Short Summary
Hello! My name is Patrick and I need your help. When my grandfather passed away a several years ago I inherited his large stamp collection. I am currently in the process of sorting and cataloging each and every stamp. So far I have over 1,000 stamps digitally scanned, categorized, and inventoried in my computer.
Screen cap of the Inventory/Category software I use.
At first this tasked seemed daunting and never achievable due to the overwhelming amount of stamps he has.
Each box is FULL of stamps unknown. Plus, I was a little skeptical at the whole notion of stamp collecting. I mean they are just little pieces of paper you lick and slap on an envelope to mail a letter right? Well, technically YES, however, over the past year I have realized why people collect stamps. Each stamp is work of ART. A mini Picasso or Michelangelo if you will. The early stamps were hand engraved and printed. Even the PAPER was hand made. When you realize the detail and work put into the stamps you begin to appreciate them.
The oldest stamp I have discovered was printed in the late 1880's. 125 years old!!!! These stamps are old, fragile, and need protected.
Belgium #49 from 1884
I am asking for your help to purchase a gun safe that is fire proof, so that in case the worst happens, at least these irreplaceable stamps will be protected. I realize that this right now is a private collection and you may be skeptical of donating for a safe, which is understandable. When I am done scanning and cataloging these stamps, I intend on DONATING the stamps to a museum or anything like a museum.
Collecting stamps is a dying hobby and I want to do what I can to continue the passion my grandfather had for it.
And of course, THANK YOU for any donation!!
Sincerely,
Patrick
What I Need
Fire Proof Gun Safe at least 5 feet high, 18 inches wide, and 12 inches deep (for Boxes)
- Safes range from mid 600's to as high as 2500. The safe I am looking at is the size needed to safely store boxes and will protect them for at least an hour in 1,200 degree heat.
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If my goal is not met, don't worry! I thank you anyway for helping defer the cost of such a safe. I will include the safe with the stamps if needed, or I will sell the safe and use the money to donate to Wounded Warrior Project.
- Fire Proof Safe from Bass Pro. If not this model, one close to it will work.
The Impact
Each of your contributions no matter the size will help me protect my grandfathers collection of history. Each of these stamps come from a time period of great turmoil in the world. From WWI to WWII and conflicts in Russia. Some of the stamps I have are from countries that NO LONGER EXIST.
- It is because of the reasons above I feel the need to protect these stamps because they do have some historical value.
Other Ways You Can Help
Word of mouth is one of the most valuable resources anyone can have. If you can't or don't want to contribute monetarily, NO WORRIES! Your passing the word to others about this venture is just as valuable. Thank you either way!
Google Drive Image Link
Thank you for taking a look at what stamps are available right now! Every day I try to add at least 40 more stamps. Some days I can't due to other commitments or just the sheer difficulty of categorizing each stamp. Use this link to peruse.
** If you were kind enough to donate $20 and get a wall print. This link is where you want to find which stamp you want.**