Kids Need Stamps

Stamp Alphabet Series: Y is For Yugoslavia

2012-01-04T18:35:00.000-08:00

Y maybe for Yugoslavia but it's also for Youth, which is the future of stamp collecting worldwide.

As we begin a new year let us recommit ourselves to spending more time with our children teaching them the education and adventure possible through stamping.

2012 is an exciting year full of new friendships, partnerships and clubs ready to steer the young people of the world into a lifelong hobby full of learning and joy.

Thank you so much for supporting our efforts to help parents help kids collect stamps.

Stamp Alphabet Series: W is For Western Australia

2011-12-11T20:59:00.001-08:00

Wallpaper

Disparaging term used to refer to speculative stamps issued in quantity chiefly for sale to collectors. The issues of third-world and emerging countries. The idea of reference is that such issues, generally available, at rare discounts, are about as valuable as wallpaper.

Wallpaper Cover

A specific form of turned cover most frequently associated with the U.S. Civil War. When paper was in short supply, some people used wallpaper samples and other items to fold down and use as envelopes for correspondence. Such covers, popular with collectors, are generally folded so as to display the wallpaper pattern for exhibit purposes.

Want List

Throughout the history of stamp collecting, collectors have found the want list a most effective way of obtaining desired stamps. A listing is made by a collector of those stamps he or she needs, which is circulated among other collectors and dealers. The desired stamps are then obtained through purchase or trade. Such listings generally include the country name, a brief description, catalog number, desired condition, and other characteristics that are helpful to the recipient to locate stamps.

War Tax

Any tax levied to help finance a wartime effort through the use of revenue stamps.

War Tax Stamps

Stamps issued by various countries to raise money for war. Most represent a tax imposed or the use of the mail, and war tax stamps are required on letters or parcels along with regular postage stamps. Such stamp issues may either be overprinted stamps of the country or issues created specifically for the war tax.

Washed

A term with similar connotation to the term "cleaned," but generally referring to used stamps that have had their cancels chemically removed to be illegally reused in the mail stream. An alternative, obsolete use of this term is to describe soaking stamps from paper for legitimate collecting purposes.

Watermark

Letters impressed on paper during manufacture to discourage counterfeiting. Paper is thinner where the watermark has been impressed and, therefore, appears darker when the paper is immersed in watermark detecting fluid. On some occasions, watermarks are inverted or backwards. Such varieties are quite collectible, but generally do not fetch a premium. Some watermark error exist, such as the U.S. $1 Presidential watermark error (Minkus 553w, Scott 832b). This is a stamp that was not intended to bear a watermark, but has one as a result of a small quantity of watermarked revenue paper inadvertently used. Such errors are usually scarce and command a substantial premium over the standard version.

Watermark Fluid

Non-aqueous liquid that soaks the paper (but doesn't moisten the gum on mint stamps), making it more translucent, and thus making the watermark much easier to see. The watermark detector is a small, shallow ceramic or plastic dish in which a stamp can be immersed in watermark fluid. It is black in color, to make the watermark more readily visible.

Waterstained

One of the many different forms of damage that can occur to an improperly stored cover. Once water has contacted the paper, it frequently dissolves any pigment present and redistributes it throughout the paper fibers. As a result, large spots may be found, primarily around the edges of such covers.

Way Letters

Letters picked up and delivered by a route carrier or mailman. The "WAY" marking may either be hand-stamped or written in manuscript.

Web Printing

Line-engraved intaglio printing accomplished on paper that has been pre-moistened to a content of 15 to 35 percent. During the early 1950s, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing began using the dry printing process, which could be accomplished on paper with a 5-percent moisture content.

Wholesale

The price paid by stamp dealers for stamps or covers they wish to resell. Because stamp dealers derive their sustenance from buying and selling stamps, they must be able to purchase philatelic items at a price that allows them to resell the items at a profit.

Wine Stamps

First released in 1914, these include a number of types and designs used to pay taxes on cases of cordials and wines.

Wing Margin

A huge margin on any one side of a stamp. Wing margins are most commonly associated with British stamps of the late 1800s. Prior to 1880, the gutters on the press sheet between pairs of stamps were perforated, rather than trimmed. As a result, the center margin positions would typically feature either a right or left margin of much larger than usual width. Such stamps are scarcer than normal examples, but like the straight-edged stamps of the United States, wing margin stamps have traditionally been seen as less desirable to most collectors, resulting in a lower value for such items.

Winterhilfe

Special charity stamps to aid the poor in winter.

Withdrawn

Withdrawn from philatelic sale means a stamp is no longer available from a philatelic window, or from the Philatelic Sales Division; however, such stamps may still be found in standard post office stamp stocks for some time. Withdrawn also means when a stamp has been completely withdrawn from all USPS sales windows.

Wove Paper

This is the most popular and adaptable form of paper used in stamp printing. Wove paper may either be coated (for gravure and offset printing) or uncoated (for intaglio or letterpress). Under magnification, wove paper shows a woven appearance of paper fibers as they are laid down during the papermaking process. Wove paper also is one of the strongest forms of paper.

Wrapper

There are two primary forms of wrappers. The first is a form of postal stationery in the form of a sheet of paper gummed at one edge with an imprinted stamp design, used for wrapping and mailing periodicals. The second form is most commonly encountered with private die proprietary stamps. In most cases, these refer to wrappers for patent medicine products with the revenue stamp printed as part of the design. Wrappers also can refer to labels and wrappers for products with the appropriate revenue stamp affixed.

Stamp Alphabet Series: V is For Victoria

2011-11-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

Value

This term can refer to either the printed denomination of a stamp or to its monetary market value to a collector or dealer. The term also refers to the relative light or dark of a color, on a scale from white to black; thus, a high-value color is a very light pastel shade. A low-value color is very dark.

Variable Denomination

A relatively modern type of stamp that uses a form of key plate to produce the basic (but blank) background design. Computer printers then print the denomination on the stamp at the time it is vended. U.S. variable- denomination and Autopost stamps are included in this category, as are the various Frama and other types of foreign computer-vended stamps.

Varnish Bars

See Lacquer Bars.

Vertical Pair, Imperforate Horizontally

Vertical pair of stamps lacking horizontal perforations between stamps and with horizontal straight edges at top and bottom. Perforations are present at left and right sides.

Very Fine

A term that relates more to centering than to overall condition. A stamp that has very fine centering is slightly off center, but has clear more-or-less evenly spaced margins surrounding the design. Imperforate examples have four decent margins.

Vignette

The central design portion of a stamp. In most cases, this is a portrait, but it can include other strong design elements contained within the border as well. A second and much less commonly used meaning of the word comes from an early French term that described pictorial labels with no postal value.

Stamps As Medicine: The Therapeutic Value

2011-10-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

KNS is a serious believer in stamps serving a therapeutic value for wounded soldiers and ailing senior citizens. We have donated supplies to these causes and witnesses the positive results.

We hope to see and hear the same results as we enbark on helping a group of disabled children from South Africa. KNS has been searching for some time now in the hopes of connecting with a group of children interested in learning about stamps and maybe learning about themselves and their ability to overcome their physical or mental challenges.

Up unto this point KNS were unsuccessful in convincing disabled children groups to join in the effort to learn and love stamps. Often their adult supervisor or group leaders frowned on the idea as too complicated or too outdated. Naturally, we deeply disagree and feel excluding people with challenges does them a terrible disservice.

Fear is the ulitmate enemy of the disabled. Ours and theirs. Neither permit them to overcome.

Thank you brave people of South Africa. Your example is bound to inspire others around the world.

Stamp Alphabet Series: U is For Uganda

2011-10-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

Ultraviolet Lamp

An important tool used for the detection of luminescent tagging on stamps of the world, as well as for detecting fakes, forgeries, and alterations on stamps. UV lights are available in longwave, shortwave, or a combination of the two.

Underfranked

A cover that has an insufficient amount of postage affixed to it to prepay the service requested or implied. When they are detected, underfranked covers are assessed postage due.

Underinked Stamps

Sometimes known as dry prints, underinked stamps are caused by too little ink being applied to the plate during printing.

Underprints

A printing security device, underprinting is the application of a color, repetitive design, or patter, usually printed on the paper before a stamp design is printed. One form of security underprinting is burelage.

Ungummed

Any stamp without adhesive. This can include unused stamps that have lost their gum over the years but generally refers to those purposely issued without adhesive. In some cases, such as special printings or special souvenir sheets, stamps aren't gummed because postal use isn't anticipated. In other cases, such as early stamps printed for use in countries with high humidity, gumming isn't practical.

Unique

Only one copy of a stamp or other postal item is known. Not all unique stamps are tremendously valuable; their value is determined by demand. The supply of an only-known stamp is obviously limited, but if only one collector is interested, the stamp has much less value than one desired by two or more collectors.

Unpaid-Letter Stamps

The original name for postage due issues.

Untagged Error

A form of color-omitted error. An untagged error is a stamp that is supposed to have a phosphorescent coating but does not. There are several causes of untagged errors, including ink starvation, disengagement of the tagging rollers, and skipped areas of the web.

Unused

An uncanceled stamp. An unused stamp is generally assumed to have some or all gum, but may or may not, depending upon description. A mint stamp is expected to have full original gum.

Unwatermarked

Stamps printed on paper that does not contain watermarks. Some foreign stamps are printed on paper with large watermarks that do not cover the entire surface of a sheet or pane, leaving some stamps with a partial watermark and others with none. Used A postage, revenue, or special service stamp that has served its intended purpose. Most such stamps bear cancellations, cuts, punches, or other defacements to prevent reuse. Canceled-to-order stamps bear cancellations and are considered used, but they have not served postal duty.

Used Abroad

The stamps of any country, used and postmarked in any other country. This is sometimes done through special arrangement, and is sometimes done inappropriately. Used abroad covers are quite desirable.

Stamp Alphabet Series: T is For Thailand

2011-09-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

Tab

A non-postal pictorial or text label attached to a postage stamp for various purposes. In recent years, tab has become the standard terminology to refer specifically to the labels on the stamps of Israel.

Tagging

On U.S. stamps, tagging refers to the intentional application of phosphorescent compounds that react when exposed to short-wave ultra-violet light on stamps or other postal paper. This is a photochemical reaction that can be detected by modern mail-handling equipment and used to correctly orient a piece of mail for canceling and sorting. In block tagged stamps, a rectangle of transparent but UV-reactive ink (called taggant) is applied. In overall tagging, as the name implies, the taggant covers the entire surface of the stamp, usually including the margins. Many recent stamps are printed on prephosphored paper, in which taggant is already present or is applied before printing. For stamps of other countries, tagging also refers to intentionally applied luminescent material that may be either fluorescent or phosphorescent. Most forms of tagging are invisible to the naked eye.

Tagging Ghost

The ghost image of a stamp image, text, or plate number, picked up wet from freshly printed stamps by the tagging roller and deposited on the next impression. Tagging ghosts are frequently mistaken for double printings, but are a form of set-off freak. Tagging ghosts that are quite clear are highly collectible.

Target Cancel

A cancellation marking composed of a series of concentric rings. Target cancels are a form of mute cancel that has been used in many countries for many years.

Taxed Photographs

Photographs from the Civil War era bearing revenue stamps on their backs. The tax act of 1864 (one of the later taxes of the Civil War) levied certain taxes on two arbitrary categories of photographs. One category included photos of artwork, engravings, and other types of illustrations. The other category covered all other types of photographs. It is the second type that required the use of revenue stamps. The tax (with one change in 1865) was effective from August 1, 1864, until July 31, 1866. Tax paid revenues differ from most other types in that they are not denominated in dollars and cents. Because of this, taxpaids are not listed in the Scott catalog - but that doesn't mean they don't have a strong devoted following. Taxpaids exist for many types of food, alcohol, and tobacco products, and each classification has many types.

Teeth

The projecting remnant of perforations along the edge of a stamp, formed by what was the bridge of paper between the perforations on un separated stamps. Each individual tooth gives a stamp its own personality and can be used much like a fingerprint for identification of a specific stamp.

Telegraph Stamp

It has been stated numerous times that telegraph stamps are to telegrams what postage stamps are to letters. This is the most direct form of payment representation possible. As telegraph service mushroomed during the late 1800s, so did the number of telegraph companies and use of telegraph stamps. These items were in use from about 1870-1947. As smaller companies were swallowed by larger ones, the number of stamps dwindled. In addition to mint and used, many telegraph stamps also are known as remainders. Many of these have a hole punched in them. (See also Collect and Duplicate)

Tercentenary

The 300th anniversary of a birth of other event.

Territorial Mail

Those covers and postal markings applied by active post offices in areas that have not yet been admitted to the union as states. In the case of Alaska and Hawaii, for example, pre-1959 postmarks are territorial's. Generally, territorial's are scarcer and more desirable than those markings applied after statehood. This is particularly true of the older states and those from the American Frontier.

Test Coil

One form of testing stamp created for experimental use. As with any test stamp, the primary reason for the existence of a test coil is so that tests can be run without using postage stamps, which could be misappropriated. Test coils in the United States have been created to test printing and processing equipment at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the vending machines of the U.S. Postal Service, and the stamp-affixing machines of many large mailers. In most cases, test stamps are never intended to reach the philatelic market and, in fact, such items were heavily controlled until the 1970s. As more and more material began to leak out (probably from private mailers), more collectors were able to obtain it for their collections and interest in these cinderella's has grown steadily since.

Tete-beche

Attached stamps that have designs inverted in relation to each other. This French term means head-to-tail. Tete-beche stamps may occur as a natural part of stamps production, such as some booklet formats and in the production of triangular stamps, or they may occur as a result of production error. Such errors normally are scarce. Tete-beche stamps are generally collected either as pairs, or as triplets, with the upside-down stamp in the center.

Thatcher Ferry Bridge Error

Late in 1962, almost immediately after the United States Post Office Department intentionally printed millions of Hammarskjold invert stamps to destroy the value of the error, panes of the Canal Zone stamp featuring the Thatcher Ferry Bridge were discovered with the silver bridge omitted. Once again, the USPOD was prepared to ruin the value of the stamps by intentionally printing millions more. Legendary dealer H.E. Harris intervened and immediately filed suit against the USPOD to prevent this from occurring. In the landmark case, which Harris won, the USPOD was prevented from ever reproducing errors to destroy collector value. Today, the Thatcher Ferry Bridge error is worth thousands, while the Hammarskjold invert is not worth significantly more than a normal example.

Thematic Collecting

Similar to topical collecting, thematic collecting strives to tell a complete story; for example, a thematic collection dealing with smoking would include not only topical items, but also historical related postal items. Thematics leave more open to an individual's own interpretation than the strict collecting of topical material that simply depicts the desired subject.

Thermographic Paper

A type of paper where the image is produced by the use of heat, laser beam, or pressure. Such stamps are difficult to store for long periods of time without damage.

Thin

Damage caused by the careless removal of a stamp from its cover or of a hinge from the stamp which leaves part of the stamp paper thinner than normal. Since the damage occurs on the back side of the stamp, it is not always visible when the stamp is viewed from the front. Thins are a form of damage to a stamp and lower a stamp's value. Sometimes referred to as a "thin spot" of "skinned spot."

Three-Dimensional Paper

Gimmick stamps created primarily during the 1960s and 1970s by countries looking to boost sales of their stamps to collectors. A special ridged plastic was used to reproduce a stamp image in relief. Such stamps have ceased, because hologram technology makes 3D images much easier, and in most cases, less expensive to reproduce.

Tied

A term denoting a marking on a cover that marries or ties the stamp or other item to the cover or card. The ink from the device carries over onto the cover, leaving the impression of being tied. Tied seals, stamps, and other items are important for documenting whether such items truly originated on a given cover.

Tobacco Sale Tax Stamps

Used for a short time in 1934 to show payment of tax paid for tobacco produced in excess of stated allotments. This tax was declared unconstitutional on December 1, 1935. Tommy Gun Stamp Specifically refers to a $200 revenue issued in 1934 to show payment of a fee for a permit to own a submachine gun.

Tongs
A special type of tweezers specifically designed for use by stamp collectors. Unlike tweezers, tongs are made under more exacting standards and come in a number of styles, from spade tip to needle nose. Also, and more importantly, the surface of a tong tip is never textured. These ridged edges, found on most tweezers, will harm stamps. Do you need some tongs? Championship Stamp Supply offers dozens of different tongs for stamp collectors.

Example of gold plated "Tongs"
Topical Collecting

This increasingly popular form of collecting involves gathering stamps, postmarks, meters, and other postal items that illustrate one particular topic, such as cats, dogs, boats or spaceships.

Torn Stamp

A generally unacceptable condition of a stamp, rendering it a space filler worth a tiny fraction of a sound copy's value. In some rare cases, such as the early stamps of Afghanistan (where postal clerks tore stamps with their teeth), a tear, punch, or other damaging defacement served as a customary form of stamp cancellation.

Town Cancellation

The most common form of postmark, giving the town name, and usually the state and date mailed. Most town-name postmarks are hand-stamped markings.

Training Stamps

These items, which are still produced in many countries, date back to business schools of the 19th century. Training stamps are now primarily crated in some countries for postal clerks in training. Such clerks, both civilian and military, frank, process, and cancel dummy mail franked with training stamps. Training stamps may be actual postage stamps that have been deliberately defaced for use in postal training, or they may be cinderella items that are designed and printed specifically for that purpose and have no true postal value. All are quite collectible. Because they both display block lines, some collectors confuse the barred training stamps of Great Britain with the graphite line varieties of the same countries.

Transfer Roll

Used in the siderography process to transfer the image from an engraved die to a printing plate. After the steel die is hardened, a softened transfer roll is rocked in creating a positive relief image. Once several entries are placed on the transfer roll, it is hardened and is then rocked into the softened plate, creating an incised reverse image.

Transient

These are generally minor varieties that appear on stamps at random, as opposed to constant varieties, which always appear on the same stamp in the same place in each pane or sheet printed. Transient varieties include ink smears, blobs, streaking, and other production-related anomalies.

Transit Marking

A special order form of postmark that frequently contains the word "transit" in the device itself. The marking denotes the piece is en route and sometimes indicates a delay of some sort. Although some postmarks are still added en route, arguably classifying them as transit markings, the devices themselves and the practice were officially discontinued many years ago.

Transition Strip, Block, or Multiple

A multiple of stamps of any size that shows a change from one form to another. The strip may be from sheet, booklet, coil, or any other format of stamps. The transitions referred to are often connected with major errors, such as a transition from perforated to imperforate stamps, or from full-color to color-omitted stamps. Error transition strips may be complete in as few as three stamps or as many as 20 or more. Such strips are usually scarcer than the error itself, so error transition strips frequently sell for a premium above the error itself, because of the amount of important information they supply.

Trial Color Proofs

See Color Trials.

Tri centennial

Stamps released to mark the 300th anniversary of a significant date or event.

True Franking

A mailed item that accurately reflects the postage paid by its stamp. Thus a 16.7-cent piece of mail bearing a 16.7-cent stamp is an example of a true franking.

Turned Cover

A cover that has been turned inside out for reuse. This usually has been done in times of hardship, such as war or natural disaster. Some turned covers also have been created specifically by collectors as novelties.

Typography

The obsolete term for letterpress printing, typography now deals with lettering and type sales.

Typeset

The obsolete term referring to stamps printed by letterpress (formerly known as typography).

Stamp Alphabet Series: S is For Sweden

2011-08-09T20:40:00.001-07:00

Sample Overprint

In 1889, at the order of the United States Post Office Department, the American Bank Note Co. prepared special printings of a range of earlier Bank Note issues that had been produced between 1879 and 1888. Copies of U.S. stamps issued since 1851 that were subsequently circulated for official, promotional, or educational purposes had been overprinted "Specimen." This special printing had never been intended for postal use of any kind; however, it apparently was felt that a "Specimen" overprint was inappropriate for use on these stamps. To ensure that they would not be confused with regular stamps and postally used, therefore, these stamps were given "SAMPLE" and "SAMPLE A" overprints in red or blue. (On four of them, all or part of the overprint appears in manuscript.) The stamps are listed with specimen stamps in the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps & Covers.

Sawtooth Roulette

A roulette that leaves angular, pointed edges.

Seal

Any non-postal labels used to raise money for charity or to decorate or seal envelopes.

Sealed Coil

A full roll of coil stamps that is in the original condition it was when sold at the post office. The size of the roll and characteristics can differ, but it will bear some form of seal, label, or wrapper. Some collectors save full, sealed coil rolls, and others purchase them to break down into desirable components. Sealed coils can be found from virtually every country that has produced coil stamps. With rare exceptions, most sealed coil rolls do not command premiums over the prices of their component stamps.

Second Issue

United States revenue stamps released in 1871 to replace the first issue series. The second issue stamps differ slightly in design from first issue examples and were printed on chameleon paper with silk fibers. This was intended to prevent unlawful cleaning of the cancels and subsequent illegal reuse.

Secret Marks

Tiny marks on stamps added by the artist or engraver to allow two similar designs to be told apart. These are frequently used with specific reference to early U.S. 19th century bank not issues. Some engravers also hide heir names or other details in stamp designs, only to be discovered later by sharp-eyed collectors. These, too, are known as secret marks.

Security Paper

A catchall term that refers to different types of paper, including silk, chalky, and prephosphored papers, among others, used to prevent counterfeiting of stamps.

Selective Block Tagging

Although similar to block tagging, this type of application involves the cutting of tagging rollers on a pantograph machine to leave untagged areas on printed stamps. Examples of this type of tagging include the 1988 Classic Autos booklet and the 13-cent Eagle and Shield definitive. The untagged area left by selective block tagging allows the cancellation ink to adequately permeate the stamp paper to prevent illegal reuse.

Self-Adhesive Stamps

Stamps with pressure-sensitive adhesive. Stamps with self-adhesive gum require no moisture to apply. They feature a sheet of silicone-coated backing paper beneath that keeps them intact until they are used. The first self-adhesive U.S. stamp, a pre-canceled die-cut 10-cent Dove Weathervane introduced for use on Christmas cards in October 1974, met with only modest success, and the gum has tended to produce mottled brown spots on mint copies. Improved self-adhesive stamps issued during the last decade, however, beginning with the 1989 25-cent Eagle and Shield, have become popular with postal patrons. Self-adhesive technology is relatively new to stamps, but currently accounts for the vast majority of new postage stamps produced in the United States. The first self-adhesive stamp was released by Sierra Leone in 1964 to salute the New York World's Fair.

Selvage
The unprinted paper surrounding the stamp in a pane, sheet, or booklet. The term also refers to the paper that borders sheets and pans of stamps as they are printed.

Example of "Selvage" that borders a small sheet of stamps
Semipostal

A postage stamp that also serves as a receipt for the prepayment of an additional fee, usually to benefit charity. This additional fee frequently is represented in the stamp's denomination as a "plus" indicator. Thus, a stamp with 3+2c denomination denotes 3 cents postage and 2 cents to a specific charity.

Separation

See Perforations and Roulette.

Series

A grouping of stamps by design, theme, or other means, intentionally released as a group over a period of months or years.

Serpentine Roulette

A form of roulette consisting of wavy lines.

Serrated roulette (or Saw Tooth Rouletting)

A form of rouletting, probably in which the simulated perforations fit together in an interlocking pattern of jagged right angles.

Service

When overprinted on a stamp, the term generally means "on government service." The overprint indicates the stamp is valid for use only by a governmental official.

Service-Inscribed Stamps

Stamps containing text indicating their intended function or rate, either as an integral part of the stamp design (as in the "BULK RATE" inscription on the 7.9-cent Drum definitive) or applied as an overprint (as in "CAR-RT SORT" Bureau pre-cancel.

Sesquicentennial

Stamps released to mark the 150th anniversary of a significant date or event.

Set

A grouping of stamps all belonging to the same issue or series.

Set Off

Often inaccurately referred to as offset, set-off is a phenomenon that occurs when freshly printed sheets of stamps are stacked before the ink has completely dried. The design from a bottom sheet frequently, partially or fully, transfers to the un printed side of the sheet directly above it. The more complete the impression, the more desirable the freak is to collectors. The most pronounced examples of set offs are caused by a printing plate leaving a fully inked impression on an underlying roller when the press skips a sheet of paper. Subsequent sheets then receive normally inked impressions on the top side, as well as a reversed impression on the gummed side, where it has come in contact with the roller. Subsequent offset impressions fade as the ink on the roller is exhausted. These freaks, which are usually strong impressions, are greatly sought after. A third form of set off can be simulated by normally printed stamps sticking together as a result of high humidity. When pulled apart, they can give the appearance of an offset, but they are not true set offs and have no philatelic value. Another similar form of setoff can also occur through improper storage of stamps in albums. Under pressure, stamp designs transfer from the face of the stamp to the next album page. This form of setoff is not desirable.

Se-tenant

Two or more stamps of different designs or types that are attached. Se-tenant issues have become more popular in recent years with a number of different countries. Unintentional se-tenants also exist. If different die types or major variations occur on different stamps from the same sheet or pane, a pair of stamps exhibiting these different characteristics are considered to be se-tenant.

Sewing Machine Perfs

Privately produced perforations on imperforate second issue revenues. It is believed that the buyer of what would have been imperforate errors ran the stamps through a sewing machine, letting the needle to the perforating.

Shade

A color variation from the normally released version. A shade by nature refers only to one particular mix of hue and chroma, but is compared by collectors to what is considered normal for a stamp.

Sheet

A complete printing sheet of stamps as it comes off the press. It may well be sliced into post office panes at a later date.

Sheet Files

An oversized glassine envelope capable of holding an entire mint pane.

Sheetfed

A flat-plate press that prints stamps in individual sheets, as opposed to a webfed rotary press, which utilizes large rolls, or webs, of paper.

Ship Cancel

A postal marking applied aboard a ship. Such markings usually give not only the date, but also the name of the ship and, occasionally, the shipping line name. Such cancels are usually considered desirable.

Short Perf

Poor separation of attached stamps may result in one perforation tooth that is shorter than its neighbors. While a short perf is considered a fault, it may not seriously affect a stamp's value negatively. Short Set A grouping of stamps from the same issue or series that may be missing one or two values, usually the high values in the packet trade.

Siderography

The practice (or art) of creating printing plates from the original die by using transfer rolls to rock stamp images onto the printing plate. Most siderography is now done by machine, rather than by hand.

Silk Paper

Revenue stamp paper that includes silk fibers. (The early experimental silk paper, found on first issue revenues and some private die proprietaries is difficult to distinguish.) In many cases, only a single fiber or two may be found on one stamp. Later silk paper types have numerous, highly visible silk fibers appearing in the paper.

Silver Tax Stamps

Used to pay tax on the net profit on the sale of silver bullion (1934-63). Silver tax stamps were to be affixed to the transfer memorandum. Although the last silver tax stamps were released in 1944, their use was continued until June 4, 1963.

Skips

Stamps that have been postally used but were not canceled. Although the use of skips is illegal, many people view them as found money. Once removed from the envelope, there is no way to distinguish a skip from an unused stamp without gum.

SL

Abbreviation for straight line, referring, for example, to a town marking consisting of a straight line.

Sleeper

A stamp that is in short supply or inherently desirable for some reason, but the value has not yet been discovered by collectors.

Slogan Cancel

Metal die hub cancels that bear some informational, advertising, promotional, or propaganda message. They are found on the covers of many countries. Slogan cancels may also be hand-stamped, but do not occur as frequently as machine cancels.

Smears, Blobs, and Blotches

Caused on stamps by excess ink, by cleaning solvent or other chemicals, on the printing plate at some point during production.

Snowman Perforations

A perforation anomaly that appears on some stamps of the 1990s processed on what is known as an APS grinding perforator. The name comes from the appearance of the anomaly: stacked perforation holes that resemble a sideways snowman. The APS grinding perforator does not punch holes in the stamp paper; it grinds out the holes, with the use of three rotary blades and a perforation pattern die that pushes the paper into cutting blades, producing dust, rather than tiny circles of paper. The practice, known as skiving, was borrowed from the leather making industry, where thin layers of skin are removed from the hide. Cutting heads are positioned so that the web first travels pas one cutter, grinding away the paper and perforating that portion of the web first. The web then travels under a take-up roller to the remaining two cutting heads. If the paper slips slightly out of alignment, or if the take-up rolls develop play or chatter, the edges of the blades, which normally overlap two or three holes, double-cut the stamps out of alignment, causing the snowman affect of slightly doubled perforations.

Soaking

The process of removing stamps from their envelope backings by immersing in cool water for a time. Soaked stamps are then placed face down on absorbent paper to dry.

Socked-On-the-Nose

See Bull's Eye.

Solvent Smear

The most dramatic form of color smear, these result from use of solvents to clean printing plates. After cleaning, solvent remainders thin printing ink to the point that t messily smears across the surface of the finished stamp. Like all freaks, these items are supposed to be cut from the printed web of stamp paper and destroyed, but they occasionally slip though, to the delight of collectors.

Souvenir Card

Special items with philatelic interest, usually released in conjunction with philatelic exhibitions. Souvenir cards may or may not depict stamps. In some cases, such as those produced by the Bureau of Engraving and printing, souvenir cards bear die imprints of actual postage stamps. Souvenir cards are not valid for postage, but are simply intended to be attractive souvenirs.

Souvenir Panel

A specific product of the United States Postal Service. A souvenir panel is a specially engraved card, with text relating to a stamp issue. A mint block of four stamps is then added to the panel and sold as a souvenir.

Souvenir Sheet

Typically a small pane or sheet that contains one or more stamps, released for a specific event or purpose. The margins of souvenir sheets frequently are very large and contain printed information describing the stamps, the purpose of issue, or the special event being commemorated. The stamps in a souvenir sheet may either be perforated or imperforate, and, with rare exceptions, are valid for postage, either as part of the sheet or cut out and affixed separately. In many cases, stamps in souvenir sheets reproduce older stamp issues. Souvenir sheets have been issued by most countries at one time or another, frequently in celebration of a large stamp show.

Example of a "Souvenir Sheet"
Spacefiller

A damaged or inferior copy of a stamp valued chiefly for its ability to fill as spot in an album. It is assumed that the stamp will be replaced when a better example is obtained, unless it happens to be very rare or valuable.

Spandrel

The corner area between the vignette (or central oval) and the outer frame line or border. This corner area frequently includes decorative design elements.

Special Delivery

A special service of mail used when a sender wishes a communication to be delivered quickly, by messenger, upon its arrival at the post office. Many different countries have released special delivery stamps for this service. In recent years, special delivery has fallen out of favor with mailers (and was discontinued in the United States in 1997). Expedited services, such as Express Mail, have largely replaced the need for special delivery.

Special Handling

Stamps representing a special fee for a service used on fourth-class mail that gives it the same handling privileges as first-class mail.

Special Printing

Stamps created for distribution to dignitaries as special favors, or for sale (often long after the fact) to collectors. They may or may not be valid for postage. Such stamps also may or may not be produced from original printing plates. Examples of special printings include the 1875 printings of numerous U.S. stamps (including newly engraved reproductions of numbers 1 and 2). The exact line of what constitutes a special printing is not always clear. The so-called Farley's Follies issues of the 1930's, which were produced to make stamps given to dignitaries available to collectors, are considered by most to be special printings. The intentional printing of the 1962 Hamarskjold Invert is, in fact, a special printing, but is not generally acknowledged as such.

Special Stamps

There is some discussion among collectors over special stamps, a not-entirely-satisfactory term coined by the U.S. Postal Service. These stamps fall somewhere between definitives and commemoratives in both size and use. They may be reprinted from time to time, like definitives, but are issued in a very limited range of denominations and have a more specialized function or intended period of use than ordinary definitives do. The Christmas stamps issued since 1962 and the Love stamps issued since 1973 are examples of U.S. special issues.

Specialist

A collector who studies and gains special knowledge in one particular area. This can include country or topical collections as well as specialized studies of a single stamp or series. In many cases, the dedicated specialist is able to serve as an expert in his or her chosen specialty.

Specimen Stamp

A stamp that has been defaced by means of an overprint, perforation pattern, or other obliterations for the purpose of creating samples to be given to postmasters, philatelic agencies, and others.

Stamp Alphabet Series: R is For Romania

2011-07-05T20:36:00.000-07:00

Railroad Cancel

Postal cancellation generally applied in a working railway post office (RPO) aboard a train.

Railway Post Office (RPO)

A small working office on board a train. These post offices on a single railway car sorted, cased, canceled, and bagged mail while the train was en route. Railway post office service was phased out during the 1960s.

Received Marking

A special postmark applied to the back of a cover that denoted the receiving town name, date, and frequently the time of arrival. Historically, this has been an important means of documenting mail delivery. Although received markings are still used in some countries and are sill occasionally found on United States covers, the practice was officially discontinued prior to 1920.

Recess Printing

See Intaglio.

Rectification Tax Stamps

Similar in purpose to distilled spirits stamps but showed payment of taxes on those distilled spirits that were to undergo additional distilling, usually in the form of blending.

Recut

A stamp design that has been repaired, retouched, or otherwise strengthened or altered on the printing plate. Because the alteration has been done by hand on the plate itself, the printed stamp usually will be visually different from its counterparts in some way. Recuts may be minor or major and, because they are constant varieties, they will always appear on stamps form the same position and plate.

Redrawn

The reworking of an existing stamp design. Rather than going back to the printing plate, transfer roll, or even original die, a stamp producer will base new artwork on an existing stamp design; the result is a similar but face-different stamp. One of the more well-known examples of a redrawn stamp is the U.S. 5-cent Washington of the 1965 Prominent Americans series. The original design was thought to make Washington look too swarthy. As a result, the redrawn design, which appeared in 1967, features a new and improved clean-shaven portrait of Washington.

Re-Engrave

To remake all or part of a printing plate or die by making additions or corrections to the design without significantly changing it. A re-engraved stamp may have small details changed, or it may involve major work.

Registered Mail

A service added to basic first-class service for which the sender is given a numbered receipt that acknowledges the monetary value of the item being mailed. A signature is required of the addressee upon delivery, and the mail is tracked throughout its journey. If a registered item is lost in handling, the sender may receive compensation for the item. Registered mail, in use by many countries, is used to mail particularly valuable items. Many countries have released registry stamps to pay the registry fee. Registered mail may be sent with or without postal insurance. Covers bearing registry markings and the appropriate postage are frequently prized by postal history collectors.

Registration

This term, used as a noun, refers to how closely in alignment different colors appear on a multicolored stamp.

Regular Issue

See Definitives.

Reissue

A stamp that was previously withdrawn from government sale and is later placed on sale again. A reissue does not involve the reprinting of a stamp and is indistinguishable from the original other than by postal use.

Remainders

Stamps left after an issue has officially been withdrawn from sale. In some cases, devalued remainders are sold in quantity to dealers, or are canceled (or otherwise defaced) and distributed to the hobby through other channels.

Repaired Stamps

Defective stamps that have been altered or enhanced in some way to minimize or disguise their flaws. Many kinds of different philatelic repairs have been attempted, with results that range from dreadful to virtually undetectable. Such repairs include (but are not limited to) the filling of thins, the sealing of tears, and the replacement and reperforation of missing margins. Many in the hobby regard stamp repairs unfavorably, chiefly because of the potential for fraud if a repaired copy is offered as a more valuable sound example of the same stamp. Others, however, regard repaired stamps, bought and sold as such, in the same way as one would a repaired antique chest or a piece of old porcelain with a sealed chip or crack - as a less valuable, but more affordable, restored version of a collectible stamp.

Reprint

A stamp printed from the original plates often after the issue has become obsolete. Such stamps are not intended for postal use; rather, they are created for collectors as philatelic souvenirs.

Retouch

This form of printing plate repair, usually involving the manual strengthening of a design element, is far less severe and less noticeable on finished stamps than any form of recutting or re-engraving. The latter repairs, often major, create stamps with significant design flaws or differences from normal examples. Like any repair or damage to a plate, however, a retouch will always appear on the same stamp position from the same plate.

Return Receipt

A mailing service (available for a fee) where a special penalty imprinted postal card is attached to the mail piece, which is then signed by the recipient and sent back to the original mailer.

Revenue Stamped Paper

A number of different types of items released with stamped, inked impressions to show payment of applicable tax on the paper itself. The most common form of revenue stamped paper is the bank check. Railway tickets and other documents also exist as revenue stamped paper. These items should be saved intact because trimmed or cut pieces have little value.

Revenue Stamps

Special stamps, utilized worldwide, to pay duties or taxes on various good sand services. These stamps, affixed to documents or receipts ( and canceled), show prepayment of these taxes. Revenue stamps may be found on liquor, tobacco, playing cards, stock certificates, deeds, patent medicines, and many other items. Postage stamps used for revenue purposes are called postal-fiscals; revenues used for postage are called fiscal-postals.

RMS

Abbreviation used in postmarks for Railway Mail Service.

Rotary Perforations

A form of perforation applied by a perforating wheel that has a grinding motion. The holes from such perforators are generally rougher than those applied by stroke perforators and are slightly distorted in shape.

Rotary Press

This form of printing involves the use of joined, curved printing plates that print on continuous rolls (webs) of paper. Because the plates are slightly distorted when they are bent, stamps printed from such plates are usually slightly taller or wider than those produced from flat plates.

Rough Perforations

A type of perforating, intentional or non-intentional, that leaves jagged perforation holes.

Roulette

A form of stamp separation where dash-like cuts are made in the paper to allow stamps to be separated without tearing or cutting. Roulettes serve the purpose of perforations, but, unlike perforations, no paper is removed during the process. The most common form of rouletting is a series of slits applied by a toothed wheel, but there are several others.

Row

A horizontal, single-stamp-tall multiple of stamps from a sheet, pane, or booklet.

RPO

Abbreviation used for Railway Post Office.

Stamp Alphabet Series: Q is for Qatar

2011-06-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

Quadrille A type of paper with intersecting vertical and horizontal lines that form small squares or rectangles. These rectangles may either be formed by a watermark or by a pattern of oil or lacquer. A number of French colony stamps of the turn of the century were printed on a quadrille paper. The term also applies to a specific form of album page with a lightly printed network of squares. This quadrille pattern is used by collectors as a guide for centering and mounting stamps on pages.

Quadripartite labels: postal labels made up of four parts; divided by roulette or perforation.

Quadripartition: four stamps that together form a completed design.

Quadrisect stamps: term used for 1931 Nicaraguan stamps where stamp fragments were permitted when supplies of normal low-value stamps ran short.

Qu'aiti State in Hadhramaut: Arab sultanate on borders on the Gulf of Aden; 1891: forwarding agents in Aden handled mail, 1937, April 22: first stamps as Aden, 1939: postal union between Aden and protected states signed, 1942, July: first stamps issued, “Qu’aiti State of Shihr and Mukalla,” 1955: Protectorate State of Hadhramaut, 1963, Oct. 20: last issue; replaced by Federation of South Arabia; see Aden States.

Qu'aiti State of Shihr and Mukalla: Aden, East Aden Protectorate, 1955 1942: No.1, ½ anna blue green, first stamp, 1955: became Hadhramaut, 1963, Oct. 20: last issue; replaced by Federation of South Arabia; see Aden.

Qu'aiti State of Shihr and Mukalla: found in Scott Catalogue, Volume 1 after Aden-Kathiri State of Seiyun.

Quaker postmark: where the month is designated by a number and not name; The Society of Friends is opposed to the pagan naming of the months.

Quarnero Islands: see Carnaro, Fiume.

Quan Buu: military stamps of Viet Nam, 1960s.

Quantity Known (Reported to Exist): Unique: only one copy known. Very Rare: Fewer than 10 copies known. Rare: Fewer than 25 copies known. Very Scarce: Fewer than 50 copies known. Scarce: Fewer than 100 copies known.

Quarter: the fourth part of a divisible stamp; example is the 1857 issue of Brunswick with individual values of a quarter gutegroschen which prepaid the lowest postal rate.

Quartina: (It.) block of four.

Quartz lamp: a lamp with a quartz filament that shows repairs or tampering on stamps; used for observing phosphors.

Quatrefoil watermark: see Rosace.

Quattrino: unit of currency in the Italian state of Tuscany until 1860.

Queen Anne Act of 1710: provided for a chief or a General Post office in New York, subordinate to Her Majesty's Postmaster General in London with rates fixed by the British Parliament in 1710.

Queen Elizabeth II, 60th Birthday: common design of the British Commonwealth of Nations, 1986.

Queen Elizabeth II, 65th Birthday: common design of the British Commonwealth of Nations, 1991.

Queen Elizabeth II, Accession to Throne: common design of the British Commonwealth of Nations, 1992.

Queen Elizabeth II, 70th Birthday: common design of the British Commonwealth of Nations, 1996.

Queen Maud Land: bogus, 1969.

Queen Mother 85th Birthday: common design of the British Commonwealth of Nations, 1985.

Queen Mother 90th Birthday: common design of the British Commonwealth of Nations, 1990.

Queen Mother's Century: common design of the British Commonwealth of Nations, 1999.

Queen's College: local, United Kingdom, Cambridge, 1883.

Queen's head: term for stamps depicting Queen Victoria.

Queensland: northeastern part of Australia; currency: 12 pence = 1 shilling, 20 shillings = 1 pound 1851: stamps as New South Wales, 1859: became a separate colony, sunburst design as cancel, 1860, Jan. 26-Nov.1: used stamps of New South Wales, 1860, Nov.1: No.1, 1 penny deep rose, first stamp; used Chalon Head stamps, 1861: first registration stamp, 1866: first postal fiscal stamp, 1882: postal treaty with Hong Kong permitted stamps of both countries used when posted aboard ships, 1884-91: stamps of Queensland used in British New Guinea, 1891: joined the UPU, 1900, June 19: first semipostal stamp, 1901: part of the six British Colonies to form the Commonwealth of Australia, 1913: stamps of the Commonwealth of Australia used; see Australia.

Queensland Railways: railway stamps promoted the "Golden Casket" a state lottery to used to frank letters and packages shipped via the railroad.

Queensland Railways: Australia railways local post.

Queens, Large, Small: large Queens of Canada ; size change to allow 200 small Queens to be printed in the same space as100 Large Queens (1868); small (1870-97).

Queen Victoria: the Penny Black, first postage stamp issued in 1840, as well as many other stamps, bears her image.

Quelimane: river port of Mozambique Province; Portuguese East Africa; currency: 100 centavos = 1 escudo 1894: Portuguese Colonies stamps overprinted Zambezia, 1898: King Carlos key type stamps issued, 1902: overprint “Provisoria,” 1913: No.1, 1/4 centavos on ½ avo blue-green, “Republica Quelimane” overprint on stamps of Macao, Portuguese Africa, Timor, 1914: “Quelimane” inscription on stamps of Portugal, 1922: replaced by stamps of Mozambique; see Tete.

Quelimane: overprint on stamps of Portuguese Colonies; Macao, Portuguese Africa, Timor, 1914: "Quelimane" inscription on stamps of Portugal, 1922: stamps of Mozambique; see Tete.

Quepol: one of the Sicmon Islands in the South Pacific created by Nick Bantock for his book, Griffin & Sabine.

Quer: (Ger.) diagonal.

Queretaro: overprint on stamps of Mexico for this district, 1856-1883.

Quettan Republic: bogus African nation.

Quetzel: currency unit in Guatemala.

Quind(t)ar: currency unit in Albania.

Quinta de Goya: (Sp.) inscription for the centenary of the death of Goya, 1930, Spain.

Quito: city in Ecuador; Quito to Guayaquil Railway Company used a five-pointed star
overprint in 1902.

Quittances: (Fr.) receipts; French Colonies revenue inscription

Quittances du Tresor: (Fr.) treasurer's receipt; French Colonies revenue inscription

Quittung: (Ger.) receipt.

Quotazione: (It.) price.

QV: abbreviation for Queen Victoria

QY: Scott Catalog number prefix for Parcel Post Authorized Delivery (Italy).

Stamp Alphabet Series: P is for Poland

2011-05-11T20:01:00.000-07:00

Pair

1. Two of a kind; stamps that have not been separated, two attached stamps.
2. Two se-tenant postage stamps; understood to be se-tenant horizontally

Pane

stamps as sold by the post office; usually a commemorative pane consists of 50 stamps; four panes of 50 stamps make up a "sheet" of stamps as printed; more recently panes consist of 20 stamps.

page of booklet postage stamps. [see Booklet Pane]

Perf

abbreviation for Perforation [see Perforation]

Perforated

[see Perforation]

Perforated Edges

The number of sides of a stamp that have perforations. see Perforation (Perf).
Often a coil stamp has 2 opposite sides of the stamp perforated and the other 2 sides are not. A single stamp from a booklet may have 2 adjacent sides perforated and the other 2 sides are not perforated, or onlty one side not perforated. [see
Perforation]

Perforation

Holes punched, in a line, into the stamp paper between rows of stamps to permit easy separation of the stamps. (abbreviation Perf) Perforations are measured by counting the number of peaks or valleys in the perforating in any given 2cm space.
A 11 x 13 has 11 perforations in 2cm on the top (or bottom) and 13 on either side. A single number measure means that the perforation count is the same on all sides.
A 10 verticle means that both left and right are perforated 10 and the top and bottom are not perforated. 10 horizontal means that the top and bottom perforations are perfed 10 and the left and right are not perforated at all. These last 2 are usually coil stamps, issued in long stripes or coils, one stamp wide, so for seperating the stamps, only 2 sides need to be perforated.
Perforations are usually measured using a perforation gauge. [see Perforation Gauge]

Perforation Gauge

An instrument designed to measure the number of peaks or valleys in the perforating in any given 2cm space. Perforations are usually measured using a perforation gauge. Paper perforation gauges have rows of dots or a sawtooth arrangement where you line up the teeth of perforations of your stamp with the row of dots and read off the perforation count. Clear plastic perforation gauges is also available. With it you can lay the gauge on the stamp (useful if it is on a cover). It also has slanted verticle lines on the plastic, when the perforations on the stamp line up with the lines, then you read the perforation count off of the gauge. It also has the advantage of being able to measure fractional perforations, like a 13.2 .

Phosphor

A chemical printed on stamps in order to help automated machines process the mail by reacting to the phosphor under ultraviolet lights. It started in Great Britain in 1959, and many countries now use a phosphor "tagging" on their stamps.

Plate Block

(abbreviation PB) A block of stamps with the sheet margin attached showing the plate number used in printing that sheet. Usually collected as a block of four stamps or more.

Plate Number

1. The serial number engraved on a plate which usually appears in a corner of a sheet of stamps. This number is used to keep the plates from getting mixed up at the printing plant.

2. Single digit suffix numbers are printed on the coils, instead of the whole serial number.

Postmark

(abbreviation Pm, or Pmk) Any mark cancelling the stamp and recording an item's passage through the mails.

Proof

A trial printing, known as a strike, taken from a new printing plate for inspection purposes; this can be used to inspect for defects, or to see which ink color looks best for that particular stamp.

Provisional

A stamp, usually overprinted or surcharged, issued for temporary use.

Stamp Alphabet Series: O is For Oman

2011-04-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

Oblique Roulette

A roulette separation on stamps that consists of parallel diagonal slits.

Obliteration

Any form of marking used to deface a stamp. An obliteration may refer to a cancellation or those political obliterations where unwanted parts of a stamp design are marked out by overprinting.

Obsolete

No longer in general use. An obsolete stamp may or may not have been demonetized; it simply is no longer sold over post office counters.

Occupation Stamp A stamp issue released by the conquering force of an occupied country for specific use in that territory or area. Such stamps may be overprinted or surcharged stamps of the occupied country itself or entirely new stamps created for that purpose.

Oddity

Desirable and collectible items that don't fit comfortably in the error or freak categories. Such items include plate varieties, odd or unusual cancels, and a host of other unusual items.

Off Center

A stamp that is not well centered within its perforations or margins, due to production imperfections or mishandling during separation. Stamps that are off center are undesirable to most collectors. They are too poorly centered to be attractive in a collection, but not poorly centered enough to be considered misperforation freaks and, thus, are collectible.

Off Paper

A stamp soaked or otherwise removed from the envelope or piece to which it was originally affixed for mailing.

Offices Abroad

Usually overprinted or surcharged stamps with the country name, or currency, or both, of another country in which the satellite post office is located. The United States, France, Great Britain, Italy, and Germany are some of the nations that have issued stamps for use in their post offices abroad.

Official Mail

Mail sent on official government business, frequently designated by special stamps, postal stationery, or overprints. U.S. Official mail that did not use special stamps often was called Penalty Mail, because the special envelopes for it included the imprint "Penalty For Private Use $300."

Official Stamps Postage issues released for use by the government and selected officials on official government correspondence. These may be specially designed stamps or overprinted postage issues. In some cases, various government departments may or may not have to pay for the stamps they use, but in most cases, official stamps provide an effective means for the government to keep tabs on individual and departmental expenditures.

Offset Printing

A form of indirect surface printing that works on the principal that oil and water do not mix. Offset printing is now the most economical and versatile form of printing known. Its roots are in lithographic printing, which is another form of surface printing using a litho stone (a type of limestone from Germany) as the plate. Modern offset printing is accomplished with the use of an aluminum plate that is photographically treated to retain the positive stamp image, while attracting ink. The non-design areas repel the ink. Rather than applying the inked image directly to paper, the offset plate transfers the image to a rubber blanket roll (a negative image) that then transfers the design to paper for the finished stamp. Indirect offset printing can use the characteristics of any other form and can be accomplished with both sheet-fed and web fed presses.

Old Paper

A term most often encountered with the first issue revenues, although it also is found with some private die proprietary issues. Old paper is the tough, semi-transparent paper in use during the 1860s. "Old stamps not recognized" A special postal marking applied during the U.S. Civil War. As part of an effort to pressure the South financially, the United States government devalued all postage stamps released prior to 1861. This left large stocks of unusable postage in the South, which could no longer be exchanged for cash to aid the Confederacy. When these devalued stamps were detected on mail, the marking "old stamps not recognized" was applied to the mail piece. This scarce marking is valuable and extremely scarce. Omnibus Issues This term describes stamps or sets of stamps released by several different countries to mark the same event. The designs of omnibus issues may be identical, similar, or completely different, although they are most commonly found with similar designs. In most cases, omnibus issues are released by different colonies of a single country or member states of some other postal union. These unions include the British Commonwealth and the European federation of countries, to name but two.

On Cover

Any stamp still on the entire mailing piece (usually an envelope or card) to which it was originally affixed for mailing and subsequently canceled.

On Paper

Describes stamps that are still affixed to a bit of the paper of the original mail piece. Such items are usually cut close. On Piece A similar term to "on paper," but this usually refers to a larger piece with some form of cancellation or other validating form of postal marking, giving evidence of where or when the stamp was originally mailed. Stamps on piece are often neatly cut to facilitate mounting. Opera Glass Cancel A double-ring obliteration designed by Pearson Hill that was used in Great Britain during the late 1840s. Original Gum The adhesive originally present on a stamp at the time it was produced. Many older stamps have been regummed, but there is a premium for stamps with original gum, even if it has been disturbed or redistributed. Overall Tagging Several types of phosphorescent tagging where individual stamps are completely covered with taggant. This includes stamps tagged by continuous steel or rubber rollers that apply taggant, as well as large blocks that cover full panes of stamps. Overprint Any form of printing applied to a finished stamp.

Overprints

can be text or pictorial, and can take the form of a surcharge changing the value, change in country name, pre-cancel, commemorative, or security feature.

Oxidation

A chemical process where the color of a stamp is greatly changed by exposure to elements present in the air or by improper storage. In some cases, the changed in appearance caused by oxidation can e reversed. Despite its dramatic appearance, an oxidized stamp is of interest to collectors only as a reference item or as a curiosity. It represents a form of stamp damage.

Stamp Alphabet Series: N is for Niger

2011-03-06T17:19:00.001-08:00

Narcotic Tax Stamps

Stamps created to show payment of taxes on opium, coca leaves, and their derivatives in use between 1919-71. These long stamps were applied to narcotics containers.

Negative Postmark

Postmark in which the text is formed by the uninked part of the marking, rather than the inked portion of the design.

Net Price

Often used in sales books or by dealers in pricing stamps. A net price may not be further discounted.

New Issue

A recent stamp or set of stamps issued by any country or postal authority. A new issue dealer sells the newest stamps of one or more countries.

New Issue Service

Many collectors rely on new issue services to keep their collections up to date with stamps from various countries. A new issue service works by keeping a subscriber list of collectors, collecting deposits, and mailing the new stamps out in small batches after they are released. A new issue service may either be maintained at face value by the postal entity responsible for the stamps, or by a stamp dealer for a slight cost above face value.

New Value

The first meaning, which is obsolete, is a surcharge - a new, different denomination printed over an old one. More commonly, however, a new value refers to a new stamp in an existing stamp series that bear a denomination that is different from all others in that particular series.

Newspaper Stamp

Stamps created to pay postage on newspapers, periodicals, journals, and other forms of printed matter. Some types of these issues combine tax and postage, thus becoming both postage and revenue stamps. Several forms of newspaper stamps are created for use on individual mail pieces or papers, while others exist to pay bulk postage on large shipments of printed material. Newspaper stamps in their various forms exist from many different countries, including the United States. Newspaper stamps also are commonly referred to as journal stamps, although the latter term often refers to lower denomination issues.

Nibbed Perf

The end of a perforation tooth that has been poorly torn and is rough looking. It is a common trait and is considered a minor fault.

Non-Denominated Definitives

A stamp with no denomination, or face value. Many countries have released such stamps, mainly for domestic use. In the United States, definitives were issued for the rate changes of 1978 (orange "A" Eagle [15-cent]), March 1981 (violet "B" Eagle [18-cent]), November 1981 (brown "C" Eagle [20-cent]), 1985 (green "D" Eagle [22-cent]), 1988 (multicolored "E" Earth 25-cent]), 1991 (multicolored "F" Flower [29-cent]), and 1995 (multicolored "G" Old Glory [32-cent]).

Non-Pictorial Permit Stamps

State and Indian reservation revenue stamps issued for use on various game licenses. These items, often inexpensively printed and humble appearing, frequently are many times scarcer than their more attractive counterparts. These exist for duck, small game, fish, and other recreational hunting purposes.

Stamp Alphabet Series: M is for Morocco

2011-02-09T11:03:00.000-08:00

Machin
The name given to G.B. definitives, first issued in 1967 bearing the Queen's head designed from a plaster cast of the queen's profile by Arnold Machin,

Margin
The unprinted edging surrounding or dividing a sheet of stamps. [see Gutter Margin]

Miniature Sheet
(abbreviation M/S) A small sheet of one or several stamps, usually with a decorative margins, issued as a souvenir for collectors.

Mint
A stamp as issued by the government printing office with full original gum [see Original Gum]. where available, unhinged and uncanceled.

Black History Month: Heritage Series

2011-02-02T18:08:00.000-08:00

Don't believe the rumors. There is no stoppage of the popular stamp series. This was one of those silly internet stories that proves to be completely untrue. The Black Heritage Series continues and will continue to document the achievements of African Americans.

We get many emails asking when the Post Office will issue a stamp for Gen. Colin Powell. In fact we get more emails asking about him then our current President Barack Obama. I remind all inquiring that the rules are the same for everyone: a worthy individual must be deceased for at least 10 years before being considered.

Stamp Alphabet Series: L is For Luxembourg

2011-01-01T19:49:00.000-08:00

Label: 1: a stamp-like adhesive that may be blank, attached to a commemorative or semi-postal stamp with description, used in stamp booklets, advertising labels attached to stamps, war propaganda labels, etc; by themselves, may be considered cinderellas. 2: Great Britain calls postage due stamps labels. 3: earliest name for postage stamp as shown in the margin of the first British sheets, but not used any longer. 4: bogus stamp of non-existent issue.
Label address: address on a label that is affixed to a cover.

Label cachet: design on a label that is affixed to a cover.

Label, commemorative: carries description of stamp design

Labeled stamps: stamps with labels attached.

Label, fiscal: label valid for fiscal usage.

La Belle France: cinderella issues from France used to promote tourism.

Label, semi-postal: with description of charity.

Label stain (LS): blemish from a peelable label on a cover.

La Bisbal: local post, Spanish civil war, Republican, 1937.

Labrador USA Post Office: 1908; bogus stamps for Labrador, Canada.

Space: Another Stamp Frontier

2010-12-19T10:19:00.000-08:00

French science fiction writer Jules Vernes imagined space travel more than a century before it was achieved. Five decades ago the only space traveling taking place was between the United States and Russia (then the Soviet Union), both countries producing stamps documenting their enormous achievements. Five decades later more countries like France, Japan and now China are routinely sending satellites, probes and people into orbit. Expect to see more stamps produced in the coming years adding to the small but growing topical collection of space stamps.

It is exciting to see more additions being added every year as more and more stamp-producing entities (even ones whom do not have a space program) take advantage of new technology and craft digital imaging onto their stamp products. This positive trend will continue to increase the topical inventory of space stamps and build a sub-category of stamping into a major force for collectors worldwide.

Stamp Collecting as a Form of Therapy

2010-12-04T20:15:00.000-08:00

We know fine art and writing can be used as a form of therapy to help the sick heal faster. But stamp collecting? I am convinced stamp collecting can also be used in this manner. The organization "Stamps for the Wounded" uses stamps to help wounded soldiers heal faster in hospitals. I have read numerous articles of parents using stamps to help their handicapped or autistic children gain a greater focus on finding their place in the world.

KNS gets emails from single parents using stamp collecting as a bridge to reconnect with children traumatized by the hurt of divorce. What better way to use stamps than as a healing instruments to help people put down their pain and find a surer path to peace.

Here is what we have learned from emails, communication and research:

* Stamps give people time to heal by concentrating on something more worthy than their pain

* Stamps provide new knowledge to victims about the beautiful world that surrounds them

* Stamps are tangible devices a patient can feel, touch, place, arrange and rearrange

* Stamps give people with no control a firm sense they have control after all

* Stamps provide entertainment through pursuit of their meaning and country of origin

Like most past times stamp collecting holds intrinsic value beyond the mere academic or entertainment tangents. There is an emotional, dare I say, psychological benefit from collecting colourful mementos from distant foreign lands. The mystery of collecting is a type of medicine to the ailing souls desperately in need of urgent intervention. Something must shake these scattered pieces back to a recognizable face. And I believe stamp collecting used as a form of therapy points the way back home.

Stamp Alphabet Series: J is for Japan & K is for Korea

2010-12-01T05:03:00.000-08:00

J P A - Junior Philatelists of America.

Jet press - Another term for offset printing of stamps.

Joint issue - When a similar stamp design is issued by more than one country on the same day.

Joint line - A line formed by ink that accumulates between two printing plates.

Journal stamps - Stamps used specifically for prepaying postage on journals, newspapers, magazines, etc.

Jubilee - Stamp issues that feature a special (usually 25- year increment) anniversaries.

Judenpost - Ghetto stamps issued for the use of Jews interned in concentration camps.

Jumbo stamps - See Boardwalk Margins.

Jury - Judges at a stamp show.

Keytype - A basic stamp design used for the issues of two or more postal authorities which include captions of respective countries, denominations, etc.

Killer - Any obliterating postmark that’s used to cancel a stamp.

Killer bars - Horizontal lines used for stamp cancellations.

Kiloware - Collections (often sold by the kilo) made up of a variety of postally used stamps that are mounted on envelope corner paper.

Topical But Not Typical: Thematic Stamp Collecting

2010-11-27T21:16:00.000-08:00

Topical stamp collecting has been a past time for decades. Topicals are stamps with a consistent theme like trains, birds, sea life, etc. Though I do not partake in this type of collecting I respect its existence and its hard-won pursuit.

Beginners need to pay heed to the fact that such collecting is difficult because are you automatically limiting yourself to the field (or theme) in question. I've know topical collectors spending 6 months to get 1 stamp of a certain theme.

Intellectually it's not hard to appreciate the excitement of searching for a particular sub-set of stamps out there in the world and placing them in your ever-growing collection. I praise these collectors for their patience if not persistence in obtaining their objects of desire.

Topicals are often the most beautiful, artistic, colorful and valuable of stamps produced by countries around the world. Some countries create them solely for profit on the open collecting marketplace. Some purists mock their presence as somehow "reducing" the quality of collecting as a whole but this opinion is more stamp purist nonsense. Stamps are stamps. Collect what you will and learn what limitations or liabilties along the way.

Stamps and Repressive Regimes: When Seeing is Not Always Believing

2010-11-23T18:23:00.000-08:00

Today North Korea attacked South Korea killing a number of soldiers and civilians via an unprovoked volley of artillery fire.

Repressive regimes are multi-taskers, they are capable of torturing their citizens, murdering their enemies and often producing beautiful stamps. We can, and should, lend a critical eye on their stampworks which are usually propaganda symbols and messages meant to bolster their credibility. They always fail.

In fact these failures make wonderful stamps and excellent lessons to teach new generations of the power of stamps even in the hands of wicked governments and evil men. While I would never support repressive notions I do recognize stamps are stamps and thus should be collected, studied, spoken about and displayed for all to see. This is how we learn.

If we accept stamps as artifacts of history we are also forced to accept the good and the bad and must reject, with a clothespin on our nose, the calls for destroying stamps from repressive regimes in revenge for their crimes against humanity. We have courts to deal with illegality. We, as a people, must deal with history.

Today North Korea attacked South Korea. Better stamps, maybe, but cruel hearts bound to be weighed in heaven and in earth.

Stamp Stories: The First Tea Party

2010-11-16T19:12:00.000-08:00

You been hearing alot of about Tea Party this and Tea Party that these days but few seem to recall the first Tea Party involved American colonists sneaking onto a British cargo ship in the Boston Harbor disguised as Indians and promptly tossing crates of Tea into the waters below to protest the unjust Tea Tax Law.

I share these stamp stories because of the primary reasons KNS exists is to help create more fond memories between kids and their parents and between kids and their favorite stamps. The Boston Tea Party stamp block of 1973 was my first block in my stamp album. It was also the first stamp/s I used a "jacket" on. We used to call them "jackets" but they are the protective mounts with clear plastic to seal a stamp from environmental conditions and thus preserve its unique quality and value.

While stamps in their full scope are more than historical milestones; they cannot escape being placed in the event the stamp was originally issued to commemorate. And neither can I separate my memories of events surrounding the acquistion of various special stamps. The remember the trips to get them. The stories around them. The shows that spoke about them. The tales from other collectors.

In our modern era some will have you convinced this is corny stuff worthy of coke glasses and acne medicine. That stamp collecting is supposedly confined to the sheltered fearful types who toil in the lonely dark staring at colorful slips of paper. Just remember this, the fools who hurl these charges are the same fools who devote hours to mindless violent video games with nothing to show for their expense of time and money. Usually these folks are equally addicted to profane and sex-charged cartoons and motion pictures who spew a diet of everything out there is primitive and backward if it doesn't involve cursing, shooting, fornicating or killing.

So I guess I'll stay corny. And so will my children. We will enjoy stamps and the unique memories they create. KNS is here to help you create a few more.

Thoughts About Starting a Stamp Club: Part 2

2010-11-04T20:41:00.001-07:00

Where should I meet? It always best to meet at a neutral location such as a community center, library, recreation room, church area, etc. The only folks that seem to handle stamp clubs from the home is the homeschool people. Perhaps they have more practice with home events than most, but I highly recommend for most to meet somewhere more public.

Should I name my club? You can but it is not necessary or important unless the club is geared to a certain facet of stamp collecting like airmail or Spain, etc.

Do I need to be an expert on stamps? No. We can provide a great deal of information to help prepare a stamp club teacher or director. You simply need a monthly agenda. "Ok, class, this month we will examine the stamps of Italy and England.

What should my lesson plan or agenda look like? That is up to you. One important tip: teach to your supplies. You don't want to announce a month of stamps that have flowers on them and have few or no stamps with flowers. Choosing topical subjects can be limiting and sometimes self-defeating since it traps you into an area you might not be able to provide for the class. Review your supplies and build a lesson plan on what you have and not what you dream to have.

What should my class size be? I am not interested in limiting anyone from anything related to stamp collecting but sadly the smaller the class size the easier it is to maintain. Usually less than a dozen is best---not just for supply reasons but for time constraints. There will be lots of questions. You need the time to answer them.

Stamp Alphabet Series: I is For Italy

2010-11-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

Idem - Means that a later stamp issue has the same characteristics as a previous issue.

Illustrated Covers - A cachet which has words and an illustration.

Imperforate - An absence of perforations or rouletting between a pane’s individual stamps.

Impression - Any printing that is embossed or stamped.

Imprimatur - The first sheets of stamps produced from an approved plate.

Imprint Block - A block from part of a sheet where the printer's name or imprint appears on the margin.

Inclusions - Substances included while making paper used in stamp production.

India paper - A thin, tough opaque printing paper typically used for striking die proofs.

Indicium - The imprint made by a postage meter or found on postal stationery.

Inland mail stamps - Stamps intended specifically for domestic use.

Inscription - Any letters, words and numbers appearing in a stamp’s design.

Intaglio - Italian for "in recess.'' The stamp’s image is produced by the recessed portion of a printing plate.

Invert - Refers to any part of a design is inverted in relation to the remaining design.

Interleaves - Tissue used between stamp album pages to prevent stamp contact.

The Lucky Few: Brick & Mortar Stamp Stores

2010-11-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

I grew up going to an actual stamp store. I used to walk up a hill every Saturday morning. The old guy who owned the store opened up at 8am and closed at Noon for the rest of the day. I had my Scott Catalog numbers written down and purchased the stamps right off the list. He always threw in a couple of stamps for free.

I went there for years until he died and the store closed down. I miss that old guy and I miss the live experience of shopping at a stamp store. There aren't very many of the those stores out there anymore. If you find one and it stocks what you need---then consider yourself lucky. Before I moved across the country I was fortunate to find one and I didn't care if its prices were higher than the internet especially when you factor shipping and the time you have to wait before you can get a certain task complete. It's worth it to shop there if nearby.

I'm not knocking the Internet stamp supply stores they often have better prices but then again they should be since there is very little overhead. In many many instances if it weren't for the Internet one would have to travel hundreds of miles just to get to a store. Where I live I literally have to go to another State just to reach a store. Quite frankly, with a full time job, 2 kids and a marriage, I don't have the time to spare to make such a journey. Heck who does?

I get emails from people who enjoy the live experience of stamping via stamp shows or flea markets---ironically most still don't have a stamp store in their community. Please understand the point of this article is not to promote stamp stores as a super great experience you cannot live without. More times than not it has been a wonderful experience and I enjoy including it fondly in my stamp memories. But I recognize stamp stores cannot always compete well with mail order/internet stores. What you do with your money is your business so I don't judge anyone on where they purchase their stamps or supplies.

Yet if you live close by a stamp store, go check it out. The people there often have decades of experience and usually enjoy speaking about the Hobby of Kings. It's a journey worth taking.

Thoughts About Starting a Stamp Club

2010-10-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

We need more stamp clubs for beginners. There are plenty of stamp clubs out there for lifelong collectors that sub-categorize stamps down to "new zealand stamps of animals with cancellation marks." God bless these collectors and clubs but their singular passion excludes nearly the entire planet.

We need more stamp clubs for beginners. And guess what the folks whom sponsor these clubs need not to be experts on stamps. Ironically, most stamp clubs for beginners are started by stamp beginners. This is only fitting because everyone learns something new and the class do not have to be subjected to cookie-cutter lessons on stamp history.

I am always inspired by new stamp clubs simply due to the fact that most take on a unique angle on how to present stamps, how to speak out what stamps mean to them or how their students might explore what stamps could mean to them. These open-minded approaches are essential to keep stamp collecting alive and well in the 21st century. Where it is written that stamp collecting is supposed to contain dry speeches about ancient slips of colouful paper promising to cure insomina if not frighten kids into the digital arms of video games.

Here are some of the approaches I have noted across the world:

Cultural: class focuses on a certain language or country of origin

Historical: class studies various historical figures

Topical: class collects stamps on animals, fish, nature, etc.

Philatelic: class groups world countries and learns about each group

Here are some of the instruments or techniques used by new stamp clubs:

Projection: instructor places an interesting stamp in a projector and displays to entire class

Digital: instructor saves certain stamp images and enlarges them on a computer screen

Foreign Identification: Using translation lists, a class can learn how to identify world stamps

Soaking & Pressing: Donated stamps on paper are soaked by students, removed from paper, dried and pressed in books for collecting, trading or classroom presentation

Here are some useful tips:

Try and get the parents involved, if they are not willing to be supportive, it's truly hard to get kids to stick with stamps compared to all the other so-called exciting distractions out there

Don't get complicated. One stamp can have 15 different angles of discussion or interest. Pick one. Have fun. Move on.

Whenever possible keep the class size smaller rather than larger: Not more than 10 if possible. Remember your students will have geniune questions. Even 5 questions from 10 students is a time management killer. Time is important because most kids have attention span issues.

If you don't know an answer, jot down the question, research it later and make it a cool annoucement during next class. Don't waste time guessing or making stuff up. Kids can Google too.

Stamp Purism And Other Silly Obstacles

2010-10-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

Yes, folks there is a such thing as stamp purism. It's enough of a task to raise stamp collecting out of near nerdhood before you have to then tackle some fanatic to wants to make stamps into antiseptic relics needing to be forever enshrined in a book. This person actually criticizes anyone who does anything different with stamps.

Too bad, bub, stamps are history and can be presented on a matted board in a museum, stamps are art, and can be used to make art projects. Stamps can be religious and have religious symbols on them and be used in religious ritual ceremonies. (I know of a guy who puts stamps of saints on a cross he made and hangs it in his living room.)

Any fair position for a stamp lover should involve making sure the stamp isn't being destroyed but being used to uplift a theme, cause, person, history, art, etc. Otherwise you just need to calm down and be happy people are still valuing stamps as objects of interest-----regardless of the interest.

Face it, for every kid picking up a stamp versus a video game, there are 10 whom never even come into contact with stamps on a daily basis. The advent of email and electronic billing hasn't killed stamps but it has reduced the average person's dependency of buying and using stamps.

Now and again I hear from people who are venturing to creating their own stamps clubs or pushing for their schools to start a stamp club. Most of these inquires or complaints do not stem from a lack of a stamp club in their community but from opposing the present club because of a myriad of silly obstacles that now infect even stamp clubs.

Let's talk about those, well because, I'm not afraid to speak openly about anything of substance. I object to political correctness in all it's forms. You can always spot political correctness because it defies common sense. That's the only rule you need to define it. Stamp clubs are formed to introduce stamps to children with the hopes that they will learn and eventually appreciate of stamps and maybe stamp collecting. The adult clubs often have a precise agenda like airmail stamps or Great Britain, etc.

This year alone I have heard of a club that refused to display stamps from Israel until stamps from the State of Palestine are created. (The Authority of Palestine issues stamps regularly) The instructor claims this is to present "balance" to the class. This is a silly obstacle that robs children of a stamp experience because their instructor suddenly forgot she was in a stamp club and not jumping on a soap box. Plus her notions and actions are plain stupid. There are Palestine stamps out there; not hard to get by any stretch of imagination or budget. "Balance" is in her dreams, stamps are stamps. Teach what they are made of, what they are about, where they come from and let the history teacher sort out the rest if you can too timid to go further. I question this woman's balance.

Stamps can historically and culturally inform a child about the world he/she is getting a slight peek into, but they are not objects to be used to divide or hurt people. I have heard at least 5 instances where stamps clubs unofficially discouraged girls from attending the class. One of the reasons why there are so few elderly women stamp collectors is because this was a common open practice for the past 100 years. Stamps were supposed to be for boys and dolls are for girls. There are a few exceptions naturally but if you went to an adult stamp club these days I promise you nearly everyone in there is a guy.

I grew up in the 70's, half my community was girls, and I do not remember a single girl collecting stamps. Never one in the club I went to while growing up. With deep respect I have to say, not everything our grandfather's taught us was right. On this point, keeping out girls from stamp collecting was shortsighted and dumb. Women live at least 20 years longer than we do. Not a bad idea to get them involved if you want to keep stamp collecting alive for the 22nd century.

Apparently, similar to sports outings, parents can mess things up when they are attempting to live through their children's current experience. It should never be that way with stamps, heck, if anything this should be an exciting time, there are stamps like Soviet Union, East Germany, etc, but these countries thankfully don't exist and those people are free to figure out their lives for themselves. We should apply that lesson to kids and stamps.

Foreign Stamp Identification and Classification

2010-10-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

What Foreign Actually Means:

We've had a few inquires from parents on what "foreign" means in stamp collecting. A few of the inquiries were concerned about the "potential" negative nuance to the term. Please let us be very clear. We are stamp people and not concerned with politics by any stretch of the definition.

This is how "foreign" works in stamp collecting. If you are from India, all stamps other than India are considered foreign. Since I am from the United States, all the world's stamps accept US are considered foreign. It is truly that simple. Any offense perceived is just that: perceived.

As you delve into stamp collecting you will learn exactly what we are saying and realize these terms are merely part of the language of stamp collecting.

Foreign Stamp Identification (Basic)

Foreign stamp identification on a very basic level is essential to assist a collector in categorizing his/her stamps. Basic level refers to simple translations that help you understand what country you are encountering without going deeply into formal translation. A perfect example is: Norge which is Norway and once you know that you never forget it. Simple but essential.

KNS---Easy Foreign Stamp Translator

Azorbaycan -------------------------------Azores

Shqipervise ------------------------------Albania

RSA --------------------------------------Republic of South Africa

bbAFPNR ----------------------------------Bulgaria

Republika Hrvatska -----------------------Croatia

DPRK -------------------------------------Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
------------------------------------------(North Korea)

DDR --------------------------------------East Germany

Espana -----------------------------------Spain

Hellevita --------------------------------Switzerland

Hellas -----------------------------------Greece

Jugoslavia -------------------------------Yugoslavia

Macav ------------------------------------Macao

Magyar Posta -----------------------------Hungary

Nippon -----------------------------------Japan

Osterreich -------------------------------Austria

The above list is a basic one meant to help out new stamp collectors. It is not the whole list nor should it be considered anything other than a good solid example of basic stamp translation.

Kids Need Stamps Approaches 4th Year in Operation

2010-10-08T06:28:00.000-07:00

This organization continues to provide free stamp starter kits to all whom ask. Please observe the following recap of various happenings in the recent past.

We continue to branch out internationally and have added Oman and Israel as contacts to spread the good news about stamp collecting. This club is also a regular donor to Stamps for the Wounded, an organization that provides stamps and supplies for your wounded soldiers while recovering in the hospital.

Thanks so much for the emails, but we are still low on comments, I think because most find it easier to make their comments via email. With permission I have begun to paste those comments on the blog site (without names unless otherwise directed.) This the best method I discovered for others to notice what we are doing and get inspired to help their kids collect stamps too.

Basic Rules:

We really don't have many but very strict about the few we keep:

1. All stamp starter kits are free (no charge)

2. We do not accept donations of any kind, any time.

3. We do not allow contact with children. This club is solely about parents helping their kids collect stamps. We are in contact only with adults. No exceptions.

See. Very easy. Everything's free. We dont want anything from you but a nice email back telling us how the kids are getting into stamps. And kids being safe on the internet.

Stamp Clubs:

KNS is loosely sponsoring clubs throughout the US and some foreign destinations. At the moment it is a more loose association due to the infrequent schedule of clubs but we welcome a structured club with a firm schedule and a positive agenda. Inquires? Happy to hear them.

Please keep up the excellent work out there. Every week I hear from parents and teachers who are devoting their time to helping kids collect stamps. I keep my mind open as well, recently an art instructor requested a packet of stamps to use in an art project. I agree with his assessment, if we are also also stamps can be art, then why not allow them to be used in art projects. Who says they have to be collected or placed in books to appreciate it. They can also be used to enhance art projects.

Stamp Collecting and Child Safety on the Internet

2010-10-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

Sadly, I don't remember a week in the past couple of years when a news report hasn't discovered another child being victimized by an internet pervert. Part of the reason for this uptick in internet child-exploitation is due to parental neglect. Parents must supervise their children while on the internet. The Internet is not the new "boob tube" to babysit your kids while you play bridge or poker with the neighbors. KNS has always taken this subject seriously both in practice and philosophy. We have a strict zero tolerance contact with children. If the request is not made by an adult it is not honored---period. No exceptions. No excuses. Never.

From time to time we get some negative feedback from legal guardians, parents, uncles, grandmothers and the occasional teacher about this policy. But understand this, zero tolerance to us literally means zero tolerance. We are not trying to impress anyone, owe no advertisers any compromise and laugh at political correct nonsense. This whole venture of providing free stamp kits to parents to encourage them to get involved with their children's lives through stamp collecting is on Our Dime and Our Time. We don't charge anyone for anything. We don't sell anyone's name or address for anyone's silly mailing list. We don't even keep our own mailing list of the hundreds of parents making free stamp kit requests.

You would think in this day and age---parents could be grateful that someone out there gives a darn about protecting children and sincerely wanting them to grow up with a rich experience of history, science, geography, culture and the joy of delving into a hobby. Yet I still get rude emails from parents too "busy" to make the requests or stay involved with their children. Some have even asked us to mentor their children through the stamp hobby process. The whole point of this site folks is for YOU to learn how to interact with YOUR kids through a fun and exciting hobby that is provided to you and the child/children for FREE.

I'm sorry to say but this is why children become vulnerable to all sorts of negative stuff out there because their parents are too busy passing the buck to someone else, the school system, the church, other family members, malls, etc. As ususal some of my longer pieces on the blog sound strident and turn off a few people here or there, but too bad, I will always speak my mind, especially when I know I am right on target with this one. I already had a responsible parent email back that she started putting a tigher rein on her kid's internet usage and suddenly their grades started improving. It was her belief, like alot of parents, that unrestricted use of a computer, is a good and educational excercise, when in fact, it was and is often used for goofy communiques with pals or dark chats with weird dangerous people---neither productive exercises that improve grades.

The following is a recap of KNS child safety on he internet policy:

KIDS NEED STAMPS adheres to a strict policy of adult contact where it regards the communication and mailing of stamp-related materials. Our subtitle: “Helping Parents Help Kids Collect Stamps” is not a slogan but a serious philosophy aimed at encouraging authority figures to get involved in their children’s lives in a more meaningful manner than merely purchasing a video game and plugging their offspring in its side port.

“When we say strict we really mean strict. Last year I had to turn down nearly the entire Boy Scout troop because their parents simply made each child email the site rather than doing it themselves. They all got the “see your parents” reply. KNS got a few less-than-civil parental emails back. Everybody got their stamps….and a lesson."

Within that context KNS recognizes the Internet is an excellent tool to spread the good news about stamps as an education hobby while realizing it is also a dangerous weapon in the hands of disturbed individuals. KNS strongly advises all parents to supervise their children’s use of the Internet. Just recently it was reported that child-sex predators were using Facebook as a recruiting too. We need to stay vigilant.

“This is not a soapbox. I supervise my kids on the Internet. Please do the same.’

KNS as a matter of policy and in full agreement with the FBI’s Parent’s Guide to the Internet does not maintain contact with anyone under the age of 18 years of age. If a child makes contact with our site or email address, we quickly reply to educate the child of the need for their parents to make the appropriate stamp kit request. That is our only contact! Any further emails are ignored until an adult or legal guardian enters the equation. We direct you to the useful FBI guide in PDF for any other useful child safety tips.

“Our philosophy is simple: stay involved in your child’s world. Stamp collecting aided by 21st century technology is a greatly enhanced experience, yet still offers the same education, wonder and insights as 100 years ago. Share the joy of discovery with them. You’ll be a better parent for staying connected.”

http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/parentsguide.pdf

We also support the CyberAngels unique program that spells out in a contract the responsibilities of children using the Internet. Children agree to the parental rules and sign an Internet Safety Contract.

http://www.cyberangels.org/docs/agreement.pdf

Stamp Alphabet Series: H is For Honduras

2010-10-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

Hair Lines - Fine scratches from a printing plate.

Hand Made Cover - Folding a sheet of paper to create an envelope.

Handstamp - Cancellation or overprint applied manually to a cover or stamp.

Hatching - Close, fine lines for shading a stamp design.

Highway Post Office (HPO) - Portable mail-sorting equipment for mail in transit on highways.

Hinge - Piece of glassine or parchment paper used for mounting stamps on album pages.

Historical Cover - Postmarked and cacheted for a historical event.

Hub - A postmark’s circular part that includes place, date, zip code, etc.

Creating Your Own Stockbooks

2010-09-24T17:33:00.000-07:00

Consult this chart. It will help you make some selections on purchasing Vario pages from Ebay or wherever you canfnd them. These pages will help you make the perfect stockbook to display and protect stamps. Often you can buy a pack of 5 vario pages (2 sides make 10 pages) for under $7 and buy a 3 ring binder at the local store for a $1. Good chance you can creat your own stockbook from under $10. Most decent stockbooks are over $20 a piece. I create my own stockbooks. I like to create my own because stockbooks are pricey and often stuck in one size which doesn't hold well for a full variety of stamps in any given collection. In time you can purchase a variety of sizes and create different stockbook types or just mix them up.

Stamp Alphabet Series: G is For Guatemala

2010-09-05T23:00:00.000-07:00

Global Priority Mail (GPM): A category of international mail that provides fast service at attractive rates to 27 countries.

Grill: A pattern of small, square pyramids in parallel rows impressed or embossed on the stamp to break paper fibers, allowing cancellation ink to soak in and preventing washing and reuse.

Gum: The coating of glue on the back of an unused stamp.

Gutter
The narrow space between stamps in the sheet permitting perforation. [see Perforation]

Gutter Margin
The blank margins dividing a sheet of stamps into panes.

Monthly Report: Reaching The World

2010-08-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

KNS continues to reach all corners of the planet. Stamp Collecting is not a past time for old timers but rather a serious hobby with millions of devoted followers around the globe. We have added kind souls from Israel, Oman, Sri Lanka, South Africa, England and the Phillipines.

We have also outfitted a few public school classes, in the US and UK, to get those kids started in the right direction. Keep us the emails and many thanks for the wonderful comments and continued support.

KNS: Statement of Purpose

2010-08-14T18:23:00.000-07:00

KNS exists solely to lend a hand to parents interested in helping their children collect stamps. We provide free stamp starter-kits and plenty of stamp information attachments that can be saved and printed out. The knowledge provided allows adults and children a means to learn about the world, identify foreign stamps and even discover the unique terminology exclusively assigned to the world of stamps.

This statement of purpose is necessary because KNS inhabits a peculiar niche that serves children through their adult parents, guardians, teachers, family members, etc. We are not suitable for everyone nor do we want to be a catch-all for everything about stamps.
Our main purpose is to foster a better line of communication between parents and their children through stamp collecting. Since we also love stamps we broadened the definition to include stamp clubs, boy & girl scouts, cub scouts, classes in public schools and community centers.

If your situation does not fit our purpose find another organization that better suits your needs. KNS does not have a commercial agenda. We do not solicit or accept donations of any kind. Everything KNS provides is entirely free. All we ask is two things in return:

Use the stamps to help the kids learn more about themselves, their parents and the world.

Leave a comment on the Kids Need Stamps blog site: http://kidsneedstamps.blogspot.com/

If we sponsor your club all we ask is the following;

Use the stamps and information provided to serve the kids.

Do not exclude kids based on race, gender, background or ability.

Create a general lesson plan

Meet at least once a month, preferably twice a month

Stamp Alphabet Series: F is for Finland

2010-08-05T04:35:00.000-07:00

Face Value: The monetary value or denomination of a stamp.

Fake: A genuine stamp that has been altered in some way to make it more attractive to collectors. It may be repaired, reperfed or regummed to resemble a more valuable variety.

First Day Cover (FDC): An envelope with a new stamp and cancellation showing the date the stamp was issued.

First Day Ceremony Program: A program given to those who attend first day of issue stamp ceremonies. It contains the actual stamp affixed and postmarked, a list of participants, and information on the stamp subject.

First-Class Mail: A class of mail including letters, postcards and postal cards, all matter wholly or partially in writing or typewriting, and all matter sealed or otherwise closed against inspection.

Foreign Entry: When original transfers are erased incompletely from a plate, they can appear with new transfers of a different design which are subsequently entered on the plate.

Franks: Written, hand-stamped, or imprinted markings on the face of the cover indicating that it is carriedfree of postage. Franking is usually limited to official government correspondence.

Freak: An abnormal variety of stamps occurring because of paper fold, over-inking, perforation shift, etc., as opposed to a continually appearing variety or a major error.

Stamp Stories: The Marshall Plan

2010-07-02T17:40:00.000-07:00

I like the idea of sharing personal stamp stories with the world-at-large. In 1970, I was 5 years old and my father formally started me with my first stamp book and the very first stamp that caught my attention was the 20ct George C Marshall stamp. (I put up a block image for effect!)

My son has been helping me with stamps for a few years now and he is fasting approaching 5 years old in a few short months. I already have an album and thousands of stamps from around the world. But the U.S. Commemoratives starter stamps are best for this special occasion.

Once I saw that stamp that was it for me. I wanted to collect more, understand more, go to stamp shows and find out what was going on out there in the stamp world. Fortunately I lived in New Jersey at the time so going to New York stamp locations and even the United Nations was an easy car trip but still an exciting adventure.

KNS continue to provide free stamp info attachments and continues to mail out free starter-kits to help parents help kids collect stamps. Make a request. We will be there for you. Don't let the television or a video game babysit your child. Be there for him/her. Be with him/her using stamps as a grand tool to learn about themselves, about you and the great world around all of us.

Stamp Alphabet Series: E is For El Salvador

2010-06-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

Earliest known use (EKU) - The cover or piece that documents the earliest date on which a stamp or postal stationery item is known to be used.

Early Impression - A stamp printed during the beginning run of a press that usually has a very sharp image.

E F O - Errors, Freaks and Oddities.

Embossing - The process of giving relief to paper by pressing it with a die.

Encased postage stamp - A stamp inserted into a small, transparent, coin-size case originally used as legal coins during coin shortages.

Entire - An intact piece of postal stationery, in contrast to a cutout of the imprinted stamp.

Error - A major mistake in the production of a stamp or postal stationery item such as imperforates, missing or incorrect colors, and design image errors.

Essay - The artwork of a proposed design for a stamp.

Etiquette - A gummed label applied to an envelope to designate a specific mail service.

Examiner’s Mark - A mark indicating examination by censors.

Expertization - The examination of a stamp or cover by an acknowledged expert to determine if it is genuine.

Exploded - A stamp booklet that has been separated into its various components, usually for purposes of display.

Stamp Alphabet Series: D is For Dominica

2010-05-04T19:36:00.000-07:00

Definitives: Regular issues of postage stamps, usually sold over long periods of time. They tend to be fairly small and printed in large quantities often more than once.

Denomination: The postage value appearing on a stamp, such as 5 cents.

Deputy Postmaster General (DPMG): A member of the Board of Governors, jointly appointed by the Postmaster General and the Board of Governors.

Die Cut: Scoring of self-adhesive stamps that allows a stamp to be separated from the liner.

Directory Markings: Postal markings that indicate a failed delivery attempt, stating reasons such as "No Such Number" or "Address Unknown."

Double Transfer: The condition on a printing plate that shows evidence of a duplication of all or part of the design.

Dry Printing: Begun as an experiment in 1953, this type of printing results in a whiter paper, a higher sheen on the surface, a thicker and stiffer feel and designs that stand out more clearly than on more standard "wet" printings.

Duplicates: Extra copies of stamps that can be sold or traded. Duplicates should be examined carefully for color and perforation variations.

Stamp Alphabet Series: C is for Cyprus

2010-04-05T05:08:00.000-07:00

C.T.O. - Cancelled to order.

Cachet - Special handstamp (often a 'rubber stamp'), manuscript note, adhesive label or printed design borne by a postal item and confirming unusually a particular route or an interesting usage; e.g. a first flight on a particular route.

Cancel, Cancellation - [1] A handstamp or mark used across a postage stamp as an obliterator to render it invalid for further postal use. It may be a pen marking or even the removal of a small piece of the stamp.[2] The marks place by postal authorities which may indicate date, rate, route, or place of the mailing. Similar term to Postmark.Cancelled to order - A postage stamp bearing a cancel (invariably neat), but never postally used. Provided as a service by some postal administrations. Stamps so cancelled are not always distinguishable from postally used.

Cary, John - (b. d.) In 1798 John Cary produced his survey containing a list, of the " Distance of English & Welsh Post Towns from London & quot; along all the principal roads in the country resulting in a resumption of mileage stamps in 1801.

CAT - (Abbrev.) Catalogue value (unless there is no possibility of doubt, the publisher should be named).

CDS - (Abbrev.) Circular date stamp cancel.Census Marks - See Dumb Cancellations.Centered - In a perfectly perforated sheet of postage stamps, each stamp has the same size of margin on each side; in describing a valuable stamp it is desirable to comment on the centring by stating the stamp is 'perfectly centred' or 'centred to bottom', 'centred to top' etc. 'Centred to bottom' means the top margin is larger than the bottom one. The term is not applicable to imperf stamps.

Chalk paper - Describes postage stamps printed on specially treated paper to receive a good printing impression and to resist the removal of cancellations.

Charity stamp - (i) An adhesive label, not intended for postage use, issued in support of a charity. (ii) A postage stamp bearing a surcharge which, usually after deductions for overheads, is donated by the postal authority to a charity featured in the design of the stamp.

Charge Marks - Before 1840 black figures (either manuscript or stamped) were used for unpaid letters to be settled by the recipient, and red figures were used for paid letters. In the provinces, handstamped figures were occasionally used.

Cinderella - A stamplike label that is not a postage stamp. Cinderellas include seals and bogus issues, as well as revenue stamps, local post issues and other similar items.

Classic - An early issue, often with a connotation of rarity, although classic stamps are not necessarily rare. A particularly scarce recent item may be referred to as a modern classic.

Cleaning (stamps) - Soiled or stained stamps are sometimes cleaned with chemicals or by erasing. The cleaning is usually done to improve the appearance of a stamp. A cleaned stamp can also mean one from which a cancellation has been removed, making a used stamp appear unused.

Stamp Alphabet Series: B Is For Belarus

2010-03-02T17:50:00.000-08:00

KNS's ----Stamp Alphabet Series will pick a country for each letter of the alphabet as well as some terms and definitions useful to stamp collectors.

Backprint: Printing on the reverse of a stamp. Some countries have printed advertising or messages on the backs of stamps.

Backstamp: A postmark applied to mail by the receiving post office or by a post office handling the piece while it is in transit. Backstamps are usually on the back of a cover, but they can be on the front

Bank Mixture: A high-quality mixture of stamps. It generally represents clippings from the correspondence of banks and other businesses with extensive overseas business, and thus includes a relatively high proportion of foreign stamps of high face value. See also Mission Mixture.

Bantams: The nickname of the South African definitive series of 1942-43. Wartime economy measures required stamps of small size to conserve paper.

Batonne: A wove or laid paper with watermark-like lines deliberately added in the papermaking process and intended as a guide for handwriting.

Bicolored Stamps: Stamps printed in two colors.Bilingual: Refers to stamps inscribed in two languages. Most Canadian stamps include both English and French text. South African stamps are sometimes in both English and Afrikaans.

Bisect: A stamp cut or perforated into two parts, each half representing half the face value of the original stamp. Officially authorized bisects have often been used during temporary shortages of commonly used denominations. Unauthorized bisects appear frequently on mail from some countries in some periods. Bisects are usually collected on full cover with the stamp tied by a cancel. At times, some countries have permitted trisects or quadrisects.

Bishop Mark: The earliest postmark, introduced by Henry Bishop in England circa 1661. A Bishop Mark was used to indicate the month and day that a letter was received by a post office. It encouraged prompt delivery by letter carriers.Black Jack: The nickname of the United States 2? black Andrew Jackson stamp, issued between 1863 and 1875.

Blind Perforation: Perforations that have been only lightly impressed by the perforating pins, leaving the paper intact, but cut or with a faint impression. Some stamps that appear to be imperforate really are not if they have blind perfs. Stamps with blind perfs are minor varieties carrying little, if any, price premium over normally perforated copies.

Block: A unit of four or more unsevered stamps, including at least two stamps both vertically and horizontally. Most commonly a block refers to a block of four, or a block of stamps two high and two wide.

Bluenose: The nickname for the Canadian 50? issue of 1929, picturing the schooner Bluenose, Canada.

Bogus: A completely fictitious stamp-like label, created solely for sale to collectors. Bogus issues include labels for non-existent countries, non-existent values appended to regularly issued sets and issues for nations or entities without postal systems.

Bond Paper: A security paper of high quality, used to a limited extent in early stamp printing. Originally, bond was made from rags. The modern paper used for first-day covers is usually a bond quality paper.

Booklet: A unit of one or more small panes or blocks (known as booklet panes) glued, stitched or stapled together between thin card covers to form a convenient unit for mailers to purchase and carry. The first officially issued booklet was produced by Luxembourg in 1895.

I Want Stamps To Live Forever

2010-02-07T18:39:00.000-08:00

We're told a million things a day to do in order to make this world a better place. We should stop smoking, end global warming, be kind to animals and eat vegetables.

I say we should pay attention to our children. Spend time with them. Don't throw them to the wolves of wide-screen television. Take them on a walk. Do a funny dance with them. Read them a book. Sing them a song. And spend hours examining exciting international stamps.

I have many joyous memories of stamps. I would go the New York and buy them with my Grandfather. Later in the evening I would sort them out with my Father. Later in the weekend my Uncle would stop by with a envelope full of stamps on paper he got from the travel agency.

I'm not very fond of the technology. I suspect for all the life-extending properties it proudly proclaims----it takes something spiritual from us, keeps us apart from human contact. What's the point of living another 12 years if you are alone and afraid.

That is why I want stamps to live on forever. In our lives. On our pages. In our very dreams. As an ivibrant part of education and freedom to think beyond a limiting machine. Stamps are art. Stamps are history and more important stamps are alive with the sound of children's voices being heard by their loves ones and not drowned out by the witless wonders of technology.

I want stamps to live forever. Help me make that happen. Introduce your kids to stamps.

Stamp Alphabet Series: A is For Albania

2010-02-03T15:45:00.000-08:00

KNS's ----Stamp Alphabet Series will pick a country for each letter of the alphabet as well as some terms and definitions useful to stamp collectors.

Adhesive: A word generally referring to a stamp. An adhesive is a label affixed to an article to prepay postal fees, in contrast to a design printed directly on an article, as with postal stationery. An adhesive can also refer to a registration label or other label added to a cover.

Aerophilately: A specialized area of collecting concentrating on stamps or covers carried by air.

Airmail: The carriage of mail by air. The first regular airmail service began in 1870, when mail was carried from Paris, France, then besieged by German forces, over enemy lines by balloon. The first airmail stamp was issued by Italy in 1917.

Album: Albums are binders, usually with pages, for the mounting and display of stamps and covers. Albums come in many sizes, styles and themes.

Welcome New Year, Welcome Ukraine to the Family

2010-01-03T18:16:00.000-08:00

Welcome, Ukraine to the family of Kids Need Stamps. Thanks very much to a wonderful young person whom took it upon herself to translate our welcome letter and foreign stamp translation list into Ukrainian. A big favor to a part of the world where stamps are just becoming a part of their newfound cultural indendepence and political freedom. Great job and thanks again.

2009 was a widely successful year in that KNS continued to reach out and contact Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Stamp Clubs and International Parents with stamp attachments and stamp kits to start everyone in the right direction. And as always totally free of charge. We continue to make new friends in Canada, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and Ukraine.

KNS is marking its 3rd year in operation and continues to regularly assist Stamps for the Wounded (to honor our returning wounded veterans) and will build upon contacts to regularly supply a number of hospital programs for long-term sick children.

My family sincerely thanks you for your wonderful emails, heartfelt blog comments and overall support in this most important endeavor in helping parents help kids collect stamps.

Low Cost Hobby Translates into High Values During A Crazy Econony

2009-12-01T06:12:00.000-08:00

We received many emails from families who have tightened their belts due to the downturned economy. A large percentage lost hours or weeks or even 1 of their 2 incomes due to this nagging recession. I make no judgements on why more parents are interested in stamp collecting for their children this year versus last year. What I say is don't wait!

Stamp collecting is not only an incredibly educational hobby it is also a low-cost one that firmly allows kids to work at their own pace and by themselves when needed but also makes room to have parents and adults enjoy in the fun. With our stamp kit, a child receives a packet of stamps and some hinges. Their parents receive a number of stamp attachments that provide stamp information, foreign identification and links to print out free stamps. Everything they need to start is entirely for free.

If a parent wants to venture out further, then they can buy a $1 3-ring loose leaf binder and order for $5 a packet of Vario pages (these are pre-made cellophane pages with 7 or 8 levels to hold stamps for protection and viewing.) These are very easy to get at auction sites such as Ebay.

We have been hearing stories from parents who cannot afford to buy video games or electronic toys. They want stamp collecting and board games and family games that bring people closer together. We at KNS have been preaching this for years. Do not allow modern conveniences to divide your time from your family. And definitely don't allow a bad economy to turn you into a smarter parent. Be smart in any economy. You can't get those years back and you are bound to be sell those silly toys at a future garage sale.

Some of your and your child's fondest memories one day will be the days of stamp collecting. The education, the bonding and ultimately the love of family.

Giving Big Thanks To Family and Health

2009-11-01T17:59:00.000-08:00

Despite the gloom of the economy, there is always something to be cheerful about when you focus on your good health and loving family.

Thank you all for your continued interest in stamping and your wonderful emails.

November is the month when we celebrate our close bonds in founding this country and cementing our ties to our family and greater community.

Keep those comments coming.

God Bless.

KNS

What Age Should I Introduce My Child To Stamp Collecting?

2009-10-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

What age should I introduce my child to stamp collecting?

I have been hearing that often lately. The common consensus is at kindergarten class-attending age-which is 5 years old. But this isn't the ten commandments!. The majority of parents who ask and receive free stamp starter-kits from KNS tend to start their kids at an average of 7 years old.

I started my son much younger at 3.5 years old. He was first introduced to a nickel-plated pairs on tongs and we proceeded to dunk a handful of stamps on paper and separate them, pull them out of the water, dry them and then place them in drying books to flatten them out.

As he approachd 4 years old he was basically familiar with stamps in general and started to learn how to sort through them and ask questions of their different shapes, sizes, colours, people, animals, countries, etc.

I happen to think as a parent of two boys there are too many distractions (video games, sfx movies, cell phones) out in the world now than ever before. The earlier the better. They might not grow up to be stamp collectors for the rest of the lives but they will always treasure the time as father you put into making sure their education and entertainment is well-meaning and well-rounded.

Please keep those request coming. Free stamp starter-kits always available.

kidsneedstamps@yahoo.com

Perfecting Harmony Through a Better Hobby

2009-09-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

In the past 60 days we have received some of the most joyful emails ever from parents completely engaged in assisting their children in learning from the expanding world of stamp collecting. Our family thanks each and every one of you who have taken the journey of parental involvement with their children through the scope of shared hobby.

Our free stamp-kit program continues to reach out to new families lacking the basic of how to collect stamps or simply how to go about it in an educational and/or econonical manner. In these tough times we are most glad to help such families get a firm start without a single dime out of pocket.

The stamp kit is as follows:

5 email attachments that details stamp knowledge, identification lists and blank stamp pages

1 packet of international and US stamps

1 packet of stamp hinges

There are also instructions on how to create a wonderful very lost cost stamp stock book or stamp album.

Please remember the following: stamps are most than mere pictures on tiny pieces of paper:

Stamps reveal history, culture, language, science, medicine

We've have families report back that mutual stamp collecting has brought parents closer to their children, improved their focus in school and even helped the handicapped gain emotional independence by becoming passionate in a hobby that connects the heart and the mind.

Before you lose a tooth, ice skating or a brain cell, video gaming, consider perfecting harmony through a better hobby. Staying involved, staying present in our children's lives can be a challenge if we allow all the modern distractions to tear us away from the one thing all children truly need: parental presence. You will never lose when present. Never.

Strengthening The Bonds of Family: A Collector's Tale

2009-08-07T22:57:00.000-07:00

There are a myriad of obstacles out there to separate us from our loved ones. I speak from personal experience when I say I'm lucky if I get 3 hrs a weekday with my kids. And most of that time is meal preparation, bath and bedtime routine. It's not by choice and once I get a job with less commute time I can spend alot more time with my beautiful wife and children.

Thus the weekends become precious and sometimes overanalyzed and overscheduled. I try to fit the world in two days. I try to make up with what I believe has been lost and create my own obstacles. It's one of a thousand reasons why stamp collecting helps bring back basic focus to my life and lets me reconnect with the kids in a simply pleasant manner. No stress. No guilt. Just strenghtening the bond of family via a time-honored hobby.

Whenever we can find something positive and productive to allow our attention to be focused on something other than work or ourselves -----we naturally grow stronger as parents and want to build on those key moments to grow as our children grow. I have been collecting for nearly 40 years and now have a different appreciation for it as a father. It feels exciting again like it once did when I was a child. While I have never lost my love for collecting it has always been a private vocation seldom shared with the outside world. My children have greatly assisted by efforts to venture out and speak out this wonderful hobby without fear of geek-prejudice. For that I will always be grateful.

And now parents, I am helping you to do the same, albeit, in a small way.

Finding Independence in a Day of Dependence

2009-07-13T10:23:00.001-07:00

Who wants to pick up a paper these days and discover we are celebrating independence while shockingly in massive debt. Does that sound like independence to you?

The modern phenomena I rail about mostly, video games and motion pictures, still haven't done anything to reduce their prices in such trying times. Neither has even found a way to produce a positive message for these scary times. It's the same olde brainless bombshells, laser beams and car crashes.

Here's how I found some independence from that steady diet of dumb vixens and violence:

1. Got some stamps from around the world

2. Spoke about their unique origins

3. Found videos and pictures of these places on the Internet

4. Played games with the kids about the stamps and pictures.

5. None of this cost a penny.

Parents, give it a shot. We have free stamp starter-kits. You have the computer.

How easy can it be.

Confronting a Busy World: Stamping and Solace

2009-06-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

We live in a busy world rampant with blinking lights and busy bodies always rushing from one place to another and seldom enjoying anything. Imagine that. Always being in a rush and never really enjoying the scenes of a trip, the taste of food, the warmth of a wife, the hug of a loving child. Impatience is killing our society.

Stamping teaches you patience. In many ways stamping can create a zone of solace far away from the screaming machines, noisy neighbors and feuding pets, each competing for our attention like if it were going out of style.

We should teach our children to take a step back. See the trees. Smell the flowers. Gazes at the stars and dive into a pile of stamps from hundreds of distant lands ready to reveal some new fact or face. This is the very magic of stamp collecting that cannot be duplicated by silly video games and splashy loud motion pictures. Stamping demands active use of our brain. Whenever our brain is active our fists are open to new creative experience rather than techno-influenced violence.

I live in the 21st century and I'm not trying to escape it and run to "Little House on the Prairie." Thus I don't believe stamp collecting with cure drug use, alcohol abuse, underage sex and poor self-esteem. But I do think it can make a difference in some of those lives. A major study suggested nearly 80% of children using drugs, alcohol or sex had no exposure to books, the arts or even common board games. A good bet they never heard about stamps either.

May Flowers and Friends

2009-05-03T05:34:00.000-07:00

KNS joyfully is pushing forward in May with a wonderful April behind us. We are able to supply a Boy Scout Troope with the stamps and supplies they needed to help earn their Stamp Merit Badge. Good luck to all!

Receiving an increased amount of emails in the month of May and I thank you for your dedication to helping your children stay interested in the educational and entertaining hobby of Stamp Collecting.

Please don't forget to check out the site and leave comments as you see fit. Many of the answers parents seek can be found right here on the Blog.

First-time stamp collecting parents please keep in mind:

1. kids need a place to put stamps

2. you can print out free stamp album pages until they settle on what they want to collect

3. you can go to an auction site and buy some inexpensive Vario pages and store the stamps for all to view until you decide if wanting to purchase a formal stamp album

4. you need a 3 ring binder for the vario pages, sometimes kids label the binder and make that their stamp album

If there are other questions not found on site, email me and I will be happy to answer them.

A Father's Devotion To Fun

2009-04-05T04:17:00.000-07:00

Naturally, I am always happy to hear from fathers, especially single fathers, who struggle to be taken seriously in a world that stereotypes dads as deadbeats if they are not married and aloof if they are so.

I once had a job in a company where the head management looked down on managers whom were also fathers from taking sick leave to care for their children. The exact quote was, "if you're telling the truth, you should get your wife to do it, if you're lying just ask for the day off and stop the drama!" And little gem of incredible wisdom came from a female senior manager.

One of the most precious moments in stamp collecting is the joy of sharing your hobby with your son or daughter and hoping one day it will become their own educational passion.

We have been getting alot of father traffic about the stamp kits and are very pleased the father's are devoted to their children and devoted to a fair measure of fun through stamp collecting.

God Bless

Marching Forward Onto St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-01T10:42:00.000-08:00

February was a great month of multiples contacts with clubs, establishing official "KNS" clubs, and linking up with boy and cub scouts to help supply their needs into the new year.

March is an exciting month full of St Patrick Day festivities but also a month of displaying stamps promoting health topics. We will endeavour to display as many as possible.

For now enjoy the stamps of Ireland (Eire) and learn something new about that magical emerald isle.

KNS Sponsors Official Stamp Clubs

2009-02-18T18:31:00.001-08:00

The new year often brings about new ideas to help others with their stamp endeavours.

"Kids Need Stamps" has decided to sponsor official stamp clubs throughout the country. At the moment we are focusing on those clubs already in existence in a semi or formal manner. This seems to be the best method to help grow these get-togethers into something more organized and stocked with more stamps and other supplies. Teachers in these settings can concentrate more on creative lessons than worrying about stamps and supplies.

The conditions are pretty simple:

Need to have an official name and meeting place
Need to have at least 4 kids in attendance
Need to have a committed teacher/director
Need to be inclusive and not ban kids due to race or gender*

(I'm not the politically-correct type, but when parents ask for certain stamps and only want 1 gender in their class---well, finance your own values,--- hope you get my point)

I am still putting together the official stamp club supply list but obviously it will include stamps, hinges, envelopes, blocks, and a few other goodies I am working on.

We are also getting official stamp club stickers for all the kids.

Stay tuned for more news and details.

Black History: Celebrate Through Stamps

2009-02-15T07:33:00.000-08:00

My first African-American stamp was Paul Lawrence Dunbar, a black inventor. There have been dozens of black American heroes printed ever since. We are even blessed with an African-American President, Barack H. Obama, who will also have his own US stamp one day.

Some collectors of African-America heritage use the dozens of Black American Hero stamps to teach their children the powerful roots of their heritage. This is another excellent example of stamp collecting instructing children on powerful life lessons.

Collecting Stamps: A Priceless Education

2009-02-07T15:24:00.000-08:00

We are currently living in the days of tight budgets and dollars stretched to the max.

In comes stamp collecting as an inexpensive hobby and a priceless education.

Consider the following:

Astronomy
Geography
History
Politics
Culture
Language

These are but a few examples of exposure and world education a vibrant stamp collection provides a curious child.

Keep those requests coming and keep those comments flying.

Many thanks.

Kids Need Stamps Featured In Major Publication: Collectors News

2009-01-04T12:40:00.000-08:00

It's a super method to introduce the New Year, ----Kids Need Stamps has been featured in Collectors New, a US and International Magazine of Collectibles in their January 2009 issue.

http://collectors-news.com/

We would like to thank everyone for the supportive email and kind compliments.

Stay tuned for another cool announcements.

Monthly Report: Season of Celebration

2008-12-31T12:29:00.000-08:00

It was exciting to witness our 3 years and our 3 month old enjoy all that is wonderful about Christmas especially in a year of turmoil and fear.

We have connected to a number of families this month who redefined or rediscovered the hobby of stamp collecting. Some of the firsts were a family from Latvia and a mentally handicapped adult.

Thankfully through the Internet and the Grace of God, opportunties that arise to serve our fellow citizens of the world will be met with starter-kits, information and good cheer.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year.

Stamp Preservation Hinges on Hope

2008-12-17T12:18:00.000-08:00

Every so often you come across someone who reports a friend or relative is using scotch tape or even glue to affix stamps to paper. If there is any supreme rule in stamping: using anything other than hinges or mounts is an absolute no-no. Never ever ever ever.

I promptly wrote about the correct procedure and mailed out a packet of hinges. Hinges are small sticky cellophane strips that safely connect the back of the stamp to the front of an album page. Over the years they become dry and fall off but another can be placed on the stamp without any fear of damage.

If anyone needs any because they are going to traditional route of album pages verus vario pages let me know and we will include in the starter-kit.

Stamps on Paper: Soaking and Saving

2008-12-03T18:42:00.000-08:00

One of the most fun and cost effective method to collect stamps is to clip them off envelopes from the general mail. When I was a child I would go to the travel agency with my father and he would get a bundle of envelopes they saved for him. In the bundle would be hundreds of stamps from around the world.

The following are time-test ways to save and collect these stamps:

1. Clip stamp from envelope using a scissor. Just cut around the envelope leaving as little paper

as possible without damaging the stamp.

2. Fill up a basin or bowl with warm water.

3. Toss your pile of stamps on paper (with faces upward) in the bowl and dunk them in the water.

4. Wait 15 minutes.

5. Manually, but gently, separate your stamps from the paper and place them on a series of

dry paper towels.

6. Once they have dried, press the stamps (because they curl) into the pages of a book (or you

can buy a stamp dryer book for the same purpose.

7. The next day remove stamps and determine which you want to keep and which you might want to trade or give away.

Monthly Report: A Month To Be Thankful

2008-11-30T08:33:00.000-08:00

Another fun and exciting month is coming to be close. Thanks so much for being part of the stamping family whom are learning and growing each and every day.

Don't forget we are being profiled next month in Collectors News in January 2009.

While I never envisioned the economy would be so shakey by this time of the year, my family and I, are overjoyed to continue to reach out to families in need of stamps for their children to start them on collecting-------all for free.

Looking forward to December, Christmas and more exciting international contacts.

Wishing You All A Very Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-21T17:13:00.000-08:00

Please keep those questions and requests coming on through. Our family of stampers continues to grow from all corners of the universe. I wish you all a very happy thanksgiving. In these days crazy economy and crazier gas prices and just plain crazy people we should continue to refocus our efforts to spend time with our family.

Put aside the pettiness and learn to love again. That's what Thanksgiving is all about.

God Bless.

Building Stampers One Child At A Time

2008-11-15T18:40:00.000-08:00

Building Stampers

In a more recent venture, KNS was able to supply a brand new stamp club consisting of home schooled children. We are both delighted and excited to hear about their learning experiences in the stamp world. We received a lovely card signed by all the little stampers. Thank you for keeping our wonderful pastime alive and well in the 21st century.

Protecting Children

Please keep those comments coming on the blog. We appreciate the insight and compliments received by comments and emails. I only ask that you make your free starter-kit requests via email and through an adult. KNS is all about helping parents help kids but we do not solicit, respond or communicate with underage children. I wouldn't allow my children and I ask you politely not to request us to make contact with your children. Perception is reality these days and we don't need the headache. Our thanks for your understanding.

Respecting the Process

Thanks for the inquires and requests but they really need to be via email. When you make a starter-kit via blog comment you first miss out on the email attachments necessary to help kids identify foreign stamps. Also you allow your home address to be broadcasted throughout the Internet and we are not responsible for people misusing it. By respecting the process you get the starter-kits, the attachments and complete privacy. We don't use your address except to mail you the stamps.

Thanks again for your support and understanding.

Stamps Are Stories of Thanksgiving

2008-11-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

It can be successfully argued that stamps are stories of thanksgiving. Each stamp brings its unique story of presence to the world at large. Look at our colourful country. Look at this beautiful animal specimen. Take to heart this ailment or disease that must defeated. Each stamp has such a message to deliver to a diverse but distracted citizenry.

I know we spoke about stamps being mini-national advertisements for tourism, business, politics, history, geography, science and ocassionally sports, but many wonderful things are coming out on stamps from emerging countries that are developing their own distinct voice to speak again to the world stage. Take for example, Slovenia:

The stamp above is a tiger moth and they are plentifuf in Slovenia but endangered in Northern Europe where night lighting and the destruction of plants at the edge of woods keep the moths from repopulating. This example is one of many that Slovenia can now address through the reliable vehicles of communication we know as stamps.

I have been taken by their stamps isssues of waterways, lighthouses, marshes, aquatic life, marine plants, the whole incredible living inventory that is lovely Slovenia and continue to wonder how many other natural treasures we miss because countries are at war, in chaos, too busy to explore because too busy trying to survive till tomorrow.

Folks, there are thousands of untold stories ready to be spun on the stamps in the approaching years as wars give to peace, and horror surrenders to hope. Right now the Congo is again sputtering towards slaughter but one day its people will win the right to be free and tell their own story through stamps. Science tells us nearly 25% of the area is unexplored. Just imagine the mysteries, artifacts, natural beauties to be found in a place often known for violence and cruelty.

I continue to expect stories of thanksgiving from every corner of the globe as people figure out that peace is the braver path to a good life and a surer path to a longer one as well. Stamps are stories of thanksgiving. Beyond the international scope I am describing here is also a local, personal, family thanksgiving with stamps that foster memories of loved ones passed on but still present in our hearts and stamp collections.

Monthly Report: Collectors News Spotlights KNS

2008-10-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

KNS is proud to announce our site, its efforts and its club president, Mark Rossi, is being featured in Collectors News a magazine that focuses on various aspects of collecting (toys, dolls, cards, stamps, etc.) The January 2009 issue will be examing the stamp collecting aspect of collectibles and KNS was chosen as an organization making a difference in the vital effort to keep stamp collecting alive for another enlightened generation. We sincerely thank them for spreading the good word. http://collectors-news.com/ {Cover Issue is November 2008}

KNS is continuing to fine tune its effort to equip a children's hospital with a complete stamp collecting program. We also made another meaningful contribution of stamps to the Stamps for the Wounded program. Meanwhile we continue our main mission of assisting parents with free starter-kits one parent at a time. We welcome new members from Canada and India and thank everyone for their inquiries and questions. A special thank you for those kind members who leave comments on the blog articles.

As always I welcome parents to read the blog articles and discover what KNS is all about and how to go about setting up a basic inexpensive stamp collecting outfit for your child. This is also a good time to address a few issues that have risen:

1. Free starter-kits are available always. No expiration date. No until supplies run out.

2. I don't care about your martial status, political affiliation, religion or cultural background.If you are committed to getting your child interested in stamp collecting. We will help.

3. Please keep your questions relevant to helping parents help kids collect stamps. This is a family operation. Our time is precious.

4. Stamps Images. Some are in the Public Domain due to their age or country's liberal policy to promote their stamps or country's image. Others are used through Fair Use which allows stamp images to be utilized like book reviews. We are not selling anything hereand our articles only elevate stamp collecting. Period. Appreciate the concern but nothing's happening to the 20,000 auctions (with images) taking place on Ebay everyday. And those guys are actually making money. Hope that answers your questions. Enough said.

5. You need to provide your mailing address. I am still surprised on how many inquiries we get and how many turn down the offer of a free starter-kit because we need their mailing address. Folks, the stamps can't materialize through the internet. They have to be mailed through the postage system: a service also free of charge from KNS.

I wish you all a Happy Halloween. Keep those children safe. And rejoin us again in November.

We Continue To Serve Families: Free Starter-Kits

2008-10-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

After a few months of log entries on the blog you begin to forget that the important introductory articles are not so visible anymore. I continue to get emails from parents believe the starter-kits were only a summer phenomena. They are not. They are forever. KNS continue to serve families seeking to introduce their children to the exciting world of stamp collecting.

The starter-kits contain 10 US stamps and 10 foreign stamps (each from a different country)
I have also began to include a credit card magnifer with each request (while supplies last.)

The parent also receives 5 information attachments that specify how to identify foreign stamps and how to understand various stamp definitions and terminology.

You can purchase inexpensively various Vario stock book pages and place them in a looseleaf and create your own stamp book. (There's a brief explanation in the welcome letter I send out.)

Or parents can download one or both of the following album pages presented free to collectors:

16 page kid album (from Stamps.net)
http://www.stamps.net/acrobat/album1.pdf

{please kind in mind you need to have Adobe on your computer to open this up}
{warning: kid album is cute and useful but also uses a lot of black ink}

black album pages (from International Society of Worldwide Stamp Collectors)
http://www.iswsc.org/iswsc_page.shtml

{blank means blank --you have to title everything} (But these folks have a link to download
Adobe Acrobat for free)

Keep those email inquiries coming. Love to hear from everyone. Thanks again to Stamp Collecting Round-Up for directing parents to our site.
http://www.stampcollectingroundup.blogspot.com/

My Dad and Stamps: A Rose By Any Other Name

2008-10-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular inquires we receive at KNS (next to requesting the free starter-kit) is what do you call someone who collects stamps?

If this were an SNL sketch a few of the answers would be "nerd," "geek", "a member of the non-dating community", etc., etc., but truth be told children in the United States do not collect stamps as much as adults. It is the mirror opposite throughout the world where governments help promote stamp collecting and stamp supplies can actually be found in regular department stores.

While submitting these inquires the answers the emailers also provided are curious insights into their knowledge or lack thereof: "stampers", "stampsters", "stamp hobbyists", "stamp collectors", and on and on. Some folks do not really care what it is called as long as they can enjoy its entertainment value and learn a valuable historical fact along the way.

My late father was a collector for nearly 50 years and held strong opinions about the King of Hobbies in the mid-70's which is when he first noticed stamp collecting was starting to decline in America. He noticed there was less about it on the children shows. He noticed stamps were beginning to be mocked on the game shows. It was becoming more a commercial specialty rather than a commercial staple in department stores. It was become more an intellectual pursuit rather than a passionate past time.

I remember attending stamp conventions at the United Nations with my father and listening to guys who looked like insurance agents declared they were "philatelists" and were going to rescue stamp collecting from the hands of schoolchildren and well-intentioned parents. I remember my father having some choice words for these "negative nitwits" as he called them. It was moments like these that shaped my father's opinion that stamp collecting was going underground and becoming for insular and exclusive after being overtaken by more popular forces in society such as rock n roll, movies and board games.

He used to say, "if I ever find out who ruined stamps, I will fire him, after I punch him out." I always laughed because it was obvious the companies involved never invested much in marketing or advertising. They depended on the word-of-mouth and the natural cultural inclinations to support a hobby "everyone just loved." Basically they depended on habit and faith and pocketed the ad money.

But I appreciated my dad's vigor and passion for the hobby he felt was dying from within and fast becoming an egghead luxury like water polo or shooting silly birds with bazookas. I wish he was still around to see how the Hobby of Kings has made a respectable comeback with the aid of technology and another generation wanting their children to learn real knowledge for a better day beyond the limited notions of violent video games and moronic music.

Philatelist, hobbyist, stamp collector, a rose by any other name is the craft we share with our children and the world shares with us. Who could ask for more.

Fiction and Legends on Postage Stamps

2008-10-07T17:27:00.000-07:00

One of my first collectable stamps was the Headless Horseman stamp blazing across my album page in bright orange against deep blue. I thought it strange until I realize they are actually promoting the writer Washington Irving----or were they?

At times, legends and monsters can make such a dramatic impact on the public imagination that it compels the postal authorities to include them on postage stamps. The Maldives include a picture representation of the legendary Scottish sea monster: The Loch Ness Monster.

The mountainous country of Bhutan is famous for mountain trekkers, dedicated hikers and a population so steeped in the Yeti (i.e. Abominable Snowman) tradition that nearly to a person they believe it is out there. Bhutan literature actually mentions the Yeti (i.e. missing link) nearly 1500 years old in ancient religious texts and histories.

The emerging Southeastern nation of Laos cling to the enduring legend of the Thunderbird which modern hunters are still seeking in the strong belief it is a genetic leftover from the dinosaur age.

The cynical among us often say these legendary depictions are merely the result of commercializing stamps for collectors in order to make profits for said producing countries. Yeah, so what. Many of these same countries snap photos of their beautiful shells, flowers and exotic animals and also reap financial rewards. Remember stamps can be art, news, politics, history, geography,--so why not plain fun.

October: Autumn Leaves and Halloween

2008-10-05T18:50:00.001-07:00

Autumn is my favorite season. Always has been. Always will be. It even shades my art tastes and I like the browns and oranges in paintings. Strangely, there haven't been many Halloween stamps issued throughout the world. I was only able to locate five. Maybe we should petition for more. Ha.

Growing up Halloween was my favorite holiday--more so than Thanksgiving or Christmas. I couldn't wait to get out of school and into that costume, Batman, Frankenstein's Monster, Casper the Friend Ghost, etc. I grew up in the city and selling egg insurance 1 week in advance raised the funds necessary to buy the more expensive costume I craved--plus more. Every year I would have to clean a few windows but mostly it was profitable and fun.

Now I live in the suburbs and look back at the rows of orange leaves flooding the sidewalks to my grammar school with fond memories. I miss those days but I missed more the fact that my parents were rarely able to make the Halloween trek through the neighborhood. One or both often had to work late. I was usually assigned a neighborhood parent and went trick-or-treating with their kids.

Sometimes I felt my father was doing extra stamp collecting activities, such as field trips, with me to make up for those absences. All of this is going through my mind now that I have children and Halloween is fast approaching. I'm reliving those times with them and still thinking how I can improve being the best father I can possibly be.

When they grow up I won't worry if they miss those lovely autumn leaves, I just don't want them to miss me not being around. That is the best holiday gift any father can give his children.

Monthly Report: International Communiques

2008-09-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

First and foremost I would like to announce the birth of our second son. Thank you all for the supportive emails. I have been away from the blog for a few weeks due to heath complications of the mother and the child. Your kind words and prayers have been a source of additional strength.

Unlike the media doomsayers I still believe in this country and its currency. Thus I have a nice monetary stamp up here to keep the spirit alive. We'll make it through this silliness just like other challenges in the past. Don't bet against America.

The club has been making contact with international new outlets and other clubs to spread the word and discover what others are doing out there in their stamp world. I have been learning to appreciate the extensive expertise and passion of Indian collectors and their clubs. Very impressive sites, stamps and products. Plus it helps (me) they speak English. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I placed a few Indian stamp sites for others to explore and educate themselves.

We have also been putting together a proposal to support a few children's hospitals to assist very sick children with stamp collecting. One of the features is to include total kits that have vario pages, binders and credit card magnifiers. Children in these unfair circumstances need something positive to focus on. Perhaps something they can perform solitary in order to help them regain a sense of independence normally lost to chemo, medication, nursing and parades of people and programs also trying to lend a hand.

Welcome our friends from Canada. We are getting more inquires from that wonderful place high in the North. Always excited to hear from our international parents seeking to broaden their children's scope on education, history and world affairs. In so many instances parents worldwide often face the same issue: finding the best way to guide their children's past time in the most constructive manner. And many want to keep their children's minds out of the modern gutter of sex-laden and violent movies and video games. This hobby is one solution towards that end.

Promoting Public Health Through Postage Stamps

2008-09-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

There's a long tradition of postal authorities using postage stamps to promote issues involving the public health. Stamps are also used to raise funds for disease-fighting entities such as "Easter Seals" or internationally "Various Charity Stamps." Recently China released "Earthquake Stamps" to raise money for the victims of the massive quake. And actually used the money to help the victims.

Ironically, there was actually resistance to placing "matters of private concern" on postage stamps. The feeling ran that it was exploitative of victims to express support of their condition. We now understand that publicity of such conditions, {Breast cancer, Alzheimer's, Diabetes, AIDs, etc} can dramatically assist sufferers by validating their experiences and rallying the medical community for treatments and cures.

There can be no higher social calling for stamps than promoting the public health in the United States and around the World. Though this is not confirmed I heard a story that suggested immunization shots were more acceptable in certain Third World countries after a stamp was released showing a child getting a shot. Maybe it's a stretch but the lowly stamp just might have saved thousands of lives around the globe.

Knocking down stigmas of terrible afflictions should truly be the province of the medical community but like anything today in the modern world you need exposure and quite frankly the news media prefer death and destruction over prevention and progress. I am personally proud to witness stamps being used in such a powerful and positive manner to help effect change in the community-at-large. I deeply disagree with the stamp purists (foreign and domestic) who rather stick monuments, military generals and exotic animals on every stamp ever printed. I have nothing against that and yet more can be done to allow stamps to become trusty vehicle and sharp instrument in the minds of those who need valuable information now.

Thoughts For Parents Of First-Time Stamp Collectors

2008-09-05T17:49:00.000-07:00

Stamp collecting is a wonderful and creatively inspiring past time. It can also be a solitary. KNS (Kids Need Stamps) strives to bring parents together with children to make stamp collecting a shared joy; not another activity to shove them in the corner.

Consider the following thoughts:

1. Go the traditional route; buy some stamps (or get some here for free), buy a stockbook or buy a dedicated stamp album (US, World or a Single Country)

2. Collect Topicals: trains, planes, shells, animals, etc. and buy a stockbook

3. Buy some used stamps and create collages with other artwork, photos, letters, etc. (now this will ruin the stamps value but you will create something unique with its own value.

4. Buy some stamps (ones that mean something to you), mount them on a cardboard and place in small frames for hanging on the wall.

5. Dream up some other ideas but stay in the picture. There are times when we are the best parents when we are not on the sidelines. This is one of those times.

6. Seek advice if you are running out the ideas or don't have any to start. I will be happy to help and I am sure other folks on other sites will do the same.

Building Great Memories: Parent and Child

2008-09-01T04:22:00.001-07:00

You probably heard the old adage, "be a parent to your child; not their friend. Otherwise it becomes very confusing when time for discipline." I know firsthand this statement is very true but like anything in one's life you cannot take it to the extreme. Too much parenting causes the child to shut off communication and turns your presence into a giant rule maker and not someone who listens or cares about their concerns--real or imagined. That's where stamp collecting comes into play.

As discussed previous in "fellowship" article, the parent/child relationship is strengthened in the area of trust when dealing with stamps. The child is allowed to learn from stamps by making their own decisions about what, how and where to collect. Each stamp session or lesson is another building block of fruitful memory the child carries the rest of their lives. Some of my finest memories of my father, may God rest his soul, revolve around stamp collecting. Our trips to New York stamp shows, the United Nations, pulling out the albums on unscheduled rainy days and just pouring hours into figuring out this and that about stamps and about each other. We were building great memories. My father was still my father but I felt deep down inside he figured out a way to be my friend for a few hours and that lightened the load for both of us considering our respective roles and responsibilities.

I think I got to be the grown-up by making decisions and my father got to be the kid again and sat back and enjoyed not having to direct every facet of every thing in the universe. I' m remembering what I learned then and applying it to my sons in the present day. I will never stop being a father since that role today is more critical than ever before but I will find ways to be his friend whenever possible and whenever it doesn't compromise my primary role. Stamp collecting is going to be another highly useful vehicle to communicate for all parties involved.

Another excellent stamp approach is to take the stamp collecting from the indoors of your home and bring it on the road. We went to museums (Navajo heritage), planetariums (space stamps), zoos (exotic animal stamps), stamp shows (United Nations), conventions (NYC), etc, etc. that spot-lighted the educational angle of stamps. These trips also built great memories that made stamp collecting an exciting adventure. It brought my father and I closer and suddenly made me realize how fortunate I was when other neighborhood kids complained how little they saw of their parents. Some of those kids went on to school problems, behavior problems and eventually legal problems. Neglect, in my opinion, is a form of abuse. Stay active, stay involved and your children will probably stay out of trouble. Stamps might just do the trick.

Monthly Report: KNS Reaches Out and Grows

2008-08-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

We are concluding our second successful month of providing parents, mentors and organizations the stamps and information necessary to launch their kids into the Hobby of Kings: stamp collecting. A big thanks again to

Lt. Col. Don from The Stamp Collecting Roundup http://stampcollectingroundup.blogspot.com/

and Alex at The Stamp Collectors Corner http://www.stampcenter.com/blog/blogger.html

Yesterday KNS sent out its 50th starter-kit as well as outfitting an entire elementary classroom for stamp instruction and an entire troupe of 12 Boy Scouts. We also donated stamps to Stamps for the Wounded and Canadian Guide Dogs. KNS is considering an exciting proposal to assist a children's hospital ward.

KNS will continue to creatively reach out and meet the needs of individuals, parents, mentors and organizations that seek to interest children in stamp collecting. We have received a number of suggestions which serve to remind us of how many people surf and watch the Net these days. While I sincerely thank and have thanked each one for their wonderful idea I ask that you consider KNS cannot be everything to everyone nor do we ever intend to make that a goal.

I like the simple niche we always knew was present: parents, mentors and organizations in need of a basic boost to inspire them to get kids interested in stamp collecting, divert their attention from the technologically-confusing world, and bring them back to a place where art, history, science, geography and saving things of value is no longer a "geek phenomena" mocked on sitcoms and radio shows.

I would like to also thank everyone for the kind comments and compliments. My family and I are very pleased that our vision of assisting parents to help their children with stamp collecting is taking place right before our very eyes. And last, these starter-kits are really free. We do not solicit donations of any kind from anyone. If you want to donate used stamps, cut from envelopes, please send them to the organizations I listed on the site. They need and welcome such help.

The Emergence of Ebay: Stamp Buyer Be Glad

2008-08-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

The emergence of Ebay has been nothing short of an international phenomena. It's actually one of the few internet companies to survive the internet bubble implosion that wiped out billions of dollars and cast out thousands of tekkies into the unemployment lines of the 90's.

In a nutshell: How Ebay survived

Ebay permits anyone with a computer, digital camera and a product to place it online and potentially sell it in days, hours or minutes. The product can be new or a used item you found around the house, garage or attic. Some people actually go to yardsales and buy for pennies on the dollar and sell for dollars via auction. You can auction your item to the highest bidder via the auction process or outright sell it at a fixed higher price.

Impact on the stamping community

Ebay's influence on the stamping community is enormous; at any given day nearly 20,000 stamp-related auctions take place, making stamping the most active of any of its numerous detailed non-stamp categories. The Internet in general and Ebay in specific are directly responsible for resurrecting a worldwide hobby once perceived on the decline in America. It unites stamping communites, dealers, clubs, and organizations like nothing in the history of stamp collecting. Not all change is bad. Not all progress is at the expense of something else.

Advantages beginner collectors receive from Ebay

Virtually the same as the advanced collector. The specialization of sub-categories easily permits the beginner collector to zero in on the exact item they require be it, a stockbook, stamp album, stamp tongs, magnifier glass, stamp hinges, stamp mounts, etc. In many instances it might be less expensive to buy from an auction site (Ebay or one of the above listed) than from a stamp store or hobby shop. This is not guaranteed if you have the time and opportunity for comparison shopping between the (inter) Net and a (stamp) Store--definitely do so. Another great advantage is the advent of Paypal, a separate service (but now owned by Ebay) which enables you to pay the auction costs via credit credit or checking account quickly and safely. Paypal offers guaranteed money back if fraud occurs or item damaged or never shipped

By Accident and Design

The sub-categories for stamps on Ebay are the most extensive on any auction site on the Internet by virtual of it being the oldest and biggest. This feature is not only useful for beginning collectors in purchasing items but also in learning what entities produced stamps, what continent, language, etc. By accident and design the item arrangement serves as an educational resource as well as the descriptions many dealers/sellers decide to include with the auction. You can cut and paste this information on word doc and save it for your files. It comes in handy later for identification and cataloging.

Purchasing Stamps and Stamp Supplies

For the beginner collector who hasn't decided on a certain country or countries, theme, topic, etc. purchasing stamps on Ebay is very easy if you keep these tips in mind.

Buy in Lots (200, 500 or 1000) By purchasing in this manner you get a wide selection to study and help you decide what you want to collect. Or maybe you want to collect them all.

Postage and Handling: Handling charges are rare, but postage is another matter. It varies geographically depending on where the dealer lives and where you live. Note where the dealer resides from, if is in a foreign country you have to decide if the auction is worth your time (could take couple of weeks to receive it) to the extra cost of international postage. The cool advantage is often these dealers include their country's stamps on the envelope for you to cut, soak and save. U.S. dealers on the other hand can sometimes offer postage higher than necessary as a way to increase their profits. It really shouldn't cost any more than $3 to $4 for postage for a lot of 500 stamps. There are many auctions taking place so choose wisely by price of stamps, price of postage and geographical location (if time is of the essence.)

Stockbooks and Stamp Albums

Unlike the minor weight of stamps, hinges and mounts, stockbooks and stamp albums are heavier items and shipping charges can be nearly a third of the cost (for albums) and nearly a half (for stockbooks) of the item being shipped. Which is one of the reasons why I recommend people comparison shop if they have a stamp store in their community. You might save some serious postage. If the Internet is your only recourse then you should compare between auctions at Ebay and/or between Ebay competitors.

***NOTE: For the purposes of full disclosure, I am not a dealer nor have I ever sold anything on Ebay, but I have bought plenty for my personal stamp collection and therefore can easily testify to the experiences spelled out in this article. While we do not endorse any product or service (since we are not paid nor accept advertising) this site in good conscience will strongly recommend something of good value to its readers but not without also naming alternatives and competitors. The following are main competitors to the auction service Ebay---feel free to use them instead of or in conjunction with the subject of this blog article.
http://www.wigix.com/ http://www.ubid.com/ http://www.bidz.com/ http://www.auction.com/ http://www.webidz.com/

Amazon and Overstock also have their own auction platforms.

The Fellowship of Stamping: Building Trust

2008-08-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

The primary purpose of KNS (Kids Need Stamps) is to foster fellowship through stamp collecting by assisting parents and mentors with the tools necessary to kick-start this fascinating journey. While it's easy (and I don't mind doing it) to bash the modern distractions of video games, computer toys, and ipods---the deeper truth is more complex: we are parents must be engaged in our child's lives regardless of their past times. Without this positive attitude the superior educational value of stamp collecting is certain to fall short of its real impact.

Fellowship Stamping elicits wonder, knowledge, curiosity, and above all, an ample amount of joy due to the geniality of verbal communication, physical care taking of precious objects and the emotional satisfaction of building something new. Collections are built new; yet also fruitful relationships. I am a firm believer in attributing child behavior to the amount of time parents devote towards their kids well-being. There is a cause and effect. I've heard all the excuses and seen all the guilt-gifts parents often buy their kids, but in the very end, if you cannot devote the time in this dangerous day and age, your kid might wind up doing time.

I'm not trying to be a stamp collecting Dr. Phil but we must reconsider a great deal of what we have cast aside in this society in the past 30 years. The reduction of gym classes is connected to higher rates of child obesity. The easy availability of soda, candy and snacks has increased juvenile diabetes. The major crackdown in drugs and alcohol has definitely decreased those horrors but what have we allowed to replace them: television, video games, digital music and a distorted value of money is equally bad--it just takes longer to see the results, i.e. teenage years or worse still when they grow up and mimic parental neglect.

Kids need more attention these days than ever before; we can easily combat the poor role models by operating the opposite way and we can counter the lousy values out there with good values if we are prepared to stick to family activities that reinforce communication, truth, respect and love. Stamp collecting is one of those special activities that transcend the mere title of hobby because it harkens back to the old days when a parent, a sunlit room and a box of stamps were more important than all the fancy gadgets in the universe. We can have that again.

The Impact of the Internet on Stamp Collecting

2008-08-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

The impact of the Internet on stamp collecting is nothing less than -----enormous. Over the past few years and even past few weeks I have had verbal discussions and emails with friends, associates and admirers (a few not so admiring, oops) about this very subject. Generation X collectors, like myself, know the Internet resuscitated stamp collecting. By the mid-80's you couldn't find a stamp store in your community unless you lived in a major city. Stamp Shows were a once-in-a-year event often miles away from your home. That's a heck of a trip and a long wait to buy some supplies, stamps in lots, and trade shop talk with experienced dealers and collectors. To make things worse book stores stopped carrying stamp magazines making it harder to establish mail contact with stamp supply companies, stamp clubs, etc., etc. Thank God, for the local library which still carried hobby magazines of all types. For all intents and purposes stamp collecting went underground, refusing to die, but also unable to challenge the Age of PacMan

This is where people in the stamp industry get upset. Many would prefer to believe stamp show and stamp clubs kept everything going until the Internet came along. But I was there at shows where dealers outnumbered collectors and clubs where free beer couldn't get someone in the door. In my opinion the Internet saved stamp collecting from oblivion and made it exciting and educational again. Here are the reasons why:

Email:

it keeps people connected, you can send stamp images, word informational attachments in minutes sometimes seconds---really helps with tough questions on id's, watermark issues

World Wide Web:

the major companies got on board and their sites now offer more products and information and then their former printer catalogs--a lot of free stuff too---what a switch!

Software Downloads:

Software programs are the newest product in stamp collecting to come along in years and the most exciting. For US collectors the Scott software program is the best to track every stamp in your collection by image, value, date, year, --just incredible and easy. Plus there are dozens of generic programs for basic collecting and you can provide your own images.

Ebay:

It's impact on stamp collecting is monumental. Between its thousands of stamp auctions and fixed stores, Ebay has brought stamp collecting to the forefront of hobbies again by simply reintroducing it to the public at prices that wont scare away the uninitiated. It also helps that you get to see the stamp, product, etc., and have a decent description. I have always said once stamping was revived the marketplace would correct the past obscene prices of the business side of collecting and level it off for past, present and future collectors; thus preserving the passion of philately without going broke in the process.

Irony and Snailmail:

Past detractors of computers and Internet used to lament about how technology would reduce people contact and possibly formal letter writing and postal mail services (i.e. snailmail).

1st point: a poor public perception of stamp collecting and stamp shows few and far between did a fine job of reducing people contact.

2nd point: the reduction of formal letter writing was on the decline years before email came along in fact email was increasing writing by people in general, many write letters on computers, print them and then mail it.

3rd point: computers and the Internet did not reduce postal mail services in fact it increased them by many fold. I get dozens of stamps from stamp shipments, friends and relatives from the mail which first starts off as an email.

The impact of the Internet on stamp collecting is significant and continues to expand in many different directions. There are sites where you can create your own stamps for actual postage using your own designs and photos. The horizons are unlimited and benefit stamp collecting in the most incredible ways, you can now actually visit the country you are collecting on the Internet and see amazing photos. But like anything of heartfelt value we must not succumb to rewriting history because the world changed and we didn't. At least this time we did and we as a global stamping community are reaping the rewards of a journey that must last to the next generation. If we do our jobs right and teach the hobby with love and respect the next generation will figure out how to take it to the next level.

Stamp Albums, Hinges and Mounts

2008-08-15T18:53:00.000-07:00

Stamp Albums: United States

Over time the beginning collector might outgrow their stockbook and seek to start a more established home for their multitude of stamps. Collectors choosing the United States as their preference must select one of the many brands of Stamp Albums (Minkus, Whitman/Harris, Scott, etc.) currently sold on the market. The three mentioned in the brackets are the biggest and oldest of the official U.S. stamp albums and each bring a unique characteristic to the Hobby of Kings.

Minkus and Scott albums have neat descriptions about each stamp and Harris has more keener illustrations than most out there. There are plenty of other album brands out there; most are generic in nature with B&W photos, if any, and usually no descriptions. While we do not endorse any products in particular I can honestly say you will be better served with the time-tested major album brands quoted above.

Some of you might be fortunate to live in a community with a stamp/coin store. In the days before Internet stamp stores were numerous and the best place to go to purchase stamps and supplies. I still remember taking the train from NJ and buying stamps with my grandfather and father at Gimbels in NY which was a major department store. Today, if you are watching your budget, you are better to shop around at Ebay, the direct brand sites and the stamp store. You will save on shipping costs at the community store versus Ebay provided the price is competitive.

World Stamp Albums are very expensive and very large in volume. It could take 6 large loose leaf styled albums just to cover the planet of stamp collecting. I know stamp collectors of 50 years who still don't even have 1/4th of them filled. I would not recommend going this route. Stick to the stockbooks on stamps from around the world, if two or three countries strike your fancy, you can buy world supplement (pages) that contain your chosen country for an affordable price. Buy an inexpensive loose left binder and you are set to collect.

Hinges and Mounts: Ways and Means

Hinges are very small glassine wedges made to stick to the back of stamps and the stamp album page. My general rule is: only use them for used stamps. Actually, you can use them for any stamp of any condition. It all depends on personal taste. You can use hinges on stamps and then slip the entire stamp page in a plastic clear page protector. (Note: collectors used to separate pages from the album and hole punch them for a 3 ring binder. )

Mounts are stamp protectors that slip over the stamp and stick to the album via an glue adhesive. My general rule is: only use them for unused stamps are stamps of exceptional used value or maybe sentimental reasons. Mounts or as we used to call them "jackets" are very helpful but pricey items that shouldn't be wasted on just any old stamp. Actually, you can use them for whatever you want just be ready to pay the price. If you try to mount 100 stamps or more you'll discover it costs more than the album. Best to survey what you need and plan accordingly.

Little Delicate Things: Stamps and Souls

2008-08-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

Stamps like good wives are delicate things we often take for granted. (Shame on us.) Apparently so is regional stability in the Black Sea. (Shame on them.) While I don't mean to make light of marital or diplomatic relations, territorial conflicts, past and present, have the potential to reshape the world and the world of stamp collecting. Winners may emerge as new countries such as (Georgia & Kosovo) while losers (Rhodesia & South West Africa) might wind up having a new name and identity like Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Any international stamp collector worth their salt delves into the history, culture, politics, religion and geography out of sheer curiosity. Who are these people? Where did this place come from? What does this or that mean? Questions and answers make for broader knowledge yet also complete the collector as a genuine citizen of the world. Name another hobby that fits a such a wide bill of qualities and I will test it to the ends of the earth. This is the Hobby of Kings.

Sometimes we take Freedom for granted. It is being challenged and chastised by radicals and regimes who seek to rule by murder and myth. Lives are touched and changed forever by social movements bent on taking, preserving or destroying tracts of geography imprinted on those little delicate things we call stamps. As much as we love and cherish stamps we also pray democratic countries are not extinguished by dragons once thought slayed.

The Next Step: Stockbooks and Tongs

2008-08-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

The next step once you have received your starter-kit of stamps is to obtain a stockbook, which is basically a black stamp album. Depending on the maker, the pre-made types are manufactured through KA-BE, Lighthouse, PARAT, Stanley Gibbons, Supersafe, Prinz Scott, G & K, each might have a white backing on the pages or black blackground. Each page will have slots, 8, 7, 6, 5, accomodating a vast number of sizes of the stamps. Obtaining of the these stockbooks is easy through the websites of various dealers or through Ebay. The average cost is about $20.

The second type of stockbook is the one you can create with vario pages. These pages set up with various sizes of stamps, blocks, sheets, etc. can be purchased for as little as $6 and have multiple holes for 3 or 4 ring binders that can be purchased in the office section of any large store. For less than half the cost of a pre-made you can put together your own stockbook. Vario pages are best purchased at Ebay. The page quality is all the same just the shipping price will be different and that is what you should factor when ordering. The Vario chart is too big to be pictured here but there is only a few the starting collector can actually use anyhow. The Vario page 6S, 7S & 8S are best for the starting collector. The number is how many horizonal rungs each page contains, the more rungs the smaller the space between. For larger stamps 8S is good and for much smaller thumbnail stamps, 6S is sufficient. The full Chart is available as an informational segment attachment upon request. Ebay stores and dealers usually have the chart available on their sites as well.

The next item necessary is called "tongs." A picture above shows what they look like--almost like a flat headed tweezer. The purpose is to keep the oil from your hands and fingers from tranferring upon the stamp; thus reducing its lifespan. The nickle-plated ones work perfectly fine. Shouldn't cost you any more than $4 for a pair. They now sell gold-plated ones but honestly you don't need them. I am still using the same tongs my father gave me 35 years ago.

The new collector must keep in mind that everything he/she needs for their collecting purposes are not available in any regular stores out there. If you are lucky to have a stamp store nearby, you might find their prices are far higher than the combine price and shipping of most anything on Ebay.

The most important lesson here is to get what you basically need to protect, store and enjoy the stamps. Folks out there easily get carried away with expensive and unnecessary supplies that in my opinion are not only a waste of money but also reduces a person's budget which should be spent on getting more stamps.

Trading Links, Members, Information

2008-08-07T18:51:00.000-07:00

Trading Links: (Nix on the Commercial Stuff)

I have been gettting a number of invites to trade links with what I must call commercial stamp sites. After investigation I have concluded trading links with these sites would not be in line with our non-sponsorship position. We take no ads nor endorse products. Our members would be exposed to higher priced items in exchange for a link buried in the bowels of these flashy sites. Sorry, not worth it. All links included below are either sites with no products for sale or with significant free information about stamps and collecting clearly marked for easy navigation. The key is not to get lost in the whole muck of other people's agendas. My vision is practical and simple: help parents help their children appreciate stamps in the most inexpensive manner.

More Members: (Need Your Comments)

We have signed up (metaphorically speaking) more members and starter-kits are out in the mail. Please don't forget to request the informational segment attachments to help with translations and definitions. Thanks for the nice compliments via email but please consider using the comments section of the blog articles and let other people know how you feel. Thanks. And keep spreading the word.

More Information: (Albums, Stockbooks, Supplies and Ebay)

As more members are requesting starter-kits, the need now shifts to produce a blog segments on stamp albums and stamp stockbooks. Stay tuned this weekend. Also there will be a segment on buying stamps and supplies. I will be focusing on the advantages of Ebay auctions and stores versus other direct locations for materials. I will list them all and you can decide what is best for your needs and your budget.

Starter-Kits and Information Segment Attachments

2008-08-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

We continue to send out starter-kits to inquiring parents and resourceful individuals. I would like to welcome Don Schilling from Stamp Collecting Roundup, (see link below!) an incredible site full of articles and links to the most diverse line-up of stamp collecting people on the planet. Thanks for your support. Also, new to the family, Mike Marx, a teacher who is recommitting to the craft of stamp collecting and teaching a class this fall. Kids Need Stamps have supplied his entire group of 30 students with stamps. You guys are an inspiration. Thanks for being out there.

The following informational segments are available in word.doc attachments that will sent upon request. This keeps postage to the minimum.

Major Lists

Cross Country Index --- (4 pages) conversion list that links old country names with new names, i.e., Siam—Thailand

Postage Art Emblems --- (3 pages) includes common symbols used in postage stamps, good for identification purposes

Basic Dictionary of Stamp Terms ---- (6 pages) an excellent grounding in stamp collecting terminology

Basic Country Name Translation List --- (5 pages) essential list to assist new collectors when dealing with international stamps

Specialized Lists

SE Asian Ideograms---- helps with asian ideograms on stamps

Indian Alphabet ---helps with Indian feudal states stamps

Cyrillic & Greek ---helps with Russian, Armenian and Greek isles

U.S. Glossary of Philatelic Terms –only list stamp terminology used in American collecting

Advanced Philatelic Glossary – (18 pages) super extensive

Bogus Issue List --- lists stamps that are frauds

If I have violated any copyright, referred to a web site or item inaccurately, failed to give proper credit, or erred in any way, it is unintentional. Please let me know, and I'll correct it.

Some of these segments are original by yours truly but in some instances I have amended, added or formally updated existing lists from Lee's Listopedia http://www.filbert.com/stamplistopedia/ which is a fascinating site of international scope that remains inactive and hasn't been updated since 1999. Emails haven't been returned. As always anything I provide is free of charge.

In the Light: Improving The Image of Stamp Collecting

2008-08-04T14:59:00.000-07:00

I'm always a bit miffed when I hear worship stories about people who collect teacups, dolls from Japan, baseball cards, dead insects, etc, but when it comes to stamp collecting---suddenly it's too corny, nerdy, cerebral, brainy, old-fashioned, and the terrible list goes on. These days you can collect the weirdest things on the planet Earth (micro-meteorites!) and get more respect than the time-honored, #1 hobby in the world: STAMP COLLECTING. Folks, we definitely need a serious stamp-collecting image overhaul.

Part of the problem, and new parents will encounter this, is the stubborn stereotype that insists stamp collecting is a senior citizen past time of no consequence. Yes, there are senior citizens who engage in the hobby, many certified experts, but a majority of collectors internationally are younger people. The two biggest contributors to the image problem of stamp collecting in the United State is first, the Hollywood movie and television industry which has portrayed stamp collecting in a negative light for decades. Too much of this slandering has to do with the corporate tie-ins most film studios have with big-name board game makers and then later video games. They don't like the competition. Second, the US Government itself, which doesn't do enough to spread the positive word of stamp collecting to its younger-age public. A number of countries, Denmark and Greece are perfect examples, spend time and money to promote stamps and collecting in the public school system. It shouldn't be a surprise to Americans that the international student body scores higher on geography tests due to the early introduction of the world's numerous stamp issues.

I am saddened to report some collectors have bought into the stereotypical image and can be heard mocking a hobby they have spent decades belaboring in the dark. And this is the key to their self-mockery, they collect in secret, often not sharing their joy with friends or relatives, until it becomes a hidden habit of embarrassment. Last I checked, cigarettes and drugs, taken in secret were considered hidden habits of shame; not a noble educational hobby. And it is this counter-logical nonsense that slowly twists in our society into pushing people hide the good and promote the bad.

Everyone says their hobby is the sport of kings: golf, horse racing, chess, etc, yet it is Stamp Collecting that is aptly called the King of Hobbies and the Hobby of Kings. You cannot tell much about a nation or culture from its golf players or horse races or chess sets. The same cannot be said about stamps. You can learn much about a nation's values, priorities and qualities or lack there of (consider the Nazi stamps) through the art and language of its colorful stamps. These facts are indisputable and add to a long historical line of proud and joyous achievements found in those small patches of colour and ink we call stamps. Why hide it?

The Teaching Environment: Clubs and Classrooms

2008-08-03T18:28:00.000-07:00

The teaching environment for stamp collecting is by default a mentorship program. Meaning parents are a secondary support system. The true measure of success for stamp students solely rests with mentors insuring follow-up support from parents and stamp-peers. The basic definition of support from parents is positive encouragement and the procurement of necessary supplies to continue the hobby. The bonding of stamp-peers is also a valuable tool to assist the collector in approaching stamps in an non-academic setting. The trading of both stamps and ideas is a natural development of peer-bonding and becomes a prime catalyst to full engagement for stamp student to graduate to stamp collector.

Clubs and Classrooms are the best and most likely locations for the teaching environment of stamp collecting. Yet these traditional settings actually hold different approaches to how stamp collecting is presented to a student body. Take notice of the following:

Classrooms: Due to the academic setting of a school atmosphere--the mentor is a licensed teacher and will likely tailor their stamp teaching to topics, subjects, events, geographical locations, cultures, etc. that might be elements of normal classroom instruction or discussion. The good example would be a history teacher rolling out stamps that contain famous historical figures or battles or locations that he/her can expound upon in greater detail.

Clubs: Clubs are normally based out of libraries, community centers and churches and are either free-form and can simply focus on stamp collecting in the most basic manner: how to find stamps, how to mount stamps, how to id stamps, etc., or completely theme-oriented on one country such as Italy or topical like stamps with airplanes, birds, cars, etc. The club setting permits more time for students than a classroom, but this isn't always an advantage over classrooms since clubs tend to have more experienced participants who often add to the instruction.

Kids Need Stamps stand ready to help teachers and mentors, clubs and classrooms with stamps for every interested student. The informational segment attachments are an excellent resource to guide students in understanding the vast world releasing stamps to preserve their art, heroes, culture, religion and even athletic achievments. While the core ambition of Kids Need Stamps is to be clearinghouse of cost-free assistance to further one-on-one stamp instruction between parent and child--we recognize this ideal is always possible and wish to lend a caring hand to stamp teaching mentors from every walk of life.

Parental Connecting Through Stamp Collecting

2008-08-01T04:30:00.000-07:00

There are too many distractions today. Video games have replaced board games. Special effects have replaced visiting carnvials. Computers have replaced books. In numerous instances the modern world has eroded the special connection parents should have with their children.

I'm not a fuddy-duddy luddite railing against the machine. Just a parent and an observor who has distinctly noticed that when I played with my son in the park or playground--we strengthened our connection far deeper than when we watched television shows or joined in computer games.

This same basic notion surrounds the hobby of stamp collecting. Collecting stimulates the curiosity and permits parents and children to engage in intellectual challenges that builds bonds of trust and respect. It keeps parents "in the moment," guaranteeing nothing or no one can say they weren't there present and scratching their heads over a foreign destination (Albania) or international event (Olympics.)

In the coming entries we will explore the craft, fun and value of stamp collecting that is sure to transcend mere collecting and become another tremendous tool to teach our children history, geography, and last but not least ---our enduring love for their well-being.

Press Release and Starter Kit Additions

2008-07-29T19:50:00.000-07:00

I have sent out (and will probably send out more as more sites are discovered) the formal press release announcing "Kids Need Stamps" into formal existence. Apparently, you are nobody until you send out a release. No doubt this will bring more parents into our family of collectors and would-be collectors hoping to spark a new fire of curiosity into their children.

I received an email today from someone complaining the term "parents" somehow leaves out single parents. I ask folks to understand this is a stamp club seeking to promote stamp collecting between parents and children as a means of education, fun and parental bonding.

We discussed and will put into place starter sheets that assist parents with basic stamp collecting terms, definitions and country identification information. The country id sheets will be a big help because so much has happened to countries just in the past 40 years. Name changes like Burma to Myanmar. And many foreign stamps do not print their name with american pronunications such as the country Norway, it writes "Norge" on its stamps.

Many countries also use Cyrillic, Arabic letters or Asian ideograms. We provide basic lists for these as well as easy to use markers that help you spot them fast without even referring to the sheet. Most modern Japanese stamps will say "Nippon" on them for Japan. Yet older Japanese stamps are written in japanese ideograms and the very best way to spot them is to notice the Chrysanthemum circular flower symbol at the top or middle of the stamp. The Chrysanthemum is the national flower of Japan.

Monthly Report: Emails, Members & Stamps for the Wounded

2008-07-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

I proposed this stamp club about a month ago on the stamp forum and received 14 requests from parents around the United States and 1 in Canada. Ironically, I sent out starter-kits and provided guidance even before I got around to building the blog site "Kids Need Stamps."

I have also reminded parents not to forget our wounded veterans by donating the stamps saved from envelopes in their daily correspondence at home and work.

Please donate your stamps on paper to:

John M. Hotchner
Stamps For the Wounded
P. O. Box 1125
Falls Church, VA 22041-1125

You will receive a heartfelt note of appreciation from

SFTW, Vice President, John M. Hotchner

"We very much appreciate your contribution of materials to help hospitalized servicemen by providing them with the stamps and other necessary tools for engaging in stamp collecting; a successful recreation therapy which productively occupies their time, their eyes, their hands, and above all, their minds. We assure you that all philatelic material you contribute will be used for purposes related to our charitable function as described above. This note of appreciation is sent on behalf of all of those who will ultimately benefit from your generosity."

There is much more to come in both information and projects to assist parents in keeping stamp collecting alive and thriving in the lives of children. Stay tuned.

Your Starter Kit ---The Journey Begins

2008-07-28T18:38:00.000-07:00

The Journey towards Collecting Stamps begins after your starter kit comprises of 20 stamps both US and Foreign arrives in the mail.

My recommendation is you purchase a stockbook. A stockbook is a similar to a photo album but its pages are slotted for various sizes of stamps. The book is neutral (not dedicated to a certain country or theme) and will permit you to store the stamps safely until you decide what type or topic of stamp you may want to pursue with your child.

The following are but a few examples---(upon receipt of your starter kit you might decide to stick with)

United States

Certain Countries (i.e, France, Germany, Poland)

All Countries (i.e. the whole world of 150 plus countries)

Certain Themes (called Topicals, i.e, Shells, Fish, Butterflies, Soccer, Planes, Space, etc.)

If you decide to select the United States, then a US Stamp Album is a excellent choice to forever bound your stamps in a permanent collection. You will need a few low-cost supplies to start:

hinges: tiny adhesives that stick to back of stamp and album page

tongs: a type of blunted tweezer to safely handle stamps

magnifying glass: to increase your insight into various designs on stamps

mounts: a type of page protector but sized for stamps (best utilized on unused stamps)

You might not want to go this route so suddenly and just simply use a stockbook to fill with
US and various Foreign Stamps. If you do, you wont need any supplies other than the tongs
for handling stamps safely and possibly the magnifying glass.

Kids Need Stamps -- Parents Need A Hand

2008-07-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

We live in a busy, complicated world overflowing with bleak images, bad role models, violent games and mixed messages. It is a daily struggle for most parents to carve out quality time to spend with their children. In the rush to be relevant we can often fixate on a sport, event or project to interest your child only because your interested. Those are the potential pitfalls of blinding imposing our childhood pursuits on our children. There's less of a chance of this happening when dealing with stamps.

The beauty of stamp collecting is a lack of pressure. You don't have to be an expect. You don't have a large budget. You don't have scream about from the rooftops or shield it from the world. You can start small. You start big. Start with America. Go to Europe and check out Africa. There's no deadline, no contest....no pressure. Another charming facet of stamp collecting is the clever flexibilty it allows by being both an individual hobby and a joint project with parents.

If you believe, as I do, kids need stamps, then you must conclude, parents need a hand to prepare them for a smooth transition to the hobby. And that is where, "Kids Need Stamps" comes into play. I will mail out, free of charge, a small starter kit, to help you understand how to start learning and maybe even loving postage stamps of the world. The most amazing thing is you really don't have to know much to start, and you, as a parent, can actually learn with your child, and create a stronger bond of trust and communication.

The "learn-as-you-go" aspect is an unique characteristic of the hobby and usually surprises parents who are often stressed into believing because they are adults they are supposed to be experts on everything they introduce to their offspring. You need not worry since you have a friend in this exciting endeavor. A friend who is a lifelong collector (35 years) and a father of two children. "Kids Need Stamps" will walk you through every step of the hobby and help you build a collection, a knowledge base and a more fruitful relationship with your children.

Back in Vogue: Stamp Collecting

2008-07-27T18:30:00.000-07:00

Stamp collecting had fallen out of favor years ago as video games and special effects-laden movies made it seem old hat. I used to know collectors who hid their hobby like a disfiguring disease lest someone mock their pastime. Ironically, the internet has brought back stamp collecting in the public eye in a major way. You can buy, sell, connect, converse, trade, etc., with other enthusiasts literally around the world---often in the same day!

Today, stamp collecting is beyond the stereotypical nerdy hobby of yesteryear. Stamps are used to help wounded veterans focus their creativity outward, connect with children to increase their educational appetite, even to assist the mentally disabled to grasp artistic concepts. Those little sheets of paper with pictures are valuable, visionary and now totally in vogue.