the merit badge such as writing a review on a particular article from a magazine, book, or a newspaper about stamp collecting or learn to plan a stamp.

8. Lastly, scouts were asked to mount and show any of the given requirements in order to complete the task such as a collection of 250 or more dissimilar stamps taken from no less than 15 countries.

Once the scouts were able to finish all of these tasks, they will be awarded with the stamp collecting merit badge, in which they can brag about.

The bottom line is that stamp collecting merit badge, just like the other merit badges, were created to entice the scouts to explore and learn more on the area of their interest in the same way that they learn to value each skill that they learn in the Scoutcraft.

One of the best things about these merit badges is that these become the trigger that lures the scouts to engage into a particular interest and eventually make them a lifetime hobby.

There are two ways to send mail. The first is buying postage stamps then sending it using the mail box. The other is going to the nearby postal office and having the postal worker do it.

People have found another thing to do with stamps. Instead of mailing it, some have turned it into a hobby now known as stamp collecting.

Some people mistakenly think that an individual who is known as philately is the proper name for someone who collects stamps. This notion is wrong since this title is for those who study stamps.

Stamp collecting can begin by cutting out the stamps that come from letters the person has received. Some may come locally while others can come from friends and family abroad. Another way to add stamps to the collection is going to the post office and buying it in bulk.

Collecting the stamps can only go so far without the help from other people. The person can ask friends and family members to also give those coming from the letters. There are some who also sell these in bulk. A good place to find these is in the classified ads of the newspaper that can offer the collector a good bargain.

The internet is also a good source to obtain these small objects. There are websites that do the same thing making it easy for those to expand the existing stamp collection. These are just the regular stamps.

For those who want to specialize in old stamps or want to collect those from other countries, it will be a good idea to join philatelic exhibitions and bid at auctions. By looking at it closely, the person might be able to find some good deals which will be a good addition to the collection.

Using money to acquire stamps is one way to deal with other collectors. This can also be done by trading what the person has with something of interest that the other collector possesses.

Acquiring stamps is just one of the things that stamp collectors do. The other is taking care of it so that if the person wants to part with it in the future, some money can be made.

The proper way to take care of a stamp is putting it in an album. Only one side per page should be used to avoid destroying or harming the others in the collection. If the collector has no more space, putting a plastic sheet over the stamp will allow the individual to put some stamps on the other side.

Stamps should be handled with care. Since the hands may be dirty or oily, it is a good idea to use tongs when handling it to avoid causing any damage. A tong looks like tweezers but it is not the same thing. The edges of this object are the thinner making it easier to hold a stamp.

The proper way to remove stamps from envelopes is cutting a small portion of the surrounding area and putting it in water. After some time, the collector should use tongs to extract it from the paper underneath, hold it in the air to dry before inserting it in the album.

There are many things that could do harm to the stamps. The most common is sunlight. The hot rays of the sun may change the colors and the gum at the back may stick to the album making it hard to remove. This makes it important to always store it in room temperature.

When working, it will be a good idea to not bring food or drinks in the area since it could damage the stamps. Smokers should also refrain from doing in the room since the smell could be transferred to the collection.

Stamp collecting is a nice hobby that anyone can engage in. This activity is known as one of the most popular in the world. The person should just devote some time and effort in looking out for old and new ones and taking proper care of it.

Are you one to start a plethora of stamp collection, too? It’s easy. Here are some tips for newbies to get started:

If you have none, buy some. Some assorted stamps from all over the world are available from stamp dealers or hobby shops. With just a few dollars, you can be an instant collector. If you are lucky enough to have access to stamp shows, you can even buy more than a handful of stamps in just a few bucks, as well. Just be in the know of stamp resources.

A good bit of advice in starting out a stamp collection is to become a general stamp collector at first. This is for you to be able to amass thousands of stamps that will eventually make you an informed decision of what kind of stamp collector you plan to be. When you get the hang of it, you will develop a certain inclination to a few kinds of stamps that allow you to single out the kind of stamp that you really would want to focus on.

Collect them like a pro. There’s no safer way to collect stamps, safe in a sense of preserving them, than to collect them on paper. This means that if you collect stamps that are from mails, you have to cut the mail with the stamp. Stamps on paper are easier to handle since it prevents them from getting creased, torn or lost. One tip is to never try to pull the paper backing of a stamp as chances are it will get damaged. To be able to get the stamp in good condition, cut first the paper around the stamp with a sharp pair of scissors. Take care not to cut the perforations or edges of the stamp.

De-paper them. It will be advisable for a newbie stamp collector to do this process with an expert as it will require soaking stamps into water that might make the color of the stamps run if not done properly. Of course, dry the stamps after soaking and taking off the paper backing. Even the drying part necessitates utmost precaution, too. After drying, flatten the stamps with any clamping device, a book can be an improvised clamp but there are really some customized stamp drying books that can do this job quite well.

Sort them out. It will be helpful if you sort your stamps according to countries. Aside from identification purposes, it will also help in knowing what really makes you tick with your stamps. If stamps from a certain country enamor you, keep a mental note of that.

Store them well. A stamp belongs to either an album or a stockbook. They are for holding your stamps. One can easily mount stamps on an album.

The other perk of stamp collecting is getting stamps for free. Here’s how?

Solicit from your kins. What’s hard with announcing that you are now officially a stamp collector and that all of your relatives are requested to save all the stamps they get from mails? If you don’t have too many relatives, befriend! Also, if you are still one of few who get snail mails from distant friends, you can simply ask them to use more special stamps, e.g., commemorative stamps, to vamp up your collection. Your grandma might even have mails back in the olden days which have stamps that were made available when you were not yet born.

Penpals can help. It’s easy to look for pen pals. Go surf the Net and you will find a lot of people looking for others who prefer the old way of communication – snail mail. Vary your pen friends, much better if you can speak other lingos as it will widen your horizon and consequently your stamp collection.

Look for international business offices or government offices that receive foreign mails regularly. If you know people who handle the mails that go to those offices, it’s easy to ask for some of the stamps. Just ask.

Rummage through paper waste baskets near P.O. boxes. Since people who get mails from P.O. boxes usually discard their mails’ envelops on the nearest trash cans, chances are you can a few stamps from those supposed to be garbage cans. Talk about one’s waste can be one’s treasure!

Trade or swap. This is one way to widen the variety of your collection. Ask other stamp collectors to trade with you some of their duplicate stamps. Or if you know some more experienced collectors, ask if they can give you some of their duplicate stamps. Definitely, there will be some good-hearted folks who would be more than willing to give you a piece or two of their duplicate collections.

With that rundown of basic know-how’s of stamp collecting and some “begging” techniques, becoming an expert collector would be a cinch for you in no time.

There are a lot of places where the collection can begin. The first place is usually through the mail that the person has received over a period of time. Since this is a slow process and other ways of acquiring stamps have to be done.

The person can but this from the postal office, become a member of a stamp club, check out exhibits and auctions or simply find a stamp collection company.

There are many stamp collection companies in the internet that can provide a large collection both local and foreign that date back from 1800s until the present. Some of these are no longer in circulation which makes it difficult for the collector to acquire it from other sources.

Aside from stamps, accessories and other equipment use in preserving the collection are also available.

These include tongs that enables the collector to safely transfer it from the envelope to the album after it has been cleaned. This helps avoid the occurrence of smudges, dirt or oil on any part of the stamp that will make it lose its value.

A magnifying glass is also needed to check on the quality of a stamp before buying it or trading it with a fellow collector. This will help check if the stamps are still in good condition and all the perforations are intact which will ensure the person that it has never been used.

The stamp collecting company also sells albums. These special binders at times are of better quality than those sold at the local bookstore or at some specialty shops. Since the collection is very delicate, it is important to find something strong for it to be stored in.

The stamp collecting company offers a lot of things to its members. Since some stamps are really hard to find, the stamp collecting company also provides assistance to its members in searching for it. The person should just type the kind of stamp then press the search icon. Within a few seconds, the site will provide the collector leads as to where these can be acquired.

The member can also post an ad in the site to trade an excess quantity of a certain stamp in exchange for another kind that other members are willing to give up.

The value of a certain stamp is higher if it has some historical significance connected to it. Since these are no longer in circulation, the stamp collection company that has a lot of these sometimes gives out special offers to its members.

If the market value of these could reach a $100, the company can sell a bunch to the member for half the price.

The stamp collecting company can also help the hobbyist assess the value of the stamps in the collection. By bringing the album to the office or taking pictures of it and uploading it into the computer, the person will know how much it is worth and perhaps sell some to get better stamps for the collection.

The stamp collecting company is not only found in the internet. Some of these are in the neighborhood and looking through the classified ads or asking someone from the hobby store will help out a lot.

Most of these offer the same things and the difference among these groups is the collections that are present and how much it would cost to get it.

The collector can be a member of more than one stamp collecting company which will really be good in order for the person to expand it. This will mean more albums to get a bigger storage area for it.

Though stamp collecting may be an old hobby, there are still those who give support to those who want to have one. This is even as technology has allowed people to send messages faster via the internet than through snail mail.

As long as people still send packages and other documents using the post office, stamps will still be produced. Collectors can still add these to the existing collections making it still grow through the years.