FAQ: “Do You Buy Stamps?”
Perhaps the question we are most frequently asked is “do you buy stamps?” Indeed, we are active buyers of quality material within our current areas of interest. Much of our private buying is from advanced collectors and exhibitors who have exhausted a particular field of specialization and are moving on to pursue other philatelic fields. We also routinely participate in philatelic auctions globally.
Broadly-speaking, our interest is primarily in pre-philately to the end of World War I. At the moment, we are seeking exhibit-quality stamps and covers, or in-depth collections, in the following areas:
- Canada: Pence, Decimal, and Large Queen stamps and covers; Small Queen through King Edward VII / Quebec Tercentenary postal history; Victorian through King Edward VII pre-production and proof material.
- Worldwide pre-stamp postal history.
- British Africa and British Asia stamps and postal history.
- Worldwide military postal history through the end of the Boer War.
- German States, German Colonies & Offices Abroad, Germany to WWI including Occupation issues.
- World First Issues.
- China, and Foreign Post Offices in China.
- Victorian-era Great Britain stamps and covers, particularly line-engraved material.
- Manuscript material related to historic figures in the fields of travel and exploration, pioneer aviation, and royalty.
At the same time, there is a great deal of philatelic material that is beyond the scope of our trading. While we appreciate all interest in our business, unfortunately we do not buy or evaluate/appraise childhood collections; accumulations of unsorted stamps, duplicate material loose in envelopes, boxes, etc; First Day Covers or Post Office produced philatelic “collectibles”; or most twentieth century material, with the exception of areas referred to above.
There are many dealers and auction houses who may be able to assist with such collections. To find out more, it may be helpful to consult your relevant national philatelic trade association, such as the Canadian Stamp Dealers Association, American Stamp Dealers Association, or the Philatelic Traders Society.
Should you have anything you are looking to sell which you feel may be of interest to us, we welcome your e-mail.