In general what stamps do you have, and where did you get them? Someone must have collected them if they are unused and kept together.
Not too long ago I came across a number of stamp albums full of stamps mostly from the 1850s up to around WWII. I suspect any valuable ones were harvested and sold individually (maybe on Ebay), leaving just the more common ones. Regardless of value, it's cool looking at the really old ones. They're from all over the world, even countries that no longer exist. Europe, various European colonies, Asia, Latin America, US, pre-WWI empires, etc.
I like some of the ones with the edges, lettering, and colors done in art deco style, or the early airmail stamps with images of old airplanes. I really need to put them all together in one album with the stamps I collected as a kid. Ok, I should at least take them out and look at them again.
@PB I have a variety of U.S. stamps from the mid-1800's through the 1970's. I also have a random collection of stamps from Eastern Bloc countries, the Virgin Islands, Antigua, Asian countries, and Australia. I may have others but I haven't sorted them out.
My Grandmother is the one who got me into collecting stamps. Back in the late 70's. I think I was 9 or 10 years old. Not sure why she did but I took to it and continued for many years. I grew to appreciate the artistry of them and the history. The "What if's." Maybe the stamp in my hand was sent by a person of stature, or just a loving parent mailing something to their child way back when?
I also was given a small collection from my great-uncle and they were in very fine condition. Some unused. He was going to throw them out. Plus a friend of mine years ago didn't want the ones his mother had after she passed way. He offered and I gladly took them. He too was going to throw them out.
Like you, I admire the style and nuances of the stamps. Perforations, colors, artistry, etc. I may have some art deco style stamps. I do have a few beautiful stamps that could be framed. Magyar Posta stamps especially. Very vibrant. Like having a small portrait.
Fortunately I have been able to sell some of my stamps even though it's difficult to get value. I try not to think that I was bamboozled, but the risk I took.
