I just came into hundreds of old stamps

[SweepNbeep]

Hi stamp lovers,

Well, I'm not a stamp guy really. But I was recently cleaning out my Dad's house, and came across a box of my late Grandmothers old letters. These date from the 19 teens, to the mid 1970's. Most are 1920's, 30's, and 40's era post marks. There are hundreds of letters, and most have at least one stamp still attached to them, some have as many as five stamps. There are even quite a few German stamps, as she would correspond with the family back where they came from. I'm debating whether I should let the kids steam the stamps off, and stick them in an album, or keep them intact as pieces of family history. The question I'm posing to you is, whether or not I may be hurting their value much either way. I don't expect they are worth much to begin with, but I know little to nothing about stamps, and I remember hearing that they are often worth more if left attached to old envelopes. I have no intention of selling any of it either way, but still, why destroy value if not necessary?

Thanks for any advice you may have.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Upgraded Night Vision Monocular Digital Infrared Monocular Telescope for 100% Darkness with 8X Zoom - Grab it through Amazon!

[GopherDaGold]

Back in the '70's we steamed or soaked them in water then used hinges to stick them into albums effectively stripping them of any value. We didn't know better. The most commonly accepted method today is to leave them on the envelopes. There will be very little value in stamps issued during the years you described. Some may have value, most will not. Look for errors in your collection while researching.

 

[Terry Soloman]

There's no real value other than family history. Keep them intact.

 

[SweepNbeep]

Thanks for your advice. I'm going to keep some intact, and let the kids steam some off, because they are having fun with it and what difference does it make? I researched some of them, and yes, practically worthless. Worthless, but still COOL.

 

[Mackaydon]

You may wish to first post pics of those you intend to steam off.
Someone here may pipe it and tell you one or more should not be steamed off; and then give a reason.
Don......

 

[GopherDaGold]

You may wish to first post pics of those you intend to steam off.
Someone here may pipe it and tell you one or more should not be steamed off; and then give a reason.
Don......

Especially if you find a couple with upside down airplanes.

 

[SweepNbeep]

There are some airmail, but no Jennies, upsidown or otherwise.

 

[Berton]

I think the value of your stamps is not very big, however,please add some photos of your collection, mb you have some rare stamps.

 

[Mackaydon]

Set aside any envelop that has a cachet (image) on the envelop; like this one:

An envelop with a cachet may have value notwithstanding an otherwise worthless stamp.
Don.......