guilloutran
Member 
Account Disabled
Colllecting France
Posts: 202
What I collect: Western Europe (pre-Euro), France and colonies (pre-1995), United States and Canada (pre-1980, engraved ->2000), British colonies and United Kingdom (engrave to 2000)
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Post by guilloutran on Jan 18, 2021 10:44:09 GMT
Cheers!
As the result of COVID, I been collecting stamps because it's quite educational and interesting! But I don't really know how to expand my collections as the fact that I don't have money to buy stamps as an undergrad! I wondering what's some ways you could have stamps for free as a new collector?
Thanks,
Nghia
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stanley64
Member
Posts: 1,983
What I collect: Canada, USA, Netherlands, Portugal & Colonies, Antarctic Territories and anything that catches my eye...
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Post by stanley64 on Jan 18, 2021 11:11:21 GMT
Good question Nghia ( guilloutran ) and a welcome posting :-) For those on a limited budget or just starting out, I would suggest expressing your interest and asking friends, family members and/or work colleagues to save their mail (with postage stamps) for you. At the same time, depending on your department, field studies, etc., the school's or department secretaries, student associations, or other groups might be a source. If you let people know your keen, it is surprising who will be there to assist. At the same time, you may want to consider starting a stamp group on campus and requesting stamps from a local/national philatelic organisation. It has been done before ;-) We also have the TSF Mystery Circuit Packet that you might consider. There are plenty of options and if I can assist further, let me know... Happy collecting! |
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polarbear
Member
Posts: 585 
What I collect: Canada Used to 2015, revenues, perfins. Newfoundland, St. Pierre & Miquelon, Worldwide textiles/handwork and Christmas.
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Post by polarbear on Jan 18, 2021 12:12:19 GMT
Hi guilloutran! There are also give aways occasionally on The Stamp Forum that you can sign up for in the hopes of winning. |
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guilloutran
Member
Account Disabled
Colllecting France
Posts: 202
What I collect: Western Europe (pre-Euro), France and colonies (pre-1995), United States and Canada (pre-1980, engraved ->2000), British colonies and United Kingdom (engrave to 2000)
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Post by guilloutran on Jan 18, 2021 12:17:32 GMT
I see! Thanks whole lot for the effort! I might have to look harder! How did you all started?
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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 Jan 18, 2021 13:42:10 GMT
I started back in 1972 after reading a column in the local newspaper. Just one set from New Zealand.
You should list what you are interested in collecting. There are always freebie give-away's on here. I have a bunch I don't want and should give them away!
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Mr. H
Member
Member - APS #129381
Posts: 952
What I collect: US, Netherlands, Whatever suits my fancy.
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Post by Mr. H on Jan 18, 2021 14:30:22 GMT
My father was a collector and got me interested when I was young. Back then I only focused on US - I worked a newspaper route to support my habit. After he passed I inherited his Netherlands and worldwide collection. I've added to it a bit over the years, expanding into more countries and varieties.
I am currently sorting through a very large lot and have more material than I could possibly use. It may take a few months to finish going through, but I'll probably be doing a few giveaways here.
Also, I used to work at a place that had offices in several different states. They did overnight shipments from each place every day. I got them to use stamps on the mailings and ended up with hundreds of $9.35 & $8.75 Eagles, and $5 lantern stamps.
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polarbear
Member
Posts: 585
What I collect: Canada Used to 2015, revenues, perfins. Newfoundland, St. Pierre & Miquelon, Worldwide textiles/handwork and Christmas.
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Post by polarbear on Jan 18, 2021 16:16:24 GMT
My mother got me started with a US album when I was about 11 or 12. We went to a stamp dealer’s store and he let me take home a bag full of stamps. I got to keep whatever I wanted for 5 cents each, and then returned the rest to him.
After that I had penpals from other countries and collected stamps off their letters.
Plus Dad saved stamps off his office mail for my sister (also a collector) and me. He had friends save for us too.
Eventually I was old enough to babysit and some of the earnings from that went to stamps.
I started with US. Then worldwide. Now I stick to Canada and a few topical themes. I am feeling the urge to expand again though. I’m looking at St. Pierre & Miquelon, as well as Scandinavia, where my husband’s family is from.
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tobben63
Member
Stamp eat sleep repeat
Posts: 1,874
What I collect: I collect to much, world wide!
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Post by tobben63 on Jan 18, 2021 16:55:59 GMT
I see! Thanks whole lot for the effort! I might have to look harder! How did you all started? I started in the late sixties, with help from my fater. If you PM me your postal address I will send you a letter with a good start. I have a lot of stamps that need a new home  |
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stanley64
Member
Posts: 1,983
What I collect: Canada, USA, Netherlands, Portugal & Colonies, Antarctic Territories and anything that catches my eye...
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Post by stanley64 on Jan 18, 2021 17:18:55 GMT
I see! Thanks whole lot for the effort! I might have to look harder! How did you all started? The journey began for me with a birthday gift from an Aunt, who despite not being a collector herself, continues to be supportive.
As I have continued to collect, mentors at various levels have been invaluable...
Happy collecting!
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stainlessb
Member
qaStaHvIS yIn 'ej chep
Posts: 4,906
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 Jan 18, 2021 18:09:53 GMT
1961 when I received a WW stamp "album" and an envelope of loose stamps for my birthday from an aunt and uncle (who's collections i now have). Like many I started and stopped a number of times over the years.
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guilloutran
Member
Account Disabled
Colllecting France
Posts: 202
What I collect: Western Europe (pre-Euro), France and colonies (pre-1995), United States and Canada (pre-1980, engraved ->2000), British colonies and United Kingdom (engrave to 2000)
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Post by guilloutran on Jan 19, 2021 7:40:58 GMT
Good question Nghia ( guilloutran ) and a welcome posting :-) For those on a limited budget or just starting out, I would suggest expressing your interest and asking friends, family members and/or work colleagues to save their mail (with postage stamps) for you. At the same time, depending on your department, field studies, etc., the school's or department secretaries, student associations, or other groups might be a source. If you let people know your keen, it is surprising who will be there to assist. At the same time, you may want to consider starting a stamp group on campus and requesting stamps from a local/national philatelic organisation. It has been done before ;-) We also have the TSF Mystery Circuit Packet that you might consider. There are plenty of options and if I can assist further, let me know... Happy collecting! I have been asking around for awhile but because nowadays, most people’s/ business receive and send mail in prepaid envelope or with printable sticker so it’s quite tricky. In France, you could print stamps out from printer at home or if you’ve a registered and paid profile at La Poste, they could print a genetic sticker out to send your stuff so I’m not yet be able to find somebody who receives stamps letters! |
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guilloutran
Member
Account Disabled
Colllecting France
Posts: 202
What I collect: Western Europe (pre-Euro), France and colonies (pre-1995), United States and Canada (pre-1980, engraved ->2000), British colonies and United Kingdom (engrave to 2000)
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Post by guilloutran on Jan 19, 2021 7:41:55 GMT
I see! Thanks whole lot for the effort! I might have to look harder! How did you all started? I started in the late sixties, with help from my fater. If you PM me your postal address I will send you a letter with a good start. I have a lot of stamps that need a new home I send you an message! Thank you for your lovely offer! |
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stanley64
Member
Posts: 1,983
What I collect: Canada, USA, Netherlands, Portugal & Colonies, Antarctic Territories and anything that catches my eye...
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Post by stanley64 on Jan 19, 2021 10:50:38 GMT
I have been asking around for awhile but because nowadays, most people’s/ business receive and send mail in prepaid envelope or with printable sticker so it’s quite tricky. In France, you could print stamps out from printer at home or if you’ve a registered and paid profile at La Poste, they could print a genetic sticker out to send your stuff so I’m not yet be able to find somebody who receives stamps letters!
You are off to a good start Nghia ( guilloutran); all I can say is - patience ;-) Indeed, postage stamps are used as much any more, but they are still available and now that they are people aware of your collecting interests, you never know what, or when something might turn up.
At the same time, different members here on TSF have offered their assistance and there are other opportunities as well; make of the opportunities, what you well.
In the meantime, read about the hobby, focus on your current collections and where you want to take them...
Happy collecting!
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guilloutran
Member
Account Disabled
Colllecting France
Posts: 202
What I collect: Western Europe (pre-Euro), France and colonies (pre-1995), United States and Canada (pre-1980, engraved ->2000), British colonies and United Kingdom (engrave to 2000)
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Post by guilloutran on Jan 19, 2021 12:58:01 GMT
stanley64: Thank you for your general tips! I’ll look around some more! I might come across something  You never know!
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tobben63
Member
Stamp eat sleep repeat
Posts: 1,874
What I collect: I collect to much, world wide!
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Post by tobben63 on Jan 20, 2021 19:31:28 GMT
Here are some stamps I have for you. Will post them tomorrow.  |
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renden
Member
Posts: 9,162
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
Member is Online
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Post by renden on Jan 20, 2021 20:08:20 GMT
Lucky guy !!!....btw when you get your full membership (50 posts) I will think of you. I never saw stamps fly out of the sky  Post often.....go to the Post Office and check the nice stamps....you are in FRANCE right now, so.....and come back to us.....get a Catalog. France has a lot and lots of books on stamps. René |
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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 Jan 20, 2021 20:32:29 GMT
Wow, ya, you are a lucky guy!
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guilloutran
Member
Account Disabled
Colllecting France
Posts: 202
What I collect: Western Europe (pre-Euro), France and colonies (pre-1995), United States and Canada (pre-1980, engraved ->2000), British colonies and United Kingdom (engrave to 2000)
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Post by guilloutran on Jan 21, 2021 7:48:18 GMT
Here are some stamps I have for you. Will post them tomorrow. Look lovely! Thank you so much on helping me started! |
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guilloutran
Member
Account Disabled
Colllecting France
Posts: 202
What I collect: Western Europe (pre-Euro), France and colonies (pre-1995), United States and Canada (pre-1980, engraved ->2000), British colonies and United Kingdom (engrave to 2000)
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Post by guilloutran on Jan 21, 2021 7:51:59 GMT
Lucky guy !!!....btw when you get your full membership (50 posts) I will think of you. I never saw stamps fly out of the sky Post often.....go to the Post Office and check the nice stamps....you are in FRANCE right now, so.....and come back to us.....get a Catalog. France has a lot and lots of books on stamps. René My local La Poste is actually quite disappointing. They don’t really have commemorative stamps as on La Poste website. Well, they do but those are expensive. I think at the moment, every countries is issuing stamps to celebrate Beethoven but I don’t have access to that locally and if need, I’ll need to order on web. It’s quite disappointed to see such. |
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kyleb
**Member** 
Inactive
Posts: 13
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Post by kyleb on Feb 23, 2021 20:46:14 GMT
Hello guys, I am a newbie to the forum and I am looking to expand my collection also. I have limited funds and buy some on Ebay. Im looking to get to know you guys and maybe we can exchange some stamps.
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renden
Member
Posts: 9,162
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
Member is Online
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Post by renden on Feb 23, 2021 21:58:21 GMT
Hello guys, I am a newbie to the forum and I am looking to expand my collection also. I have limited funds and buy some on Ebay. Im looking to get to know you guys and maybe we can exchange some stamps. Get full membership or send PMs (private mail) to members asking for specific ````what do I want ```` LOL ! René .....but do not think the members will reply - you are a `newbie`and many want freebies |
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Admin
Administrator 
Posts: 2,676
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Post by Admin on Feb 23, 2021 22:07:36 GMT
The surest way to engage members without offending some is to achieve full membership status. Once done, a number of avenues become available.
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renden
Member
Posts: 9,162
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
Member is Online
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Post by renden on Feb 23, 2021 22:08:29 GMT
The surest way to engage members without offending some is to achieve full membership status. Once done, a number of avenues become available. BEST method and thsks to Steve !!! René |
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kyleb
**Member**
Inactive
Posts: 13
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Post by kyleb on Feb 23, 2021 22:13:16 GMT
The surest way to engage members without offending some is to achieve full membership status. Once done, a number of avenues become available. Thanks for the insight! |
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napo
**Member**
Could I write my introduction here?
Posts: 40
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Post by napo on Feb 24, 2021 5:38:41 GMT
How I got my collection?
In my younger age, I had penfriends who also were interested in stamp collecting, and we usuallya exchanged stamps. I also asked from friends and relatives who worked in some offices. I also bought some, but only the stamps that were difficult to get in my country.
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Post by david on Jan 1, 2022 20:48:23 GMT
Hello,
I started out as a young kid with stamps but then stopped for more then 30 years. During the pandemic I started again. It started with looking at the collection of my wife and then looking and buying on websites. In Belgium there is a very popular website called 2dehands.be where people put things up for sale, give away for free or take bids on their items. Over time you meet some nice honest people who ask fair prices for their stamps.
Another thing I do is visit yard sales and once and a while you stumble upon people who sell albums or a box with stamps that still need to be removed from paper. Sometimes you do a really good deal here.
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Linda
Member
Ex-mathematician turned visual artist and touring cyclist to bike across Canada, Europe, Japan etc.
Posts: 1,427
What I collect: Mostly Canadian and European stamps about art / science / landscape
Member is Online
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Post by Linda on Jan 2, 2022 10:58:01 GMT
Cheers! As the result of COVID, I been collecting stamps because it's quite educational and interesting! But I don't really know how to expand my collections as the fact that I don't have money to buy stamps as an undergrad! I wondering what's some ways you could have stamps for free as a new collector? Thanks, Nghia I bought them online on HipStamps.com and sometimes on auction sites such as eBay and Yahoo! JAPAN Auction. Since I mostly collect more recent stamps that can be used in my artworks, the stamps don't get to be too pricy. In my early years, I got used stamps from family and acquaintances. I still cut off the stamps from the mails that I don't keep, even though I can't use them in my artworks. I can mail you those that I don't particularly 'need' these days and the doubles I purchased in the past, but I fear that our interests don't overlap very much. My stamps are mostly about historical figures and landscapes, and being a mathematically trained artist, I also like to incorporate arts and sciences into my stamp collecting habit. If you think you would nevertheless appreciate those stamps (if you don't, you may pass them down to the next person), simply contact me via this forum. P.S. I forgot to say that I also buy new stamps directly from the countries' postal service. It's usually the cheapest way of getting stamps. So far I have bought from the Austrian, Australian, British, Canadian, Czech, Danish, French, German, Norwegian, Swiss post. |
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Jerry B
Departed
Rest in Peace
Marietta, Georgia USA
Posts: 1,485
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Post by Jerry B on Jan 2, 2022 11:35:27 GMT
Hi nghia When I was around seven, an aunt decided I should colect stamps. She took me to Macy's (in New York) and bought me a Scott US album and a Minkus World Wide Album and bought me an Israeli no 7. My aunt worked in the millinery business and got correspondence from all over Europe. I lived in Maine and when she came to visit she would bring a shopping bag full of stamps on paper. As time went on I decided to collect the stamps of France. To make a long story short, I married a woman from Colombia. South America. Friedl Expert Comittee was next door to the office where I worked. I walked in one day and asked Alex Rendon about a Chinese stamp I could not identify. The other gentleman, Herbert Bloch, told me not to collect junk. I asked what I should collect and Alex, being a Colombia expert, said collect Colombia and gave me some Colombia stamps on approval. My wife looked at the stamps and declared, that's one of my aunts, that is a friend, etc.. What came next was "That's my house". I sold what I had for France and started collecting Colombia, starting with the stamps I got from Alex. Later I added Ecuador and Venezuela as they were once part of Gran Colombia. My wife's hoiuse in Tunja, Boyaca, Colombia:  Jerry B |
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,699
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Jan 2, 2022 12:35:15 GMT
For 2022, I got the majority of stamps from Stamporama but also this past year Stamporama went to pay forum but not much different than paying dues to a club.
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eggdog
Member
I want a new Harley!
Posts: 464
What I collect: It's complicated....
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Post by eggdog on Jan 3, 2022 2:32:44 GMT
a. I especially like abandoned collections. Back when I could go to stamp shows, this is how I got the majority of stamps. It's a good way to jump-start a collection and also can be a pretty good way of getting varieties, postmarks, etc. if you get deep into a country or region. I buy a few online now, but looking at beat-up old albums in bins at shows is the best. b. Mixtures from various places. guilloutran , that's probably not the best way to start out, because there's a lot of duplication, you'd need to learn the ins and outs of getting them off paper, and if you decide you're not interested in a region you just got ¼ of a pound of stamps from, they'll just pile up and you'll get depressed looking at them. (My collection of France goes through the bicentennial of the Revolution, but I had to stop there because the sheer volume of new issues was bugging me out.) c. Auctions, usually for areas of special interest. d. I've found a few eBay dealers from Serbia, Bulgaria, and surrounding areas who have provided me with both excellent wallpaper (I'll upload a sample below here) and oddities. And if you want oddities, look no further than Southeastern Europe and the Balkans. Generally I don't do a lot of eBaying, but I've been fortunate to find vendors from that area who are very reliable and I tend to stick with them. e. Coming soon: trading and sales books from the APS and ISWSC. I've been scared to try that because my duplicates have never been organized enough and I haven't really kept up with catalogue values, but I'm easing out of the swamp and I should be in shape to start this spring. guilloutran , I don't know what's available along that line in France or Europe (the postage from here in the States and the delays because of the protocols make these difficult for people anywhere else - even Canada these days), but there's got to be something accessible for you. As promised, here is some excellent wallpaper. Several countries issued sets for the 50th anniversary of Europa stamps. Included among them was Albania, but after viewing their contribution, I get the idea that the Albanians had a few reservations about the whole idea. What do you think?  |
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You never know!
