Stamps with stamp hinges on reverse - any good?

[Anniemcc2]

I have 2 stamp albums that belonged to my late mother. And in both of them, the stamps have been mounted on the album pages with stamp hinges.

Does this devalue the stamps?

[cornishmaid1961]

If they were 'mint' stamps then yes it would because the gum on the back is damaged but if they were 'used' stamps then you can just remove them carefully from the album and soak the hinges off.

[Anniemcc2]

Thanks Becky - will take another look at them before I decide what to do with them.

[johnwash1]

Presumably it reduces their value, but hopefully doesn't make them completely worthless?

I still have albums from my teenage, and I knew even less then than I know now, so of course I happily used hinges, I thought it was the 'proper' way to do it.

[Maelbrigda]

i too used hinges when a teenager. what is the way to do it now?

[Anniemcc2]

i too used hinges when a teenager. what is the way to do it now?

Something like this with clear acid-free strips/pockets across the page to slip the stamps into.

[cornishmaid1961]

I still use hinges on used stamps as I've been collecting since I was five and have 35 albums full, plus another smaller collection of 17 albums for my youngest son, so I'm not about to change my whole collection now for a different system ! I would never hinge mint stamps though.

[johnwash1]

Something like this with clear acid-free strips/pockets across the page to slip the stamps into.

Ah, very nice. You must have had more pocket money as a teenager than I did though!

Thanks for the advice. I can see that if I get round to listing any of my old stamps I'm going to have to be careful to describe their condition.

[JDStamps]

I have 2 stamp albums that belonged to my late mother. And in both of them, the stamps have been mounted on the album pages with stamp hinges.

Does this devalue the stamps?

Hi
If they are mint stamps, describe them as 'mounted mint'. They are worth less than never hinged unmounted mint but do retain a value, 20-30% of catalogue is about right. If they are used stamps, just remove the hinges (carefully!)and they can be listed as normal.

All the best,
John

[Anniemcc2]

Thanks for all the tips and advice - much appreciated.