philatelia
Member 
Captain Jack - my best kiloware find ever!
Posts: 3,654
What I collect: Ireland, Japan, Scandy, USA, Venezuela, Vatican, Bermuda, Austria
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Post by philatelia on Jan 25, 2024 20:33:31 GMT
Let’s hear from you about what you feel is most important when buying a collection or larger lot. This poll ignores cost and focuses on all of the other factors and considerations.
you can pick FIVE answers
Sorry about typos - you can’t edit polls once you activate them and the words scroll off the edge so errors become hidden. Oh well, I’m sure you’ll catch the general meaning as you’re clever folks. 😉
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renden
Member
Posts: 9,162 
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
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Post by renden on Jan 25, 2024 21:42:10 GMT
Nice thread, Terri philatelia  I have chosen Countries I wish to do space filling - all "classics" since I rarely collect the new stuff (by choice but I do have lots!!) If I am into buying mode, space filling is part of the process, this being possible since some classics, I cannot afford !! Each chosen Country has a special binder (album) - I try to empty Scott Int Vol 1 - very difficult since I have more than 60,000 stamps in inventory, so imagine the total  I have a special giveaway planned, GB spacefillers (stamps) but motivation is a bit lacking right now since there has been changes in TSF, some I wish would not happen  so members have to stimulate me.......I have nice spacefillers  When I add a high CV stamp, it has to be important.......I own many # 1s I probably do , like my TSF stamp friends.......I am patient !! but if I decide it is a GO.......I go !! Through the years, interests change and I modify my approach......... Hope everybody is safe and well......I know anglobob is presently living "hell" in Ecuador etc etc This morning the chief of my Stamp Club in Fredericton, New Brunswick - sent an e-mail with this......access to Scott on-line....free so I am giving the link to all members: reader.scottonline.com/volumeset/library.html#hidemenuCheers you all - René |
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FDI
Member
Member of RPSC & BNAPS
Posts: 386
What I collect: Modern Canada (misperf, varieties, tagging errors), Canadian Cinderellas, EXUP & CAPEX & Dead Countries
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Post by FDI on Jan 26, 2024 13:57:09 GMT
I love these large lots for the surprises I will find. And believe me there is always something that will stand out. If you don't mind sorting for a few hours, which I think is fun, these lots can be well worth.
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Post by greaden on Jan 26, 2024 14:36:21 GMT
I rarely buy larger lots, but when I do, I worry about foxing that could spread in my collection.
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philatelia
Member
Captain Jack - my best kiloware find ever!
Posts: 3,654
What I collect: Ireland, Japan, Scandy, USA, Venezuela, Vatican, Bermuda, Austria
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Post by philatelia on Jan 26, 2024 14:36:29 GMT
The poll results really surprise me! I was almost certain that everyone would select the first answer as one of their five choices, but the large number of picks for the varieties option is interesting! I’m guessing, but perhaps this reflects the fact that we have a fairly high percentage of advanced collectors who have added most of the common material to their collections and now are becoming more attracted to peripheral adjunct type goodies.
Would love to hear your opinions and reasons for how you made your five choices.
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hdm1950
Member
Posts: 1,886
What I collect: I collect world wide up to 1965 with several specialty albums added due to volume of material I have acquired. At this point I am focused on Canada and British America. I am always on the lookout for stamps and covers with postmarks from communities in Queens County, Nova Scotia. I do list various goods including stamps occasionally on eBay as hdm50
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Post by hdm1950 on Jan 26, 2024 15:50:05 GMT
philatelia My decision to buy an old collection or big job lot is mainly driven by the age of the collection. If it is mostly post 1970 I would have no interest. What I have found when buying older collections is that even when on the surface it appears to be common stuff most will have a few countries the previous owner had some connection with and thus strength in those countries is better than usual. This is how I have built my world wide without spending any great amount. It is still a pleasure weeding through the old collections.
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madbaker
Member
Posts: 801
What I collect: (Mark) General worldwide collector (to 1975 or so) with a soft spot for Sweden and the rest of Scandinavia.
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Post by madbaker on Jan 26, 2024 17:35:43 GMT
I haven't been buying much lately, but I sure have been looking. What I notice on box lots is the same stamps over and over again. People say that old mid-century modern packet material was common, but my goodness, look at the pictures of 100 box lots and you'll know it in your bones! So anything that goes beyond the bog-standard is appealing to me.  Somewhat related: look at 50 box lots and you'll find 100 Charles and Diana wedding assortments. They must have been very, very popular back in the day. And yet I never seem to see the stupendously popular US Elvis stamps featured in those lots. Not sure that it means anything but I find it curious. |
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Cephus
Member
Posts: 169
What I collect: U.S. 1847-1993, Australia, China, New Zealand
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Post by Cephus on Jan 26, 2024 19:55:31 GMT
Honestly, cost and appearance first and foremost, followed by filling my album. I don't buy random stamps, I don't buy collections, I am not trying to fill my house with stamps, I collect one of everything in my collection and that's it.
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Post by carabop on Jan 27, 2024 2:12:07 GMT
First I go by price and condition, then how many spaces will it fill in a certain time period and what can I do with the ones I don’t collect or are duplicates. Being a mint collector it is a challenge sometimes to put used stamps in my collection but who can afford some of those mint classics. And if they can be afforded are they in good mint condition or just good enough to get by being called mint. Some mint examples I see the backs with thins where hinges have been pulled off or many with disturbed gum but the front is perfect centering with nice coloring looking post office fresh. A stamp of this nature would not go in my collection unless it was a higher priced classic. Just my 2 cents worth. |
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,698
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Jan 27, 2024 11:59:14 GMT
I do not buy large lots much unless it is a new country. I try to avoid collecting stamps I do not need since I am not much of a reseller or otherwise get rid of them.
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djcmh
Member
Posts: 794
What I collect: Worldwide
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Post by djcmh on Jan 28, 2024 13:01:06 GMT
The problem for me when buying collections is that I am picky about condition. Last autumn I bought a collection of Lebanon from a prominent Midwest dealer known for selling collections, but had to return it because the collection had double percent of used items than the description said (After 1918 I collect mint only if at all possible) and several items had condition issues that were not mentioned. Thankfully dealer had money a back guarantee if not satisfied so was able to return no problem, but in the end I just feel more comfortable buying by piece rather than full collections. Yes it means I end up paying more, but I end up having better control over quality for the items I acquire.
Unfortunately being from a state that Delcampe blocks all commercial activities with due to the 2018 Supreme Court Wayfair ruling, my ability to purchase areas like former French colonies has been severely restricted. Hipstamp just does not have the depth of listings that Delcampe has
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so members have to stimulate me.......I have nice spacefillers 
