What are some of the supplies needed for stamp collecting?

Magnifying glasses, stamp catalogs, and watermark fluids and trays are helpful for identifying stamps. Other supplies important to a stamp collection include stamp tongs, stock books, hinges, mounts and perforation gauges.

Similar to tweezers, but with a smooth exterior designed to manipulate stamps, stamp tongs help maintain the integrity of stamps. Regardless of a person's diligence in cleaning hands, the oil from skin damages stamps. Comprised of metal, plastic or cardboard, perforation gauges measure the subtle differences in perforations between stamps. Stamp catalogs are available at many libraries and can help identify stamps based on illustrations. Like an encyclopedia, the catalogs include the date of issuance of a stamp, the reason behind its creation, how it was printed and its estimated value.