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Post by Stamper49 on May 17, 2024 15:43:39 GMT
When I was a kid I had trouble with stamps slipping out of clear tube mounts. Are Showgard, and other tube mounts, better at holding stamps in nowadays? Or do you have a solution for keeping stamps in place? I see that back in the day I used a tiny strip of tape at each end of the tube mount to keep the stamps from falling out. I realize now that's a no-no, and will have to change those mounts. But, how do you safely keep stamps from falling out of the tubes?
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stainlessb
Member
qaStaHvIS yIn 'ej chep
Posts: 4,799
What I collect: currently focused on most of western Europe, much of which is spent on France, Belgium, Germany and Great Britain Queen Victoria
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Post by stainlessb on May 17, 2024 15:54:19 GMT
Welcome to the forum Stamper49Showgard are 'split back" separated at the center (only affix the lower half to you page) and they hold quite well. There is another type that others seem to prefer that is only 'hinged' at the bottom, (I cannot remember the name) and those whose use these, typically prefer ober the Showgard. Both seem to keep tamps in place. I use Showgards and I have never used the other types... mainly because I started with Showgard now if you are apply strips across the gage, I suspect the Showgards would be a pain yo only add or remove a songle stamp from the row
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khj
Member
Posts: 1,515
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Post by khj on May 17, 2024 17:00:15 GMT
I see that back in the day I used a tiny strip of tape at each end of the tube mount to keep the stamps from falling out. I realize now that's a no-no, and will have to change those mounts. The best archival mount for keeping stamps in place are split-back mounts. I prefer open-top mounts, as they are easier to insert/remove stamps -- I used to change out stamps often when I got a better condition/grade stamp. The drawback is that some stamps will shift slightly over time with a lot of page-flipping. I would strongly advise against the tube-type mounts such as Crystal Mounts... and anything you put tape, I would strongly suggest you replace those mounts. Can't tell you how many collections I've bought super-cheap for purpose of way below face value postage because of these types of mounts -- the adhesive on the flaps stain, and many times the tape collectors use to close off the sides will reflow and stain the stamp. If you use either split-back mounts or top-loading mounts, I also suggest affixing the mount, and then inserting the stamp, unless you are adept at using minimal moisture. I've also salvaged collections for postage because the collector put the stamp in the mount first, then added way too much water to affix the mount, resulting in moisture getting into the split-back gap or into the sides of the mount. When I salvage these stamps for postage, I can see a line of gum damage for stamps stored in split-back mounts, and gum damage along one side for stamps in top-loading mounts.
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rod222
Member
Posts: 10,681
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on May 17, 2024 17:40:24 GMT
Ditch the Crystal Mounts ...they are dangerous despite the hype. You are going to have to sample the rest, and make your own decisions. I refuse to use "Showguard" (split back) for no other reason, than the inability to rapid change stamps in the mount. I do buy them, cut them in half (Lengthwise) to get 2 "Open Top Mount" strips for the price of one "Split Back " aka Showguard ![](https://i.ibb.co/2s8yPBd/mounts-stamp-showguard-27-best-for-horiz-stamps.jpg) "Open Top" aka HAWID ![](https://i.ibb.co/jghYb01/Hawid-sealed-top-and-bottom-clear.jpg) I place my stamps in the mounts, then cut the mounts with the stamps inside and use double sided tape to adhere to the album page (the mounts are removable / adjustable for quite some months without damage) I cut the mounts with my Fiskars ![](https://i.ibb.co/Vq2dkQv/fiskars.jpg)
This is by all means, not a recommended routine, other than my own Tread your own path
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Post by Stamper49 on May 21, 2024 7:38:56 GMT
A thank you to Admin for fixin-g my post, and thanks to stainlessb , khj , and rod222 for your feedback. I haven't found any stained stamps from the adhesive on the Scotch tape I used as a kid on the Crystal Mounts, possibly because the tape closed the ends tight, and the stamp edges don't touch the adhesive. But it is something to avoid, and change out. I have seen what stamps look like when they are mounted with adhesive tape, and it's ugly. I like the idea of top-loading-loading mounts as they will be easier to use as I get older, no trembling yet, at 75, but you never know. What sizes of strips, do you keep on hand? I will probably be moving my collection to a recently acquired 1950 Scott "The American Album for United States Stamps", up to mid-1949, album, but, I just noticed that the binding may not be able to take much in the way of a lot of stamps in mounts on multiple pages? Have you got a US source for the Hawid top opening mounts? A cheap source would be best. rod222 have you compared using a glue stick instead of double sided tape? Thoughts? Just using a height off the top of my head for a stamp, say 20mm, what size mount would be used? Is there a guideline so you don't wind up squeezing a stamp into to small a mount? I also recently acquired, from the same person as the album above, a two volume set of Scott International Postage Stamp albums up to mid-1949. All three albums have a lot of empty space to be filled, and what mint stamps there areL in these albums are lightly hinged. That Fiskar trimmer looks enticing.
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rod222
Member
Posts: 10,681
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on May 21, 2024 8:54:25 GMT
What sizes of strips, do you keep on hand?
Everything. I went around the internet and asked dealers for discount mounts, anything they wanted to get rid of, anything but "Crystal Mounts" I purchased 5Kg of mixed new and used mounts from Canada Everthing from half inch high, to 12" square for Souvenir sheets. I just get my stamps, place in a strip that best suits, and cut them in the Fiskars I will probably be moving my collection to a recently acquired 1950 Scott "The American Album for United States Stamps", up to mid-1949, album,
(Cringe) moving stamps can be a hassle, make sure and plan before you do ! I do not use pre printed Albums, I use Steiner printed album pages (I have 400 Albums) Have you got a US source for the Hawid top opening mounts? A cheap source would be best.Ebay only, I bought some from Germany, and the price was outrageous rod222 have you compared using a glue stick instead of double sided tape? Thoughts?
Nope! I have a fixed regime and stick to it, double sided tape only Just using a height off the top of my head for a stamp, say 20mm, what size mount would be used? Is there a guideline so you don't wind up squeezing a stamp into to small a mount?
You cannot squeeze a stamp into an "open top" you just place the stamps in the strip and cut to shape in the Fiskars. Good Luck Note : Mounts come in black and clear, clear are most forgiving, but once you make the choice, you are stuck with it, mostly. 1 stamps in showguard, envelope to show "split back" now, cut in half with Fiskars lengthwise ![](https://i.ibb.co/fGp0Bqb/Mounts.jpg) Showguard after cut in half, place stamps in now "open top" ![](https://i.ibb.co/NrtHbvn/Mounts-001.jpg) Cut off top to suits stamps. ![](https://i.ibb.co/4pwx6vs/Mounts-002.jpg) Cut stamps individually off strip ![](https://i.ibb.co/pZc2KZy/Mounts-003.jpg) attach with 2-3mm double sided (photo safe) tape....Voila! ![](https://i.ibb.co/0XQwtt2/Mounts-004.jpg)
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Post by Stamper49 on May 21, 2024 13:28:17 GMT
rod222 Ah, thank you for the pictures, they really helped with the visualization, and show a lot of ingenuity. I see where you are going with the double sided tape also. I'm admiring your stamp tweezers, which look very much like mine, I like this narrow style the best, the wider, paddle style tweezers feel awkward. There are no markings of any kind on my tweezers. I have my one original US album to transfer Crystal Mounted stamps, I can't imagine what 400 albums must be like, though I have acquired a few vintage albums that will require removing hinges, and some will need soaking, and cleaning. I need the organization, and pictures of a printed album. I am starting over again, at age 75, and it seems easier, with only one functional eye, the other is permanently blurry. I also think the narrow tweezers are easier to use with one eye. It will be interesting to see if the Fiskars is one eye compatible? Depth perception is obviously and issue, but the plane of the cutting board is one dimensional, I just don't know how the alignment wire will work out. Thank you for taking the time to post a very complete explanation of the way you handle mounts.
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Post by PostmasterGS on May 21, 2024 13:33:55 GMT
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Post by Stamper49 on May 21, 2024 13:47:18 GMT
rod222 You mean the picture you included in your first post is the incorrect tape? And you actually use "acid free" Scotch® Double Sided Tape 002-CFT, 1/2 in x 300 in 3M Product Number 0023M ID 70005276202 that is in the link you sent. I see you listed an Australian source, I'll look for it in the United States, which is closer to California.
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rod222
Member
Posts: 10,681
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on May 21, 2024 14:10:04 GMT
rod222 You mean the picture you included in your first post is the incorrect tape? Yikes ! Yes that is incorrect, PostmasterGS is right, I am using the wrong tape. I had the correct tape, initially, bought it at Officeworks in Australia the rolls I bought after that came from a newsagent, and I must have thought they were the same Sheesh! Here is the correct stuff ACID FREE (Thanks PostmasterGS ! ) ![](https://i.ibb.co/9y9MQj7/mounts-double-sided-scrapbooking.jpg)
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rod222
Member
Posts: 10,681
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on May 21, 2024 14:16:12 GMT
Stamper49 I am starting over again, at age 75, and it seems easier, with only one functional eye, the other is permanently blurry. Yep! You have to use, what suit you best. Just a heads up, your blurry eye, may be just cataracts, they can be fixed fairly easily, (I'm told)
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stainlessb
Member
qaStaHvIS yIn 'ej chep
Posts: 4,799
What I collect: currently focused on most of western Europe, much of which is spent on France, Belgium, Germany and Great Britain Queen Victoria
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Post by stainlessb on May 21, 2024 14:16:42 GMT
i have used a glue pen/stick on older mounts that the adhesive has lost it's adhesive ability (bought a large lot of miscellaneous mounts from an estate).
I now get them on E-Bay and generally discounts are offered if you buy multiples. I use pre-cut when possible as it keeps everything uniform.
I don't find the water on the pages an issue. I do not pre-load my mounts with the stamp, and I have gotten pretty adept at loading, adjusting and unloading the split backs
I used to get a small bowl of filtered water and some Q-tips to swab a small amount water on the mouynt.... now I just lick the bottom half
Everyone has their own method, so whatever suits your needs!
As to size, you will likely find that you need quite a variety and either one of cutters made for cutting strips, or I just use an old fashioned paper cutter (unless you're really precise with scissors). Sometimes large mounts (blocks, SS sheets) have a tendency to pull and slip a bity, yielding a crooked cut. A piece of 600+ sand paper fromt he hardware store makes a suitable non skid surface!
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banknoteguy
Member
Posts: 322
What I collect: 19th Century US, High denomination US (> $1), 19th century covers US, Indian Feudatory States and most recently I acquired a BigBlue [with about 5,000 stamps] and pristine pages.
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Post by banknoteguy on May 21, 2024 14:17:00 GMT
There is no one "right way." Another way that some collectors consider safest and easiest is to dispense with mounts entirely and use Hagner pages (for 3 ring binders) or bound stock books, putting in whatever level of identification or details you want. I have started using Hagners for covers almost exclusively: www.amosadvantage.com/Store/Category/Stamps/Binders-Pages/Pages/Stock-Sheets/hagner-stock-sheetsI use a combination of methods. For low value stamps, I still use hinges mixed with mounts for MNH or higher value used stamps e.g., Scott BigBlue Vol.1 (all the world 1840-1940). But for specialized stuff, I make my own pages and use clear mounts. ![](https://tsfimagehost.net/images/2024/05/21/55d51c6eebc48ca75ad9344e3f0c4909.jpg) ![](https://tsfimagehost.net/images/2024/05/21/6db3d8977d66ffa28d9968f04b2a2ab8.jpg) Example of custom pages with clear (top loading) mounts: ![](https://tsfimagehost.net/images/2024/05/21/779a32e02d55bfabda7a5f2ee3ad3e47.jpg)
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rod222
Member
Posts: 10,681
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on May 21, 2024 21:22:37 GMT
Stamper49 In case you are interested (cloudy vision in one eye) Western Australia news yesterday "Cataracts are normal !" I have made an appointment, maybe I can ditch my glasses forever What a pain they are link
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Post by PostmasterGS on May 21, 2024 21:36:41 GMT
You mean the picture you included in your first post is the incorrect tape? And you actually use "acid free" Scotch® Double Sided Tape 002-CFT, 1/2 in x 300 in 3M Product Number 0023M ID 70005276202 that is in the link you sent. I see you listed an Australian source, I'll look for it in the United States, which is closer to California. This is the correct one. I linked the ones I did because Rod is in Australia.
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Hugh
Member
Posts: 441
What I collect: Occupation Stamps and Postal History, Worldwide; Canada, the UK, France and Germany.
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Post by Hugh on May 21, 2024 22:58:29 GMT
This has been a really interesting thread. I agree with banknoteguy there really isn’t “one right way” to do this. And, rod222 is always posting great advice. I couldn’t agree more about using pages instead of printed albums. Cutting mounts using a Fiskars cutter is my jam too. Here is where I might get in trouble – smile. I create what I call ‘Study Binders’. For my occupation collection I use lighthouse Classic Grande binders – these are 3-ring binders and they’re big enough to handle any kind of page. For everything else, I buy gently used binders when I go to stamp shows. Sometimes, I get them when I buy a collection. (I’ve even bought a not very interesting collection from a club auction just to get the binder - again, smile). Anyway, what I mean by a study binder is that I mix stamp album pages, stock pages and other kinds of displays with research notes and articles. Not everything of course, most of my research library is online or in books – as are the catalogues. But, some articles, maps and lists are worth printing and keeping with the stamps. That way, when I’m working or reviewing the albums, it’s like going through a notebook with exhibits – the exhibits being the stamps. I do make my own pages (and title pages and dividers) but I’m more than happy to use good pages prepared by others. And, I don’t mind mixing them. I just don’t have the time to curate my collection so that it’s all matchy-matchy. I use Scott and Lindner pages, usually trimmed so that all the pages in an album are about the same size. I also use various stock sheets, cover sheets, postcard sheets and full page protectors – depending on the item. Here are a few examples. Be kind. ![](https://i.ibb.co/Pjm2QSR/IMG-0344.jpg) ![](https://i.ibb.co/XVJqhCY/IMG-0343.jpg) ![](https://i.ibb.co/PQ1drsX/IMG-0337.jpg) ![](https://i.ibb.co/NpdnhJ2/IMG-0336.jpg) ![](https://i.ibb.co/3TC6jTB/IMG-0328.jpg) ![](https://i.ibb.co/71r94SW/IMG-0322.jpg) ![](https://i.ibb.co/4ZxLZqn/IMG-0324.jpg) ![](https://i.ibb.co/gyTwNky/IMG-0326.jpg) ![](https://i.ibb.co/zhfXxc7/IMG-0330.jpg) ![](https://i.ibb.co/rknHc3J/IMG-0334.jpg) ![](https://i.ibb.co/BLGmWmL/IMG-0335.jpg) ![](https://i.ibb.co/rfJvJLp/IMG-0349.jpg) ![](https://i.ibb.co/wpQBtgM/IMG-0350.jpg)
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rod222
Member
Posts: 10,681
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on May 22, 2024 0:24:10 GMT
Here are a few examples. Be kind. Love your work Hugh, top stuff, Whomever inherits your work, will have some fun ! I have some pages as yours, interspersed with Steiner Pages. but Alas! as a worldwide collector, one never has the time to do all countries. I am losing the desire to "own" stamps, if I had my time over, I would go digital only that is, scan the stamps that pass me, then pass 'em on. I am tired of the work involved in mounting and hinging. After 400 Albums, I am wondering why I did all that. I have scans of around 800,000 postage stamps. ephemera, catalogues and magazines I love the ability to jump from one country to another in seconds. I love the history they take you to, the backgrounds to them, but owning them Sheesh, it's just hard work... (I have 17 Australian Albums, and still not complete) Every collector has their own personal journey, This was mine, no regrets, IT and computers, changed my regime, half way through. Here is 1 Cabinet of Albums (1 of 4) Good luck to whoever gets this lot . ![](https://i.ibb.co/7jqLL05/20240522-stamp-cabinet-1-of-4-a.jpg)
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Post by PostmasterGS on May 22, 2024 0:38:26 GMT
Hugh , Did you edit the corner flag out of that Hindenburg Medallion page, or do I have a page with a missing flag?
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Hugh
Member
Posts: 441
What I collect: Occupation Stamps and Postal History, Worldwide; Canada, the UK, France and Germany.
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Post by Hugh on May 22, 2024 1:18:10 GMT
Every collector has their own personal journey, This was mine, no regrets, IT and computers, changed my regime, half way through. Here is 1 Cabinet of Albums (1 of 4) Good luck to whoever gets this lot . Sounds like you've had an awesome journey ... and it's far from over. I know what you mean about IT and computers. I stopped being a serious collector when I started a family and focused on my career. When I returned when I retired, as so many do, it was amazing how much things had changed. It became so much easier and faster to do research ... and, so much information is online. Academics and professional researchers have joined us and are now publishing about postal history, the semiotics of stamps, the politics ... I feel like a kid in a candy store. As an encore career, I teach part time - mostly so I can continue to have access to the univeristy library system (smile). I've become a thematic collector. I use stamps to tell stories - especially to myself. I find that it's an amzing way to look at the world and to understand its (and our collective) history. I suspect your legacy is not in those 400 albums, it's in the knowledge you've earned creating them ... and the way you're sharing it. Regards, Hugh
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Hugh
Member
Posts: 441
What I collect: Occupation Stamps and Postal History, Worldwide; Canada, the UK, France and Germany.
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Post by Hugh on May 22, 2024 1:36:50 GMT
Hugh , Did you edit the corner flag out of that Hindenburg Medallion page, or do I have a page with a missing flag? Worry not (smile). That was one of the first of your pages I printed. I wanted to mount the Donor Strips to show a few colleagues at my local club. However, in the beginning, I was having trouble with the colour printing. So, that's how it came off the printer. When I started playing around a couple of days later, I solved the problem. I have now printed (sucessfully, with flags) your German Empire pages. I download the specialized version and then selectivly print. I skipped over the (very few) pages that I didn't need. I'm now working on the colonies. Anyway, thanks for reminding me. I'll print off a new corrected page and move the strips over. For paper, I use Lettermark Vellum Bristol 94345 Cream, 67lb 147g/m2 8.5 x 11. Cheers,
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,568
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on May 22, 2024 11:07:26 GMT
I use Hawid for smaller sizes and always use a glue stick (Elmer's Craft Bond Repositionable). Mounts can often be removed later without any damage to page.
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Post by Stamper49 on Jun 7, 2024 22:49:09 GMT
Stamper49 I am starting over again, at age 75, and it seems easier, with only one functional eye, the other is permanently blurry. Yep! You have to use, what suit you best. Just a heads up, your blurry eye, may be just cataracts, they can be fixed fairly easily, (I'm told) rod222 Thanks for the heads up, but, I had cataract surgery in both eyes 15 years ago. The blurriness started during the nearly million acre Dixie Fire here in Northern California, though I doubt the blurriness is smoke related, as the other eye is fine. I had a cornea transplant in the bad eye and it improved slightly. I am at about 20/400 in that eye, and it seems to be getting worse.
Do be aware of, and care for your eyes. As you get older, eye problems, or not, you should have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist, not just your every day, run of the mill optometrist. I know because my optometrist failed to send me to an ophthalmologist when he should have, and I should have been more pro-active. Glaucoma is serious, and you don't notice until it is to late. So get checked out, just for the hell of it, if nothing else.
By the way: the Scotch Scrapbooking double sided acid free tape seems to have been replaced by Scotch, with permanent adhesive, instead of removable. It has the same bar code, and is still acid free. I just received one from Amazon and was disappointed that it has permanent adhesive.
Thank you,
Norman
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rod222
Member
Posts: 10,681
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Jun 8, 2024 1:48:50 GMT
Stamper49 Hi Norman, booked in for cataract surgery 17th next month. Takes 8 minutes I am told. I'll keep watch next Scotch tape purchase, I'll check with Officeworks today (Australia) Nope! Aussie Officeworks does not sell"scrapbbooking" I still believe your "permanent" will be removeable in the first month or so. ![](https://i.ibb.co/GFHcvc9/officeworks-scrapbooking.jpg)
Here it is in the US (Has lots of BAD reviews) linkAUSTRALIA c$12 linkEbay australia selling for $32 (Nice work if you can get it) Beware odf scammers, "Scrapbbooking Tape" sold here, when it is not, it is permanent tape, read the box or the fine print ![](https://i.ibb.co/HD0MgBR/scotch-scrapbook-ebay-32.jpg)
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Post by PostmasterGS on Jun 8, 2024 2:51:23 GMT
I use the “permanent” scrapbooking tape. It’s not really permanent. The adhesive isn’t as sticky as the non-scrapbooking version, and for me, it’s the perfect amount of sticky.
The bad ratings are mostly from people who can’t get the backing off. Oddly, I’ve never had that problem. I have an old pair of fingernail clippers that I use to grab the edge of the backing. Peels right off.
And it’s about $5 a roll here (about AU$7.50). At a 300% markup, I should go into business shipping it to Australia.
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Post by Stamper49 on Jun 10, 2024 9:08:25 GMT
rod222 and PostmasterGS Thank you, well I have the double sided tape so I can try it out and see what happens. Still setting up to mount my first stamp in nearly 60 years. I got a Fiskars paper trimmer, with guide wire, for sizing larger Uni-Safe clear mounts. I can't afford a large assortment of all sizes. It will be interesting to see how that works out with only one effective eye messing with my depth perception.
The hardest part will be clearing my desk. After all, organization is the key to success, so I guess I'll get nowhere fast.
rod222 cataract surgery is easy peasey. In and out, almost, you will need a driver to get home, and there is a follow up the next morning. And don't rub your eye! At least that's how it works in the US. Cataract surgery is more advanced than it was 15 years ago when my eyes were done. By the way, my current eye problem has nothing to do with the cataract surgery in that eye. The only thing I wish I had done differently was the decision to go with farsighted lenses after 50 years of being nearsighted - I couldn't afford bifocal replacement lenses. Some people go with one eye for close work and the other eye for distance, but I think that would drive me mad. , I should have stuck with nearsighted lenses, better for close work - like stamp collecting!
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Post by michael on Jun 10, 2024 9:40:14 GMT
I would like to politely point out that, as I have said before, most stamp mounts have adhesive on one side, convieniently put there by the manufacturer so that you don't have to use glue sticks or double sided tape.
I put a small ammount of water on the back, away for the edges and gently place on absorbant kitchen roll (paper towel). This gives a fine mist over the back of the mount making it not soak the album page and allows you to accurately place the mount into the correct position.
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,568
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Jun 10, 2024 9:50:56 GMT
I use a glue stick since you can remove later and save damaging a page. It is also easier to reposition. You cannot do that ever if you moisten the adhesive on the mount. With moisture, it migrates to the album paper and can cause a ripple especially if excess moisture is used.
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Post by michael on Jun 10, 2024 13:59:58 GMT
angore, I have just offered the OP a solution for mounts as you have already offered a solution earlier in this thread. I haven't criticised your method so I'm not sure why you have to criticise mine again. For the record however after over 400 pages and 1000s of mounts I've yet to have any moisture 'migrating to the album or causing a ripple' when using them as per my previous post.
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Post by Stamper49 on Jun 11, 2024 13:32:46 GMT
I would like to politely point out that, as I have said before, most stamp mounts have adhesive on one side, convieniently put there by the manufacturer so that you don't have to use glue sticks or double sided tape. I put a small ammount of water on the back, away for the edges and gently place on absorbant kitchen roll (paper towel). This gives a fine mist over the back of the mount making it not soak the album page and allows you to accurately place the mount into the correct position. michael I am confused about: "This gives a fine mist over the back of the mount...". the word "mist" is throwing me off. Thank you, Norman
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Post by michael on Jun 12, 2024 7:48:07 GMT
Thanks Stamper49, yes, poorly worded as usual :-) If you dab a small ammount of water onto the centre of the back of the mount, the adhesive is moistened but there can be excessive water which can soak into the paper. Using absorbant kitchen towel absorbs this excess moisture leaving just a very thin layer of moistened adhesive.
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