When a collection is passed down, it can be difficult to distinguish common pieces from important items. We assist families with tact, discretion, and method, without rushed decisions.
Preserve the collection before making any decisions
Keep albums, boxes, binders, and letters as they were left. Annotations, invoices, certificates, and inventories can shed light on provenance and classification.
Place documents in a dry place, away from sunlight and significant temperature variations. Do not detach or clean stamps. Do not throw away old envelopes.
Three steps to support the family
01 · Gather information
Origin of the collection, periods of formation, available documents, and family wishes: we start with what you know, even if you are new to philately.
02 · Identify sets
A reasoned initial sorting allows us to identify albums and pieces requiring particular attention, without disrupting the collector's classification.
03 · Examine the possibilities
Keep, pass on, or consider selling: we explain the philatelic interest of the whole to help you decide. For inheritance formalities and decisions between heirs, your notary remains your point of contact.
What influences value
The value of a collection depends on the interest of the pieces, their quality, and demand. The number of albums or age alone is not enough to establish an estimate.
- Rarity of the issue, varieties, and specialization of the set.
- Condition, freshness, centering, gum, hinges, and defects.
- Authenticity of surcharges and cancellations.
- Certificates, signatures, annotations, and provenance.
- Interest of letters, their franking, and their postal history.
A large collection to move?
Start with overall views of the albums and a few representative pages. Avoid transporting all boxes without an initial exchange.
We receive by appointment in L'Isle-Adam and Pamiers. A visit can be arranged for a bulky or fragile collection. Terms are agreed upon in advance.
Heirs' questions
Do I need to know about stamps to contact you?
No. A simple description and a few photographs are enough to start.
Do I need to inventory every stamp?
Not always. We first qualify the sets to focus the detailed study on what is useful.
Can we keep part and sell the rest?
This is a possibility to consider, taking into account the coherence of the collection and the family's wishes.
Does an old collection necessarily have great value?
No. Rarity, condition, authenticity, and demand count as much as age. We help you distinguish between sentimental value and market interest.