POLL! Clipping stamps from FDCs

Some Great Britain 'Machins' were printed sideways in special strips used to affix the stamps to FDCs. The sheet issues were printed upright.

The Charles III 'Jennings' strips of the stamps with face values, erroneously, were printed without the security slits. The sheet stamps have the security slits.

So, if you want the sideways-printed stamps and stamps without the security slits, you must get them from FDCs or pay a lot for that extremely rare mint strip a dealer, illegally, sold instead of using it to service his FDCs. The day I give in is approaching.

For my own purposes, stamps from FDCs are something I consider to be a subset of CTO stamps - I'm happy to get them, just like I'm happy to have stamps from Mongolia or Albania or wherever, but if I come across a postally used copy then I'll give that preference.  So, FDCs aren't something to which I would give any exalted status.  I'll keep FDCs that have a catalogue value which is notably higher than a regular postally used stamp, but those are relatively rare (and other than specialized country-specific catalogues, the only source for general FDCs I have are Michel's Europa catalogues, so it's possible that I've missed some).

For example, this 1990 Canadian Legendary Creatures set is normally found perforated 12.5 x 13.5.  There are some copies perforated 12.5 x 12, and FDCs featuring the stamp with this perforation are relatively hard to find.  Somehow in a random box lot the uncommon perforation came my way on a First Day Cover so I have kept it intact.  If it had been one of the FDCs with the normal perforation, I would have snipped away!  (Image nabbed from Colnect - if you compare these stamps to those with the normal perforation, you would find 2 fewer perforation pins used on the vertical side of each stamp.)



I know I'm not the only snipper out there.  I used to battle on eBay for the very popular lots sold by a Quebecer which were made up largely of FDC cutouts.  All kinds of stuff is in my worldwide collection from these lots.  Here's an example, already posted in our Cartoon and Comic Book Characters thread.  It's extremely unlikely that I'll ever have this pane cross my path in postally used condition, so hooray for FDC cutouts!



Ryan

Between about 1975 and 1985 there was a mini stamp investment boom and every advert encouraged the buying of GB FDCs . The fashion and widespread purchase Dwindled and imploded in the 1990s.

For every 100 collectors of that period who gave up, there may be one person looking for the odd FDC . Dealers have them by the metre at a tiny fraction of the original cost. As an advisor to folk with inherited collections , my heart sinks when I hear “ he had all the FDCs”

GB FDCs 1975-1990 are a dead loss ….so yes I clip and soak shamelessly, if only to save space.

many FDCs have untidy hand written address and these are completely unmarketable now.

One only has to visit any UK stamp fair to find boxes of GB FDCs from the 1970s through to 1990. Some with typed address, but many with untidy hand written addresses, languishing unloved unwanted and virtually unmarketable. Some cost £2- £5 to purchase at issue date , now offered for less than 50p.

When they come to our stamp club as retired collections almost impossible to give away.

So yes, I and lots of other collectors will clip for kiloware and save space .

I have about 100 in a box , free to anyone , provided the postage is covered …….about £3 -£4 Uk or £6 - £8 world wide.


on the other hand I have a plain envelope with the 1948 olympics set of 4. Untidy, ink written address and rather messy ABERDEEN 30 JY 1948 date stamp on each .    No illustrated cachet just standard small letter size.  But FD of issue.   Will not clip this one.