nikhil
Member 
Working on Australia, GDR, Japan
Posts: 552
What I collect: I collect WW. Looking for early issues.
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Post by nikhil on Jul 2, 2018 12:34:29 GMT
I wanted to buy some stock Book(s) next month.
Which one should I select?
Lighthouse or Prinz?
Also where can I get them at a cheaper rate ?
Can I send an email directly to the company and ask them or will it be cheaper somewhere else?
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kgvistamps
Member
Posts: 201
What I collect: British Colonies - King George VI from all countries and King Edward VII & King George V from the West Indies.
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Post by kgvistamps on Jul 2, 2018 12:40:40 GMT
I use stockbooks to manage my inventory of stamps for my web site. I have over 40 of them that are allocated to various countries with paper slips in each of the lines corresponding to specific catalog numbers.
One of the things I noticed is that the quality of certain stockbooks is not very good. The pages separate from the binding, and worse - the strips that hold the stamps are not properly glued all the way across. This leads to gaps where the stamps fall out of the bottom or at least drop thru.
When this started happening, I started buying the Stanley Gibbons stockbooks. In my opinion, they are the best produced. I have had no problems with them, and ultimately will use them to replace the bad ones I bought previously.
I was buying them on ebay thru Regency in St. Louis, but now that they have closed, you will have to look for them elsewhere.
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bluehens
Member
Inactive
Posts: 51
What I collect: Greece, Cayman Islands, British Africa, US, history, geography, maps and religion.
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Post by bluehens on Jul 2, 2018 13:01:02 GMT
I have always used Lighthouse with no problems. You should check out EBAY, Amos Advantage (www.amosadvantage.com) or Subway Stamps (www.subwaystamp.com). Or you can buy directly from Lighthouse. I don't like the ones with the cheap see through paper between pages as they rip.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2018 13:10:33 GMT
But as noted - quality can be an issue as with many things made today
I used Lindner 60 page (German Made)
They had heavy cardboard pages with double glassine and the plastic separators never stretched or tore.
SG stockbooks I believe were Davo (Netherlands)? I would think price aside the quality should be there.
Anyway - there's no substitute for quality - Check where & how they are manufactured
Good stockbooks are a long term investment - I had mine some 40 years and they were still like new
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brightonpete
Departed
Rest in Peace
On a hike at Goodrich-Loomis
Posts: 5,110 
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Post by brightonpete on Jul 2, 2018 13:28:13 GMT
I have two Fil-I-Safe stock books that I bought in the 70's! They had thin paper separating the pages. On one, the binding is torn on opening it, but it still is just fine for adding stamps. There are a couple minor faults with the strips separating from the page. Great books. The Lighthouse (Premium S) is not so good. Great binding, but it is all plastic inside. Plastic separators retain static that pulls the stamps out of their rows at times. I have a couple of the separators that ended up folding on top of themselves, which produce sharp creases. I don't put stamps where this occurs. I have two of them, but will look elsewhere for another stock book if needed. Maybe Stanley Gibbons would be a good choice. Is the Fil-I-Safe still around? I love these two I have! Wow! Even the cardboard-y cover is intact after 40+ years! |
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Post by butterfly on Jul 2, 2018 13:39:38 GMT
I buy from mit_63 on ebay, who sells Lighthouse stockbooks. I like the 32 page ones for ease of handling and durability. I buy the cheap ones(<$20), as I only collect cheap stamps anyway; however, the few higher priced ones I've bought are really much better.
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brightonpete
Departed
Rest in Peace
On a hike at Goodrich-Loomis
Posts: 5,110
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Post by brightonpete on Jul 2, 2018 13:40:23 GMT
Fit-I-Safe are on eBay! Maybe I buy one there. I think they are a good buy, nikhil ! Maybe some of the stamp dealers you visit have them too... |
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Post by doug630 on Jul 2, 2018 13:46:52 GMT
Aside from quality issues, I have seen ten times as many stamps damaged in stockbooks than in glassines. Collectors jam them into stock books, and one of the lower corners gets folded back upon itself, and most of the time, the lower corners are not even visible. The next problem begins when you want to add more of the same stamp on top of the first. Same problem, but now easier to do; the average stockbook was not meant for a "stack" of five or ten of the same stamp, and once stretched, never holds even a single snugly again.
I have never used stockbooks for storage. I have 70+ 2-piece postcard boxes of glassines, probably 400 per box, or about 30,000 total envelopes. Most are 6 x 3½ inches. I also have sheet size for larger items; every time I go to the Post Office, I tell them I need a few more for all the sheets I've been buying, and they cheerfully hand me a dozen freebies, no problem.
Unless housed in (pricey) slip cases, stockbooks are also at risk from dust and insects, and, stamps falling out, but glassines, very seldom.
I never did a cost comparison per stamp, as I won't use stockbooks, regardless of cost. Just my opinion formulated during 60+ years of collecting.
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Post by feebletodix on Jul 2, 2018 14:00:37 GMT
An interesting bunch of replies, with which I must agree with the unsaid sentiment, avoid Prinz, go with Lighthouse.
How is the climate/humidity where you are? that could be a deciding factor because it is easier to stuff stockcards of valuable stamps into an airtight container with a moisture absorbing pack of granules than A4 stockbooks.
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renden
Member
Posts: 8,705
What I collect: World W collector with ++ interests in BNA (Canada etc) and USA
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Post by renden on Jul 2, 2018 18:02:35 GMT
I have Lindner and Uni-Safe stockbooks, the ones this thread is mentioning. I also have the smaller ones, 7" X 4 1/2" which came along with one of the collections my father bought in the 60s......do not even know if they still are used but they are also called Stockbook.
René
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nikhil
Member
Working on Australia, GDR, Japan
Posts: 552
What I collect: I collect WW. Looking for early issues.
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Post by nikhil on Jul 3, 2018 7:37:44 GMT
I use stockbooks to manage my inventory of stamps for my web site. I have over 40 of them that are allocated to various countries with paper slips in each of the lines corresponding to specific catalog numbers.
One of the things I noticed is that the quality of certain stockbooks is not very good. The pages separate from the binding, and worse - the strips that hold the stamps are not properly glued all the way across. This leads to gaps where the stamps fall out of the bottom or at least drop thru.
When this started happening, I started buying the Stanley Gibbons stockbooks. In my opinion, they are the best produced. I have had no problems with them, and ultimately will use them to replace the bad ones I bought previously.
I was buying them on ebay thru Regency in St. Louis, but now that they have closed, you will have to look for them elsewhere.
Thanks. I think Stanley Gibbons stock books are the best. But only thing is about the cost factor. I cannot afford too expensive ones because my parents are buying these for me. |
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nikhil
Member
Working on Australia, GDR, Japan
Posts: 552
What I collect: I collect WW. Looking for early issues.
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Post by nikhil on Jul 3, 2018 8:45:07 GMT
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nikhil
Member
Working on Australia, GDR, Japan
Posts: 552
What I collect: I collect WW. Looking for early issues.
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Post by nikhil on Jul 3, 2018 8:47:38 GMT
How is the climate/humidity where you are? that could be a deciding factor because it is easier to stuff stockcards of valuable stamps into an airtight container with a moisture absorbing pack of granules than A4 stockbooks. Average humidity over here is 75°F approx. Stock card idea is also good |
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Londonbus1
Moderator 
Cinderella Stamp Club Member 3059
Posts: 4,851
What I collect: Cinderellas and some Ephemera from Great Britain, France and Israel plus a few beautiful bits from elsewhere !! Topical interests include Flags & Judaica, the latter with an emphasis on the Jewish National Fund.
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Post by Londonbus1 on Jul 3, 2018 9:04:00 GMT
nikhil,
I have a FREE stockbook which is 'as good as new' but you would need to pay postage. It might be that the cost of that would be near the cost of buying locally.
If you need to have one mailed to you then it is worth considering.
Last September I took a load of Stockbooks, all as good as new, and gave one away to each of those that turned up for the meeting at Stampex in London. So I still have a few left.
As nl1947 said, they can last a long time if you look after them.
Let me know.
Londonbus1
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khj
Member
Posts: 1,448
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Post by khj on Jul 3, 2018 19:04:49 GMT
Lighthouse over Prinz.
For the cost, Lighthouse is the best buy. If I had the money, I would go with SG or Lindner.
If you are not in any hurry, clearance sales are the best time to buy stockbooks. Subway's GK stockbooks are not bad at all, although I haven't bought them in over a decade so I don't know if they still measure up.
Almost all of my 50+ stockbooks are either G&K or Lighthouse. Most of them are ~9x12" size. I prefer 32-48 page (at least 32 page for cost effectiveness, and no more than 48 pages to reduce stress on the binding).
I prefer black pages. However, I've had a problem with G&K and Lighthouse clear strips becoming unglued at the bottom at various spots over time. It doesn't happen everywhere all the time (~1% of the strips, and just small <1cm sections), but it does happen and happens fairly consistently over the purchases I've made over the decades. It only seems to happen on black pages -- I've never had it happen on white pages. So I assume it's an issue with glue adhesion on black cardstock/pages.
Clear interleaves look nice, but they tend to stick to pages, and they look terrible when creased. So now I only get glassine interleaves.
Hope you find the stockbook of your liking at a good price!
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blaamand
Member
Currently creating custom pages until 1940.
Posts: 1,459
What I collect: Worldwide - Stamps and Postmarks - not enough time...
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Post by blaamand on Jul 3, 2018 22:35:15 GMT
I've always used Lighthouse and I'm very happy about the quality for money. I have 160 X 64 pgs stockbooks and no one have failed in any way.
Nordfrim in Denmark offers very good prices, better then directly from Lighthouse, and free shipping worldwide if purchasing bulk.
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renden
Member
Posts: 8,705
What I collect: World W collector with ++ interests in BNA (Canada etc) and USA
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Post by renden on Jul 3, 2018 23:16:38 GMT
Hi Blaamand !!
Did go to Nordfrim site and was negatively impressed with the EURO prices and you probably know that our $C is not doing that well presently. There are places in Canada to buy Stockbooks at lower prices (Lighthouse) but do understand that if you are buying ++++( a lot) stockbooks, shipping is free.
My experience buying from Europe is that you pay lots of exchange dollars in shipping (SG is one example) etc.
My recommendation: if you live in NA (North America), you can find a seller that meets or has lower prices than Europe, for now....
René
Greetings to you in Norway !
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brightonpete
Departed
Rest in Peace
On a hike at Goodrich-Loomis
Posts: 5,110
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Post by brightonpete on Jul 4, 2018 0:46:26 GMT
The Euro 💶 exchange rate isn't too bad today: $1.53
But yes, shipping is a bit much to Canada. But... if you must have it, like the SG Catalogues I ordered recently, shipping is shipping! Pay it or put up without!
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Post by dankir on Aug 24, 2022 19:00:59 GMT
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Post by dankir on Sept 3, 2022 19:44:49 GMT
nikhil, I have a FREE stockbook which is 'as good as new' but you would need to pay postage. It might be that the cost of that would be near the cost of buying locally. If you need to have one mailed to you then it is worth considering. Last September I took a load of Stockbooks, all as good as new, and gave one away to each of those that turned up for the meeting at Stampex in London. So I still have a few left. As nl1947 said, they can last a long time if you look after them. Let me know. Londonbus1 Hi Londonbus1, this is probably very unlikely, but was wondering if you still have any leftover stockbooks you don't need? Last month I went a little crazy, buying multiple job lots, and now I need to allocate some countries their own stock book. I already bought 2, but will probably need a few more. Thought it was worth checking before I go and splurge on stock books. Thanks! |
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philatelia
Member
Captain Jack - my best kiloware find ever!
Posts: 3,403
What I collect: Ireland, Japan, Scandy, USA, Venezuela, Vatican, Bermuda, Austria
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Post by philatelia on Sept 3, 2022 23:18:32 GMT
dankir Where are you located? Shipping books internationally costs almost as much as the price of a new one. But if you’re in the USA, I have a few I would sell for a few dollars plus postage. I could fit two in a $16.00 medium flat rate box, so maybe $20 for both? I can send pics of what I have.
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Post by dankir on Sept 3, 2022 23:52:47 GMT
dankir Where are you located? Shipping books internationally costs almost as much as the price of a new one. But if you’re in the USA, I have a few I would sell for a few dollars plus postage. I could fit two in a $16.00 medium flat rate box, so maybe $20 for both? I can send pics of what I have. That is extremely kind of you, and I would be very interested, except I'm not based in the USA unfortunately. I'm based in the UK, but also have family in Israel that can transfer packages to me. Thanks very much for the offer though! |
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sharonb
Member
Posts: 62
What I collect: Used only - Australia, Great Britain, Canada, Ireland, Western Europe, and Scandinavia, from 1900 to date. That keeps me busy. To be honest I am trying to avoid becoming a WW collector.
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Post by sharonb on Sept 4, 2022 0:21:18 GMT
How is the climate/humidity where you are? that could be a deciding factor because it is easier to stuff stockcards of valuable stamps into an airtight container with a moisture absorbing pack of granules than A4 stockbooks. That is a great tip - I had not thought of doing it. In some parts of northern Australia humidity is a huge problem. I live a little south and I have noticed in the last few years our summers are more humid. I am going to so this! |
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Londonbus1
Moderator
Cinderella Stamp Club Member 3059
Posts: 4,851
What I collect: Cinderellas and some Ephemera from Great Britain, France and Israel plus a few beautiful bits from elsewhere !! Topical interests include Flags & Judaica, the latter with an emphasis on the Jewish National Fund.
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Post by Londonbus1 on Sept 4, 2022 6:08:40 GMT
dankir Where are you located? Shipping books internationally costs almost as much as the price of a new one. But if you’re in the USA, I have a few I would sell for a few dollars plus postage. I could fit two in a $16.00 medium flat rate box, so maybe $20 for both? I can send pics of what I have. That is extremely kind of you, and I would be very interested, except I'm not based in the USA unfortunately. I'm based in the UK, but also have family in Israel that can transfer packages to me. Thanks very much for the offer though! ........If you have someone here in Israel who can get packages to you then I may be able to help. I am sorting out my collection and may have an unwanted stockbook or three in the coming weeks. They will be in very good condition with no damage. I have already sold a few (for pennies) but you are welcome to them for free. Just give me a week or two to sort out. Londonbus1 |
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,331
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Sept 4, 2022 9:51:36 GMT
I believe a binder with manila stock pages, Vario (plastic). pages, or chipboard (Hagner) are the least costly method to store and definitely expandable.
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Post by dankir on Sept 4, 2022 11:28:38 GMT
That is extremely kind of you, and I would be very interested, except I'm not based in the USA unfortunately. I'm based in the UK, but also have family in Israel that can transfer packages to me. Thanks very much for the offer though! ........If you have someone here in Israel who can get packages to you then I may be able to help. I am sorting out my collection and may have an unwanted stockbook or three in the coming weeks. They will be in very good condition with no damage. I have already sold a few (for pennies) but you are welcome to them for free. Just give me a week or two to sort out. Londonbus1 That sounds perfect, thank you very very much! Will direct message you my details |
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philatelia
Member
Captain Jack - my best kiloware find ever!
Posts: 3,403
What I collect: Ireland, Japan, Scandy, USA, Venezuela, Vatican, Bermuda, Austria
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Post by philatelia on Sept 4, 2022 12:35:29 GMT
I definitely prefer loose leaf style stock pages or 104 cards for my duplicates because they are much more flexible. And those stockbook interleaves are a pain in the rump - but that’s just my personal preference. The BEST for any individual is whatever makes them happy while also providing archival quality stamp storage. So, whatever floats your boat or turns your crank.   |
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,262
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
Member is Online
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Post by tomiseksj on Sept 4, 2022 14:17:42 GMT
In my collection, cheap duplicates are kept in cheap manila stock pages -- I have six 3" binders stuffed with manila pages, arranged by country (I lightly write the catalog numbers in pencil underneath the stamps as it makes re-use neat and easy). I like the versatility of plasticized stock pages in binders for more expensive items that aren't yet in an album, or for collections like my Ohio Sales Tax Stamps (OSTS) that don't have an associated album. I only have two stock books: the first I bought when returning to collecting and it houses duplicate U.S. material; the second was acquired when buying an OSTS collection (those stamps remain in the book as I haven't yet found either the time or energy to merge them into my collection). As others have said, personal preference will determine the approach taken. |
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