If the stamps have white paper along the perfs, then the black pages will display the stamps better. If the stamp color goes all the way to the perfs, then white pages will work better to show the entire stamp.
One of these will be a book for Penny Blacks, and another for blues. Some of the "white" is off-white due to age, or canceled; in other cases the margin is not there. I was thinking for these, the white pages would show up better. So I was wondering if there are preferences out there and why.
Looking at a Penny Black in a black mount that's in a frame hanging on my wall, I think it looks better in a black mount. The stamp edges are easily discerned.
Peter, I've been buying the ones with "Super Safe" embossed on the covers. I think they are as good as a Lighthouse album I have. The Super Safe has two glassine leafs between each page.
Check to see if you have a Hobby Lobby store near you. They sell this stock book, but the store near my office only stocks one at a time. That works well since Hobby Lobby has an eternal 40% off one item coupon on it's website. Just show the cashier your phone! That brings the cost to around $10 including sales tax.
I use Lighthouse stockbooks. I like the black pages, because they strips on the page are clear, and I can see the whole stamp.
The white paged stockbooks have glassine strips and the stamps is not completely visible.
Just my two-cents worth.
David
I'm all the way with white background pages (150+ stock books and counting).
Yes, the black background pages does look better, but I've seen one too many black paged stockbook to 'fall apart' untimely (see http://www.stampcollectingblog.com/black-versus-white-stockbook-pages.php). AFAIK Lighthouse / Leuchtturm has tried to fix the issue with varying success.
-k-
Thanks for the great comments, all! SCB, the link is a very interesting discussion too!
But this comment:
"The white paged stockbooks have glassine strips and the stamps is not completely visible."
Note that Lighthouse has also made the white page stockbooks with the glassine strips and interleaves. I am looking at one right now.
Would like to get opinions on stock books.
My main album is a Scott National US album in which I use mounts but I've been buying some lesser value world wide stamps and having fun with those. I've been buying random older stamps from all over and they're basically sitting in glassines and stock cards. I'd like to put them in some sort of nice stock book where I could label some of the pages i.e. "Classic Mexico", "Canada" etc. etc. with adhesive labels and move them around, add to the pages expand and so on.
Some of the questions are:
What type of stock page would do a good job in accommodating the various stamp heights without them falling out when you're carrying the album around?
Is there one particular album brand that has a decent cover and binding that looks nice and "presentable"?
Many thanks in advance,
-Ernie
I LOVE Hagnar sheets - you can put them in a 3 ring binder and choose what size slots you want. You can rearrange the page order, too. The stamps stay put fairly well, too. I toss in a few Vario sheets for full page and half page sizes.
Of course everyone has their own likes and needs. I have around 20 bound stock books but
have little use for them. I scan my collection pages and they are not suitable for scanning. I also find that rearranging stamps when adding new items is to much hassle with bound books. I also prefer Black stock sheets, over stock books, in three ring binders. They come in different line pockets per page so you can pick the size that is right for your needs. I also find that stamps tend to shift around in the bound books as compared to stock sheets. Bound stock books do have a nicer look and feel with the padded covers and interleaves but I don't find them as versatile. I have not noted much difference in quality from one manufacturer to the next.
On the other hand I think the best choice for most specialized collections are large album size handmade pages using Black mounts. Specialized collections need a lot of text to explain varieties etc. Adding that info to stock books or stock sheets via little pieces of paper is awkward at best and at worse having the info dislodged so that stamps need re-evaluating. Padded spring back binders make a nice choice for this type of format because they allow you to use most any type page that might be needed for displaying other items such as sheets, covers, reference material etc. This takes more time and an artistic flair is helpful but specialized collections are not something that are put together quickly.
Hi Guys,
Like Philatelia, I like Hagners and Vario's and I keep 'em in 4 ring binders - Much more versatile than fixed pages in stock books - I have had way too many stock books loose the adhesive from under the clear strips and become useless..
Another advantage of the loose leaf binders is that you can make your own pages (using Hawid type mounts) and put 'em in "copy safe" page holders in your binder. (As AntoniusRa has suggested.)
Cheers
Steve.
Four ring binders sound interesting! I wonder if they keep the pages from bending as much and make it easier to turn the pages. I've never thought about using them, but will definitely try those.
Also - For the really special material, I also add a clear cover over the Hagnar sheets for double protection.
I use Hagner and Verio stock sheets for items that are not being mounted with hinges or mounts in my stamp albums. I put larger items like opened folded letter sheets into acid free sheet protectors with an acid free stock sheet to keep the page from flexing, it also lets me add an item to the back side of the page. For even larger items I use Blick presentation books.
Most of my binders for these pages are 1/2-1" three ring. I also have a few 2" "D" ring binders for my larger collections. Four ring does sound interesting.
Vince
Very good info Theresa, AntoniousRa, Steveo and Vinman,
I appreciate it. Ultimately I want to get into making some slick handmade album pages on nice paper but in the mean time I'm looking for something that can be adaptable. I'm also concerned about having something that is portable. The stamps in my Scott National album are securely mounted and there's a slip cover. I've handled it, taken it in the car, taken it all over with full confidence knowing the stamps weren't going anywhere.
With simple stock pages, it seems like it wouldn't take much to dump the stamps out. I know this can't be true because every show has many dealers with tons of stock books.
Ernie
Hi Folks,
I spend 6 months each year "on the road" in our RV - For me Vario's are the most secure and I have never had a problem with them, next best are Hagners inside their own clear protective "copy safe" sleeve.
I have recently been using the Vario's and Hagners for my approval books and they do save lots of time and effort.
This use is yet another advantage of the "loose leaf" systems.
For long term storage, or even more security - Slip covers are available for most loose leaf binders.
I prefer 4 ring binders. A4 size. Not sure what the US equivalent is.
At the moment I am using 7 or 8 binders ( none full ) depending on the number of approval books I have current and the number of listings/sales on other sites and I am forever moving pages from one binder to another. ( Trying to reduce the number to a more manageable 4 or 5. )
Poorest of all for me are large stock books ( I think 64 page ?)
Several have failed me on the road resulting in some (Not many) damaged or lost stamps.
Stock books no longer travel with Me !
cheers
Steve
I don't think our U.S. colleagues have 4-ring binders - due to differences in standard paper sizes. The standard U.S. 3-ring is the nearest equivalent which is why the student type plastic sleeves for ringbinders are designed to fit 2,3 & 4 ring binders.
Personally I only use stockbooks as a holding area between sorting and mounting,so that I can organise my time efficiently when actually inserting stamps into albums, or to hold reference copies of complicated stamp issues like GB Machins. Of course as a collector of used stamps only the preservation of gum in stock books is not an issue.
I personally think that if you must use plastic, stock pages have the advantage of stock books so as you can reduce the amount of time spent rearranging your collection.
Malcolm
I want to organize some collections into specific stockbooks; these include mostly dark colored stamps (black, blue, red on colored paper, dark green, etc.). I'm debating white vs. black stockbook pages; I think the white pages would show the darker colored stamps better, but I'm also going to put labels printed on white card paper on the page, so black pages might showcase these better. Any thoughts?
Also, at present I'm looking at Lighthouse 16 page stockbooks since these are highly specialized collections and won't require a larger book for each. I have one old Lighthouse book and it has stood the test of time for my duplicates, but Amos has a less expensive brand called "Safe"; how reliable is that brand?
Thanks.
Peter
re: Stockbook opinions please
If the stamps have white paper along the perfs, then the black pages will display the stamps better. If the stamp color goes all the way to the perfs, then white pages will work better to show the entire stamp.
re: Stockbook opinions please
One of these will be a book for Penny Blacks, and another for blues. Some of the "white" is off-white due to age, or canceled; in other cases the margin is not there. I was thinking for these, the white pages would show up better. So I was wondering if there are preferences out there and why.
re: Stockbook opinions please
Looking at a Penny Black in a black mount that's in a frame hanging on my wall, I think it looks better in a black mount. The stamp edges are easily discerned.
re: Stockbook opinions please
Peter, I've been buying the ones with "Super Safe" embossed on the covers. I think they are as good as a Lighthouse album I have. The Super Safe has two glassine leafs between each page.
Check to see if you have a Hobby Lobby store near you. They sell this stock book, but the store near my office only stocks one at a time. That works well since Hobby Lobby has an eternal 40% off one item coupon on it's website. Just show the cashier your phone! That brings the cost to around $10 including sales tax.
re: Stockbook opinions please
I use Lighthouse stockbooks. I like the black pages, because they strips on the page are clear, and I can see the whole stamp.
The white paged stockbooks have glassine strips and the stamps is not completely visible.
Just my two-cents worth.
David
re: Stockbook opinions please
I'm all the way with white background pages (150+ stock books and counting).
Yes, the black background pages does look better, but I've seen one too many black paged stockbook to 'fall apart' untimely (see http://www.stampcollectingblog.com/black-versus-white-stockbook-pages.php). AFAIK Lighthouse / Leuchtturm has tried to fix the issue with varying success.
-k-
re: Stockbook opinions please
Thanks for the great comments, all! SCB, the link is a very interesting discussion too!
But this comment:
"The white paged stockbooks have glassine strips and the stamps is not completely visible."
re: Stockbook opinions please
Note that Lighthouse has also made the white page stockbooks with the glassine strips and interleaves. I am looking at one right now.
re: Stockbook opinions please
Would like to get opinions on stock books.
My main album is a Scott National US album in which I use mounts but I've been buying some lesser value world wide stamps and having fun with those. I've been buying random older stamps from all over and they're basically sitting in glassines and stock cards. I'd like to put them in some sort of nice stock book where I could label some of the pages i.e. "Classic Mexico", "Canada" etc. etc. with adhesive labels and move them around, add to the pages expand and so on.
Some of the questions are:
What type of stock page would do a good job in accommodating the various stamp heights without them falling out when you're carrying the album around?
Is there one particular album brand that has a decent cover and binding that looks nice and "presentable"?
Many thanks in advance,
-Ernie
re: Stockbook opinions please
I LOVE Hagnar sheets - you can put them in a 3 ring binder and choose what size slots you want. You can rearrange the page order, too. The stamps stay put fairly well, too. I toss in a few Vario sheets for full page and half page sizes.
re: Stockbook opinions please
Of course everyone has their own likes and needs. I have around 20 bound stock books but
have little use for them. I scan my collection pages and they are not suitable for scanning. I also find that rearranging stamps when adding new items is to much hassle with bound books. I also prefer Black stock sheets, over stock books, in three ring binders. They come in different line pockets per page so you can pick the size that is right for your needs. I also find that stamps tend to shift around in the bound books as compared to stock sheets. Bound stock books do have a nicer look and feel with the padded covers and interleaves but I don't find them as versatile. I have not noted much difference in quality from one manufacturer to the next.
On the other hand I think the best choice for most specialized collections are large album size handmade pages using Black mounts. Specialized collections need a lot of text to explain varieties etc. Adding that info to stock books or stock sheets via little pieces of paper is awkward at best and at worse having the info dislodged so that stamps need re-evaluating. Padded spring back binders make a nice choice for this type of format because they allow you to use most any type page that might be needed for displaying other items such as sheets, covers, reference material etc. This takes more time and an artistic flair is helpful but specialized collections are not something that are put together quickly.
re: Stockbook opinions please
Hi Guys,
Like Philatelia, I like Hagners and Vario's and I keep 'em in 4 ring binders - Much more versatile than fixed pages in stock books - I have had way too many stock books loose the adhesive from under the clear strips and become useless..
Another advantage of the loose leaf binders is that you can make your own pages (using Hawid type mounts) and put 'em in "copy safe" page holders in your binder. (As AntoniusRa has suggested.)
Cheers
Steve.
re: Stockbook opinions please
Four ring binders sound interesting! I wonder if they keep the pages from bending as much and make it easier to turn the pages. I've never thought about using them, but will definitely try those.
Also - For the really special material, I also add a clear cover over the Hagnar sheets for double protection.
re: Stockbook opinions please
I use Hagner and Verio stock sheets for items that are not being mounted with hinges or mounts in my stamp albums. I put larger items like opened folded letter sheets into acid free sheet protectors with an acid free stock sheet to keep the page from flexing, it also lets me add an item to the back side of the page. For even larger items I use Blick presentation books.
Most of my binders for these pages are 1/2-1" three ring. I also have a few 2" "D" ring binders for my larger collections. Four ring does sound interesting.
Vince
re: Stockbook opinions please
Very good info Theresa, AntoniousRa, Steveo and Vinman,
I appreciate it. Ultimately I want to get into making some slick handmade album pages on nice paper but in the mean time I'm looking for something that can be adaptable. I'm also concerned about having something that is portable. The stamps in my Scott National album are securely mounted and there's a slip cover. I've handled it, taken it in the car, taken it all over with full confidence knowing the stamps weren't going anywhere.
With simple stock pages, it seems like it wouldn't take much to dump the stamps out. I know this can't be true because every show has many dealers with tons of stock books.
Ernie
re: Stockbook opinions please
Hi Folks,
I spend 6 months each year "on the road" in our RV - For me Vario's are the most secure and I have never had a problem with them, next best are Hagners inside their own clear protective "copy safe" sleeve.
I have recently been using the Vario's and Hagners for my approval books and they do save lots of time and effort.
This use is yet another advantage of the "loose leaf" systems.
For long term storage, or even more security - Slip covers are available for most loose leaf binders.
I prefer 4 ring binders. A4 size. Not sure what the US equivalent is.
At the moment I am using 7 or 8 binders ( none full ) depending on the number of approval books I have current and the number of listings/sales on other sites and I am forever moving pages from one binder to another. ( Trying to reduce the number to a more manageable 4 or 5. )
Poorest of all for me are large stock books ( I think 64 page ?)
Several have failed me on the road resulting in some (Not many) damaged or lost stamps.
Stock books no longer travel with Me !
cheers
Steve
re: Stockbook opinions please
I don't think our U.S. colleagues have 4-ring binders - due to differences in standard paper sizes. The standard U.S. 3-ring is the nearest equivalent which is why the student type plastic sleeves for ringbinders are designed to fit 2,3 & 4 ring binders.
Personally I only use stockbooks as a holding area between sorting and mounting,so that I can organise my time efficiently when actually inserting stamps into albums, or to hold reference copies of complicated stamp issues like GB Machins. Of course as a collector of used stamps only the preservation of gum in stock books is not an issue.
I personally think that if you must use plastic, stock pages have the advantage of stock books so as you can reduce the amount of time spent rearranging your collection.
Malcolm