MaxStamps

Four bags o' stamps from MaxSold (top photo). Here's the story:

A philatelic pot-shot, I bid on four 'World Stamps' lots on MaxSold recently. Being cheap and a bottom-feeder who likes sorting, I made one bid and ended up winning all four lots. Heading out to pick up the stamps on Saturday, I'll see how I did. These photos are from the online auction lots listing. Not the best lighting but they gave me enough of an idea that they were worth pursuing!

It took a week or so, but I finally got all four baggies sorted. (I think they may have originated with Roy Linden from Verona.) They definitely provided their own cost in fun and then some!

Firstly, I separated out any damaged or common stamps. The common stamps will be donated to OXFAM. Then I pulled out on-paper stamps requiring soaking, most of which were in bag 'D'. Stamps I wanted to keep, either for my collection or for traders came out next. From this latter group I separated the 'finds' and photographed the best from each bag with the letter label that came with each bag. Click for a larger image:

Bag 'A' had some U.S. Washingtons and some fun Cinderellas (above). Some cool military cut squares and postmarks, plus Sierra Leons in bag 'B':

Mint Luxembourg and more Sierra Leone shaped stamps in bag 'C', plus US censor cancel:

Some in the top row from bag 'D' that will be fun to identify - not a word on 'em:

There are a lot of small, but interesting stamps in each bag: South and Central America, Cyrillic writing, and early European. They will take time to identify and check with the current stamps I have from each of those countries.

The hand-picked keepers and traders from each bag.

Close-ups of some 'finds'.

Who knows what awaited in each baggie at the start of this sort?

The Time Has Come - Postponed Projects?

This short article was written by the editor of The Circuit, the publication of the International Society of Worldwide Stamp Collectors. I'm a member, and I enjoy participating in the group's circuits. In the July-August issue just out, Father James Lentini lists several procrastination-prone projects providentially provided for possibly pastoral moments in the summertime:

Michael's Free Stamp Collectiong Starter Kits - 900 and Zooming!

I received this kind note from Michael Lynn. I've previously published a post on Michael's prolific philatelic philanthropic prowess! Michael's kits, for which he pays the postage, are a great gift for grandchildren, retired folks needing a hobby, people who wish they still had their childhood collection, etc. Each kit includes one stock sheet side of US stamps, including a number at least 100 years old, a small bunch of mint stamps and nice cancelled commemoratives. It also includes a page of foreign stamps. I try to make these cover as many countries as possible - often up to 30 different countries. Then, one can chose a country or a topical area from my list, for the third page. The last page has some stamps on paper to soak, a FDC, a postal card, and a US plate block.

This is a great program because it not only shows what one person can do, but also because it makes stamp collecting fun. Too often, it portrays itself as a pastime deluged by dust, submerged in stodginess, and embedded in exclusivity. That is not the way I was introduced to stamp collecting by my Dad, and I don't think it's a good public-facing picture to present to potential practitioners. Michael says...

Hi Eric. Thank you very for your support of Michael’s Free Stamp Collecting Starter Kits. The donations from you and others have made it much easier to keep this program going. I am happy to let you know that yesterday I got my 900th order! I am really excited to push on to 1,000 and beyond. Your topical stamps have been a HUGE addition to the quality of these kits. It is something the recipients surely appreciate. I thought you might like to see some of the comments I have gotten:

• Pueblo, CO - Wow — I received the stamps in the mail and they are truly great! Thank you so much for sending me such a beautiful collection. Your kindness made my day and now I can't wait to look them over with my nephew. I truly appreciate your thoughtful gift — it will be treasured.
• Glenwood, IN - Thank you for all you do to assist new collectors. I recently came across your post and was truly impressed by your dedication to keeping the love of stamp collecting alive worldwide. I also wanted to express my gratitude for all the time, effort, and resources you’ve invested in this mission.
• Ray, MI - Today I received the package and I was so surprised at the incredible variety of stamps and even more surprised by the “First Day” covers and “Issue” additions. As I glance through the these I was also struck incredibly surprised again by the blocks and well by now you get the picture. I am so very grateful to you and your program.
• Meridian, MS - I have received your stamps and they are absolutely stunning and I would love to have more if you can, I love anything old! From other countries, I mean it can literally be marvel and I would go nuts! I try to collect everything! The post cards were to die for! If you can please send me more! This is amazing for my beginners collection 
• Daytona Beach, FL - I just received and opened the stamp packet you sent me. I am beyond thrilled with the selections you have made for me. You have made my reintroduction into stamp collecting very exciting moving forward. Thank you once again for providing this service to me.
• Slate Hill, NY - I just wanted to thank you for the beautiful stamp kit that you sent me.  I just received the stamps in the mail today and when I opened the huge manilla envelope, I was stunned!  I could not believe my eyes!  All of the stamps are so different, so unique, so amazing!  I keep looking at the stamps and each time I do I find a different one or one stamp that I missed seeing before.  These stamps are a perfect addition to my growing stamp collection and I will treasure them always. I promise that these stamps have a good safe home. I just want to let you know what a kind and generous man you are to do this for us stamp collectors. I never thought that I would ever become interested in stamps, but one day I saw a pretty USA stamp and cut it out.  I also found a whole collection of endangered species stamps and then I really became involved in stamp collecting.  Well thank you again for your kindness and thoughtfulness.  You are a very nice man. Have a nice night and thank you once again. Take care and God bless.

Thanks again for your help!

Michael, you're more than welcome and I already have another package a-building!