1. Collection
The most common hobby is collection. Collection of any things
like: stamps, coins, currencies, bank notes, postal stationery, logos,
vintage cars, bikes, matches labels, boxes, cards, watches, sunglasses,
articles, antiques, buttons, stickers, nail polish, photos, stories, books,
umbrella, software’s, songs, records, cassettes, CD’s, DVD’s, movie, ribbons,
pens, pencil, bottles, wallpapers etc. The list is going on even we can’t think
what kind of stuff people collects. The collection is depends on that persons
interest. Just for an example: can you imagine that I meet a person during my
one train journey and he collects shoe lasses. Even funny collections like nail
polish and ribbons.
But all in this
collection hobbies and among other hobbies the first and bests are stamps,
coins & currencies collection. It was called as “KING OF HOBBIES” or
“HOBBIES OF KINGS”.
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| Stamp Collection |
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| Stamp Collection |
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| Stamp Cancellation |
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| Coin Collection |
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| Coin Collection |
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| Currency Collection |
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| Currency Collection |
How to start
collection:
It’s a basic
question which first comes to mind that “How should I start my collection”? And
the answer is also very simple; just think of your interest that what are the thing
which attract you very much. And then it’s easy to start collection those
items.
For example: I was very much
attracted about stamps, coins. So whenever I found any letter, post cards I
just keep it with me. I borrow it from my friends, neighbors. After knowing my interests
my friends, family members, relatives etc all support me. So if they found any
stamps, postcards etc they give that to me. And day by day my interests grew
up. I started taking more ideas from books, senior regarding developing the
collection. I started making pen friends and request them to send theirs used
stamps. Then I contacted stamps dealers, philatelic bureau and my collection grow
day by day. I spend my free time in that. I study about stamps, the history of stamps.
How to take care of your stamps and coins?
Later I started attending and
participating Stamps and Coins exhibitions. Meet new philatelist and share each
other’s ideas, knowledge and experience. I started organizing workshops for school
children’s and guiding them. I found myself very happy by attending those
events. When you involved in a work in which you have interest then that works
became fun for you and then you performed your best in that.
To start stamps collection, you will need only few small
things.
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Stamps
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A glass soaking dish
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Scissors
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Water
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Paper towels
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A stamp drying book
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Weights
Finding Stamps for
Your Collection
·
interesting stamps for you.
·
New stamps can be purchased at the post office.
Sorting, Soaking,
and Drying Stamps
Most stamps you can get easily and cheaply will be on
paper—on old letter envelopes. Sort them before you take them off the paper to
keep from tearing them. You must get them loose from the paper without damaging
them.
Trim the Stamps
Never tear them off. This can destroy a wonderful stamp.
This hobby requires patience. Cut carefully around each stamp leaving all the
serrated edging plus about an inch or so space around the stamps.
Soak the Stamps
Put a half inch of slightly warm water in a glass baking pan
or a glass pie pan. Don’t use hot water as it will make ink run or the stamp
start to disintegrate. Lay the stamps face up in the water. They will need to
soak for from 15 minutes to as long as 2 hours. (The new self adhesive stamps
are the tough ones.)
Stay close by and watch the stamps. The ink of the postmark
or the color of a colored envelope paper may begin to run and could ruin your
stamp. If this happens remove the stamp and blot it dry and then try floating
it lightly on cold water shallow enough so only the paper is in the water. Do
only one at a time to avoid ruining the batch. This should minimize the damage.
Lift the Wet
Stamps
Use your fingers rather than a tool, like tongs, to handle
the wet stamps as they may tear easily. When the paper is loosened enough to
lift the stamp, carefully pull the stamp off the paper. Clean any remaining
glue from the back of the stamp by rubbing your fingers gently over the glue.
If it clings to the backing, soak longer. Don’t go off and forget your stamps.
Set a timer or stay close by to keep your eye on them.
Drying Process
Lay the wet stamps carefully face down on a paper towel.
Blot gently with another paper towel. Don’t use newspaper because ink in the
newspaper may leech onto the stamp and spoil it.. Next lift the stamp and place
it in your drying book.
Stamp Drying Books
Inexpensive stamp drying books can be purchased at the hobby
store and consists of alternating blotter paper pages and plastic pages. You
can make your own with absorbent paper and plastic sheets and some big books
for weight. Dry the stamps in the drying book overnight.
Air Dry
Take them out of the dryer book and lay them face up on a
paper towel again to air dry for a hour or more.
Arrange in Album
When the stamps are thoroughly dry and nice and flat, put
them into your collecting book. Hobby stores and the Post Office sells such
books. If you choose a photo album be aware that the plastic sheets may stick
down to the stamps and that they may discolor the stamps over time. They can
usually be found at teacher stores and book stores also. Dover books carry some
stamp collecting books.
Saving Postmarks
In many cases the postmark or cancellation mark since it
bears a date and the name of the city where it was mailed may be as interesting
as the stamp. When you trim the paper from the stamp, record the date and city
name, if they will not show on the face of the stamp. When you add the stamp to
your book, jot the postmark facts with it. Many Philatelists also collect
postcards.
Clubs for
Collectors
The American Philatelist Society is a nationwide club for
stamp collectors. Your local postmaster may have a listing of local stamp
clubs. You can start your own Philatelist Club with friends who are interested
in stamps. Meet once a month and show the new stamps you have preserved. It is
fun to trade duplicates too. Learn together about stamps, stamp collecting
methods, and products.
Philately is a great hobby. As I write above that its 'KING OF HOBBY' or 'HOBBY OF KINGS'
So why not start today?
For any suggestion, question or help needed then please write to me.
For any suggestion, question or help needed then please write to me.
