I have returned to the hobby after many years. I mainly collect GB predecimal mint, but have also strayed into the decimal period. The need to label and write up the collection is proving to be challenging due to not having neat writing, I have even thought of taking calligraphy classes to remedy this. So here is my question; is there an easier way to address this!

How do other collectors label and write up their collections?

Many thanks

William

I have pretty dreadful handwriting, so I write up my stuff on a computer -- which seems to be the default method nowadays! There were other techniques that used to be recommended -- typewriting, stencils, commercially pre-printed gummed labels and so on -- but they're generally more work for a less effective result.

In my case I just use Microsoft Word and print off "sheets" on A4 card with the writeup on them. Since most of my stuff is postal history that works well -- it's a bit more fiddly to get the layout right when you have lots of single stamps to arrange, but still doable. You can either leave space for the items, or draw a suitably sized box, or indeed insert scans and blank them out before printing.

An alternative if you're using regular album pages which don't fit your printer would be to print on paper, cut it out (with a guillotine) and stick that to the page. Significantly more hassle, but can be made to look nice (I used to do that originally until I found it too slow). This is also probably the standard method if you're using Hagner style leaves, except that you just insert the "slips" with the writeup instead of sticking them on.

If you go the handwriting route I'd advise against elaborate calligraphy -- fancy handwriting, like fancy fonts, can be hard to read and overpower the stamps. The aim would be something neat but plain.

Might be worth a request in the Newsletter too -- with any luck a number of people will write in to say how they do it!

Thanks, I appreciate the suggestions. This will be a task for a rainy day.

William

I do exactly the same as Mozzerb. I use Word to format the pages and use whatever font and size is appropriate for the item that is being displayed, then insert any additional images as required. Don't use any fancy font or size as it detracts from the display, after all you are showing the philatelic item not your Word skills. Make sure you are consistent with your font/size/formatting across all your pages as well.
Save the finished pages to a dedicated directory for easy recall if you need to make any amendments.
Drafts are printed on standard A4 photocopier paper and final pages on to heavier lightly coloured beige acid free A4 card for displays.
I have used this method for club/national/international displays and never had an adverse comment.
Hope this helps....Colin

Thank you Colin, just one more question. Is it normal to label individual stamps or just complete sets?

William

I think the answer to that is it depends on what you are showing and why. If it is just a complete set with no special feature then the individual items would be self-explanatory so just label the set.
If there are unique or rare items or items of special note then by all means label them to highlight their importance. Colin

Thanks Colin, makes sense.

William