What do I need for philately?

The word "philately" means "collecting stamps(and stationery, cancellations etc.)".
I think I have to explain the basics of philately for people not familiar with collecting stamps.

First of all, you must have a pinzette(tongs).
Don't touch the stamps with dirty hands!


Most people will buy a stockbook for keeping stamps.(Click to enlarge)


But, this is not the end.
You will need what is called "album leaves".


You can arrange the stamps on leaves by yourself using hinges or mounts.
This is what is called "mount".


Write down the details of the stamps on the blank album leaves and put on the stamps using the mounts that have a gum on their back.
There are black, gray and clear mounts. Chose the one you like.
Measure the size of the stamp and carefully cut the mount.
Use a set square and a rubber sheet.
This is how to make an album leaf.

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1; Open a new file.


2; Rule guides.


3; Measure the sizes of the stamps and draw squares.


4; 10points bold.


5; Three stamps on a leaf.


6; Another box for an FDC.


7; Put them in order and write the details of the stamps.


8; The end.


Hinges are usually used for putting your "used" stamps to your albums.
Most of the mint stamps in the 19th century are on hinged conditions but don't be so nervous. They are at on-hinged conditions in ordinary.
Take care of the centred-printing and the clearness than the back of the stamps.
To peel off the stamps from envelopes, first cut out the stamps and dip them in water. Remove the papers and change the water 2 to 3 times.
Confirm that the gums are completely off the stamps and put them on a towel or something.
Then put them on soft paper and dry them carefully.

If you feel it difficult to arrange the stamps by yourselves, there are many ready-made illustrated album leaves including Scott.


Bind the leaves in the album files.
The more you collect the stamps, the more stamps will be in your collection, so arrange the binders in order in your bookshelf.
As some of the mint stamps have strong gums, be careful with humidity. It's better to put the albums in dry case.

Don't think buying stamps is the end.
You can make FDCs(First Day Covers) of the stamps you bought.
FDCs are made by philatelic companies, but you can make your own FDC by yourself.
This one is made by Japan Philatelic Society.


I made this FDC by myself and sent by poste restante. You can get an arrival mark stamped.


I sent this envelope to Qatar and they stamped it and sent to me.


You will need "corners" to put covers(envelopes) on your album leaves.


It's better to put a "mat" so that the covers are conspicuous.
Mainly gray, but sometimes black, white or red mats will do.


Perforation gauge is also convenient to count the numbers of perforations on the stamps.


If you don't feel like making albums, notebooks will do.
Just put on the stamps using hinges.


For more details about the stamps, have a look at "stamp catalogues".
"Scott" is said to have listed all the stamps of the world, very convenient, but some stamps are missing.


If you need more details, "Michel" is said to be the most detailed.


For some of the countries, get a catalogue issued in their "own" countries.


It's better to have some dictionaries.




Don't think only the countries are the target of collection.
Many people collect stamps of their favorite topics.
I collect "Clocks", "Bats", "Tabletennis" and "Skulls" on stamps.

This is a catalogue published by my friend who collects "Volleyball on stamps".
It lists all volleyball stamps of the world.


He also issues a newsletter on phila-volley.




Philately is indeed profound.
I'm only an easy collector.

The one I want to be at grips with the occupation/military posts during WWII.