The Stamp Collecting Blog
@ Jamestown Stamp Co.
Stamps are Little Pieces of Art
Every year postal authorities around the World accept and approve of artwork to be used as postage stamp designs. In the United States, the first 50 years of stamp artwork was mostly the portraits of great American leaders. Since these early days many a topic, landmark, and public awareness theme have adorned U.S. stamps. Talented artists […]
That Back to School Feeling
One of my favorite times of the year, back when I was young and later as a parent, was Back to School time. Sometimes I still get a hint of that feeling when perusing office supplies. For me, it was the planning and organization of it all that I found exciting. I’m guessing many a […]
77 Years of Stamp Collectors’ Approval
One of the questions most frequently asked by new business colleagues, new employees, and new customers alike is, “Why does Jamestown Stamp Company place so much focus on its approval service?” It’s an understandable question. The arrival of the Internet changed the way we purchase many items. Things we used to buy from mail-order catalogs […]
What are Stamps on Approval?
In his 1957 book, Standard Handbook of Stamp Collecting, Richard Cabeen describes the purchasing of stamps on approval as “one of the most important methods used in buying and selling stamps”. In fact, Cabeen discusses stamps on approval first over all other methods of acquiring collectible stamps. So, what are stamps “on approval” and why are they so […]
Kids and Collecting Pt 2
My friends tell me I’m stuck in the 80’s. Who decided parachute pants were “out” anyway? I can’t force myself to like something just because it’s popular. I also can’t stop liking what I like (or digging what I dig, if you will). As much as I have a hard time understanding it, it’s the […]
Stamp Soaking
So, you’ve saved a few hundred envelopes with stamps or purchased a stamp mixture. Now how do you get them off that paper? It may sound odd to first timers but you simply let them soak in cool to room temperature water for 5-10 minutes. But first, be certain that the envelope itself isn’t a […]
Kids and Collecting Part 3
Anyone half interested in collecting stamps has heard the talk of today’s kids not being interested in stamps. Perhaps there’s a shred of truth to that. But that same truth can be applied to most items that kids collect. Are rocks exciting? They can be, I suppose. But the point is that rocks don’t have […]
Finding Rare Postage Stamps
Is it even possible to find rare postage stamps these days? One of the things that I feel makes this hobby so exciting is the possibility of finding a true treasure. Think about it. Unlike most other collectibles, postage stamps–while on a letter–were often tucked safely away. While many collectibles are stored away safely, letters […]
Stamp Cancel Marks
We were soaking off some stamps the other day and noticed that some of the stamps had large, almost defacing cancel marks on them. Obviously, their purpose is to mark the stamp as having been used. But one would think that postal service would do their best not to destroy any aesthetic value of the […]
Sports and Stamps
No, I’m not talking about Sports on Stamps topicals. I’m talking about teamwork. It’s basketball season so let’s talk basketball. The NBA is gearing up for the playoffs and we’re knee deep in March Madness. Contrary to what commercials and media hype would have us believe, championship teams are built from a group…not just a […]