This section addresses all of the stamp supplies
essential to pursuing the hobby, whether one is a beginner or an
advanced philatelist.
In comparison, say someone wanted to start playing golf. They would need to buy golf clubs, a bag with a wheel cart, shoes, golf balls, tees, etc. And then there are the course fees, every time you play. Things aren't cheap these days, but without these necessities, one would have a very difficult time trying to play golf. And, other than sore muscles, a sunburn, and an empty wallet, what do you have to show for it afterward? Let's move on to stamp collecting and essential supplies!
Fortunately, the supplies required for stamp collecting are MUCH cheaper than golf supplies! In order to pursue stamp collecting it is absolutely essential to have the proper tools to handle your stamps, the means to house and display your stamps, the tools to correctly identify older stamps, and reference catalogs to assist in identifying, arranging, valuing, buying, or selling your stamps.
The essential tools you will need are stamp hinges or mounts, stamp tongs, magnifying glass, glassine envelopes, watermark detector, a perforation gauge, a stamp catalog for the particular area being collected, and a stamp album or stockbook to house your stamps.
Information
on stamp albums and stamp catalogs will be found in other sections of
this site. Stamp hinges, stamp mounts, stamp tongs, magnifying glasses,
watermark detectors, perforation gauges, and glassine envelopes will be
discussed in detail in the links listed at the right. Please click
on the links to review each of these articles. Though the description of these varied supplies is pretty straightforward, their misuse can damage or destroy your valuable stamps. Thus, instruction on the proper way to use all of them is essential.
The following links feature category-focused affiliated seller listings on various eBay sites worldwide. They may enable visitors to shop
for and to buy specific items for the
particular collecting subject they've just read about.
The
affiliated eBay seller auction and store lots provided by eBay,
Inc. are not the responsibility of the management of this
website.
Return to Home from Essential Stamp Supplies
Stamp Tongs
Stamp Hinges
Stamp Mounts
Perforation Gauge
Watermark Tray
Magnifying Glass
Glassine Envelopes