Machin Forum

[Jimothy]

I'm new to collecting stamps. Before I go and blow a lot of cash on albums or whatever I would like some basic advice on what kind of stuff is available to keep my stamps in. I have been reading about hinges and hingless mounts and stock books and all kinds of stuff.

Can someone start me off right at the beginning please?

[cdj1122]

Jimothy,
Machins come in two very different categories, postally used and mint, never in the same room as a hinge.

Personally, I prefer postally used and the care and feeding of used examples is somewhat different from the mollycoddling needed to keep mint examples from looking very sad.

Humidity, even in Florida, is not a major problem in most homes here and probably most of the rest of the USA.

Mint is another kettle of fish which is why most of the time I clean any mint stamps I come across. However a large percentage of collectors set great store in the gumside and they have to use special mounts to protect their stamps.
The few mint that I do leave in that state and are worth the trouble I keep in the black Vario pages.
I am sure that some of the many who are fascinated by mint examples will shortly explain the things to avoid.
_________________
" .... 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. .... "
Charlie Jensen
Lecanto, Florida