Postage Stamps and Postal History:
Postage Stamps - if this is what you are looking for, from just about any country throughout the world, please take a look at what we have to offer.
We have an extensive and comprehensive stock of world Postage Stamps & Postal History items.
In fact, we probably have just about any postage stamp or postal history item that you've ever wanted, from any country throughout the world - the items you see on view only represent a small percentage of the stock available. If you don't see what you're looking for, please email us.
On the other hand, if you are selling GB or Commonwealth stamps, or looking for GB bargains -- try this.
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WANTED:
1) All 4 margin penny blacks, and imperf 4 margin 2d blues.
2) All unmounted mint pre-1952 Great Britain stamps.
Grading:
| Type | Condition |
|---|---|
| U/M | Unmounted Mint. As issued by the Post Office, with full gum and all perforations complete. |
| L/M/M | Lightly Mounted Mint. Previously mounted (or similar), leaving faint hinge marks on reverse. |
| M/M | Mounted Mint. Previously mounted, leaving heavier hinge marks on reverse. |
| V/F/U | Very Fine Used. With circular date stamp or equivalent postmarks on earlier issues. |
| F/U | Fine Used. With circular, less fine date stamp, light wavy lines or slogan postmarks (equivalent postmarks on earlier issues). |
Collecting:
One of the essential rules to remember is that the condition of a philatelic item is a highly important consideration. Badly torn and mis-handled items are not only unpleasant to the eye, but they are worth next to nothing when compared to their undamaged counterparts. Try to acquire the finest possible specimens - they are rated in condition from poor to superb.
A stamp which can be called "superb" is one of the finest quality. That means it has perfect centring, brilliant colour and perfect gum. A used item can also be called superb, if it is perfectly centred, fresh looking, is lightly cancelled and undamaged.
A designation of fine means an item without flaws, average centring, gum with light hinge marks. Used items designated "fine" are not quite as fresh, cancels are heavier and centring is good.
"Good" stamps are those which are off-centre, but fairly attractive. There may be minor defects such as disturbed gum, thin areas, heavy hinge marks. Items which fall below these standards should be ignored and are not worth acquiring by the serious collector; however beginners sometimes collect them as starters. These are known as "space fillers".
Because their condition is so important -- and stamps are only bits of paper after all -- when handling them it is essential to remember to use caution. The best way to safely handle stamps is with tongs.
Because they are small, it is often difficult to see all of their minute detail with the naked eye. Magnifying glasses, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes, will help you not only see the design better, but also, in some instances discover small details which can help distinguish one item from another. You'll soon learn that there are times when they appear to be the same, but are not.
Look-alike items frequently turn collectors into Sherlock Holmes! Sleuthing is fun and a test of your knowledge and skill.
©Smithsonian National Postal Museum.
