|
I've just found my old stamp collection.
Many people have collected
stamps at some time. They often began as a child and lost interest as they
grew older and as work, study and family limited spare time and money. Later they
find their old collection and wonder what to do with it.
Why not
start collecting again?
Stamp collecting is
one of the world's most popular hobbies, satisfying our collecting instincts
and providing an insight into the history, geography and culture of the
countries whose stamps are collected. Many people find it therapeutic and
relief for stress.
If you decide to start collecting again you will want to improve your
collection by obtaining more stamps and more information about the hobby.
Obtaining
material
Collectors obtain
stamps by:
- purchasing new issues from New Zealand Post or other postal
agencies;
- buying from dealers or bidding at auctions;
- obtaining stamps from the mail; and
- exchanging stamps with other collectors.
Postal
agencies
If you are interested in
modern issues of New Zealand you can purchase stamps, first day covers and
other products directly from NZ Post. Most Post Shops carry a range of new
issues or you can order directly from:
- Stamps Centre, Private Bag 3001, WANGANUI or New Zealand Post Stamp Centre.
Other countries have similar mail facilities or you might prefer to purchase
through a local dealer.
Dealers
and Auctions
Dealers and auctions are
important sources of stamps. Developing a good relationship with a dealer is
one of the best ways of obtaining material. Most dealers see a wide range of
material and will assist you in obtaining the stamps you need for your
collection. For details of dealers near you contact;
NZ Stamp Dealers Association, PO Box 230001, Botany, Manukau
City 2163
Phone 09 272 4484
, e-mail: earlehowe@orcon.net.nz Web site: www.nzsda.com
Many Stamp Auctions are held throughout the year most of which provide for
postal bids. These are run by larger stamp clubs and by dealers. They provide
you with the chance of buying material at a price you wish to pay and postal
bidding gives you access to material from your own home.
Stamps
from the mail
An inexpensive source of
stamps for your collection is the mail arriving at your house, your work or
from your friends or family. While much of the business mail today uses
meters or postage paid imprints there are still many opportunities for
obtaining stamps this way. Actually there are many people who collect the
meters and imprints as well.
Sometimes the stamps may be more valuable if left on the envelope. If you do
take the stamps off there are techniques for doing this without damaging the
stamps. Other collectors would be able to advise you on this.
Other
collectors
You may already know
other collectors. You may also be surprised to discover just which of the
people you know also collect.
Stamp
clubs
Often the easiest way to
find other collectors is to visit your local stamp club. They exist in most
areas and welcome visitors. Their membership includes people from a wide
range of backgrounds who are interested in stamp collecting. They provide
their members with the opportunity to meet like-minded people and to share
information about the hobby. Above all they offer the friendship, knowledge
and experience of their members who can advise on all aspects of collecting.
Most offer displays and visiting speakers, newsletters or magazines, access
to catalogues and books on stamps and opportunities to purchase stamps at
reasonable prices through exchange books or sales. For information on stamp
collecting please contact your local stamp club.
Details of stamp clubs can be obtained from:
NZ Philatelic Federation, PO Box 58 139, Whitby, Porirua 5245
Phone 04 234 7218
E-mail secretary@nzpf.org.nz OR at the Federation web site http://www.nzpf.org.nz
Pen Pals
Many stamp magazines have
advertisements from individuals seeking pen pals or exchange opportunities
with other collectors. These often prove very successful, leading to
long-standing and fruitful exchanges of correspondence and material. Exercise
care and build up the exchange slowly to ensure you do not lose valuable
material.
|