Post by chris142 on Apr 13, 2024 20:25:59 GMT
Hello folks!
Introducing myself as Chris from Long Island NY.
Long story about me and stamps…
My father was long-time US commemorative collector in White Ace albums, while my mom was an international collector with 2-volume Harris worldwide album. I got many of the colorful kids USPS albums by subject when I was a youngster, then upgraded that to one volume album by subject. I loved space, art, history themes in particular. Then like many of us, work, friends and women stopped my collecting. When dad died my mom sold his collection, but gave me her international collection to store in the attic ‘in case you are interested’.
I always seemed to like international stamps - I mean I love American stamps but why limit yourself right?
Anyway, one day I’m rummaging through the attic 7 years ago and came across mom’s old Harris albums. Intrigued, I got the bug allover again.
Started on Hipstamp, filling holes in mom’s collection, to the point that I expanded her 2-volume set into 5 volumes!
I then realized, with a set of Scott catalogues to myself, I needed another upgrade. I went whole hog into a 9-volume Minkus worldwide set. Before you say it -yes, I know I’m crazy! Who does worldwide anymore? Well, I get so much from it - the hunt for elusive sets, the history, the sheer art of them, the incredible learning you glean - I now realize why philately is called the king of hobbies, and the hobby of kings!
So now in the middle of transferring mom’s stamps and my added ones to a much more comprehensive Minkus set. I consider it a family heirloom and hobby all rolled into one! APS member too, Hope to attend GASS in Hartford as well as Boston big show in 2026! In particular I love the incredible engraved sets from 20s-30s, and every country has something unique to add to this crazy hobby! Favorite countries include Italy, China, Tonga, dead countries like Newfoundland, Tannu Tuva, etc. Would love to hear from any other crazy worldwide collectors out there too!
Introducing myself as Chris from Long Island NY.
Long story about me and stamps…
My father was long-time US commemorative collector in White Ace albums, while my mom was an international collector with 2-volume Harris worldwide album. I got many of the colorful kids USPS albums by subject when I was a youngster, then upgraded that to one volume album by subject. I loved space, art, history themes in particular. Then like many of us, work, friends and women stopped my collecting. When dad died my mom sold his collection, but gave me her international collection to store in the attic ‘in case you are interested’.
I always seemed to like international stamps - I mean I love American stamps but why limit yourself right?
Anyway, one day I’m rummaging through the attic 7 years ago and came across mom’s old Harris albums. Intrigued, I got the bug allover again.
Started on Hipstamp, filling holes in mom’s collection, to the point that I expanded her 2-volume set into 5 volumes!
I then realized, with a set of Scott catalogues to myself, I needed another upgrade. I went whole hog into a 9-volume Minkus worldwide set. Before you say it -yes, I know I’m crazy! Who does worldwide anymore? Well, I get so much from it - the hunt for elusive sets, the history, the sheer art of them, the incredible learning you glean - I now realize why philately is called the king of hobbies, and the hobby of kings!
So now in the middle of transferring mom’s stamps and my added ones to a much more comprehensive Minkus set. I consider it a family heirloom and hobby all rolled into one! APS member too, Hope to attend GASS in Hartford as well as Boston big show in 2026! In particular I love the incredible engraved sets from 20s-30s, and every country has something unique to add to this crazy hobby! Favorite countries include Italy, China, Tonga, dead countries like Newfoundland, Tannu Tuva, etc. Would love to hear from any other crazy worldwide collectors out there too!
to TSF! Thanks for the nice introduction. I also inherited a set of worldwide Harris albums from my grand-father, which my mother took care of in her teenage years, and that I still treasure and add to from time to time. Looking forward to your further posts.
... Ludovico 
