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HINTS For NEW COLLECTORS At the request of new collectors, I will try and answer questions that you may have about collecting stampless letters and covers. A good way to start is with a good reference book. I feel that the best book is the American Stampless Cover Catalog (ASCC) published by David G. Phillips. Not only does it list most all known stampless items, but it a has a lot of valuable information. There are 3 volumes, but Vol. 1 is the most important. The other two volumes are mainly used by experienced collectors. The ASCC may be purchased at some stamp shops, shows or the internet. One internet book dealer is Leonard Hartmann, and his web site is www.pbbooks.net. The cost is about $50.00. There are many ways to collect; state, city, content, rate, postal markings, either handstamp or manuscript, are some of the different ways. A manuscript postmark is when the post office writes the city by hand. I store all of my letters flat in archival sheet protectors regardless of value. If the item is a folded cover only without content, I leave it folded and file it in a archival cover protector. When I buy a letter that is folded, I carefully unfold it, make any necessary repairs, and then put it into the sheet protector. You can buy sheet protectors in most any office supply store. For repairs, tears, seam splits, etc, I use an archival document repair tape. If it is not available in your area, you can order from University Products, Holyoke, Mass. Prices on stampless items can vary considerable. I feel that condition, scarcity, demand, and content are the main factors that affect price. Another factor is how much the seller originally paid for the item. Start slow until you decide how and what you want to collect. Eventually you will decide and then set your own limits. Good hunting.