Kiloware

Kiloware is a bulk mixture of used stamps sold by weight — historically by the kilogram, hence the name. The stamps are usually still on paper, clipped from envelopes and parcel wrappings. For many collectors, sorting kiloware is one of the most enjoyable and economical parts of the hobby.

What Kiloware Contains

A typical kiloware lot contains stamps clipped from commercial mail, with a small margin of envelope paper around each stamp. Contents vary enormously:

• Single-country mixtures — for example, all Great Britain or all Germany.
• Worldwide mixtures — assorted stamps from many countries.
• Charity or mission mixtures — unpicked stamps donated to charities, traditionally regarded as the most promising.
• Picked mixtures — lots already searched by a dealer, with the better stamps removed.

Commemoratives, high values and foreign mail usually make a mixture more attractive than a mass of current definitives.

Why Collectors Buy Kiloware

• Low cost per stamp — thousands of stamps for the price of a few individually purchased ones.
• Searching for varieties — shades, phosphor bands, perforation differences, watermarks and plate flaws.
• Postmark collecting — interesting cancellations, slogans and town names.
• Thematic material — stamps for topical collections.
• Swap material — duplicates for exchange.

Soaking Kiloware

1. Sort out stamps on coloured paper and self-adhesives first.
2. Float gummed stamps face up in cool water until they slide free.
3. Rinse off remaining gum.
4. Dry face down between sheets of absorbent paper, then press flat under weight.

A Note on Expectations

Kiloware seldom contains rare stamps — most valuable items were picked out long ago — but it provides hours of absorbing sorting, teaches identification skills, and occasionally rewards patience with a scarce variety.