01For collectors
Collection evaluation and consultation
A considered review of a collection's strengths, rarities and condition, with a plain-English summary of where it stands in today's market.
Appraisals & Consultation
Know what you have, and what to do next.
Most owners of a collection want to know three things: what they have, how the market regards it today and what to do next. Alex offers clear, discreet guidance to collectors, families and institutions, drawing on more than three decades in philately and his work at Cherrystone Auctions.
No. 01Services
Guidance for every kind of collection.
02For families and executors
Estate and inheritance guidance
For families and executors who have inherited stamps. Alex explains what is there, what deserves care and how to proceed without pressure.
03For collectors, families and advisors
Formal and insurance appraisal
When a written appraisal is needed for insurance, an estate or a donation, Alex will advise on the right approach and who should prepare it.
04For sellers
Consignment through Cherrystone Auctions
When selling is the right path, Alex can guide a consignment through Cherrystone Auctions in New York, from first review to sale.
05For active collectors
Collection-building strategy
Advice on focus, condition, certificates and provenance for collectors building toward an exhibit, a specialty or a legacy.
06For museums, libraries and societies
Museum and institutional advisory
Exhibition concept and curation, collection interpretation and public programs, informed by Clash of Empires and the Smithsonian National Postal Museum.
No. 02Process
How a consultation unfolds.
Inquire
Send a short note about the collection, where it came from and what you hope to achieve.
Review
Share scans or an inventory by email. Alex reviews the material and asks any follow-up questions.
Recommendation
You receive a clear recommendation on next steps, whether that means keeping, building, appraising or selling.
No. 03What to send
Before the first conversation.
Scans and an inventory, sent by email, are enough to begin. Keep the material together, dry and just as you found it.
- Front and back scans of key stamps and covers
- Certificates of authenticity, such as from the Philatelic Foundation or PSE
- Provenance: where the material came from and any past sale records
- An inventory, or a count of albums, stock books and boxes
- Your purpose and timeline
No. 05Questions
Answered plainly.
Can you tell me what my stamps are worth?
Not from a single message or photo. Value depends on identification, condition, certificates and the market. After reviewing scans or an inventory, Alex can give a considered view.
Do I have to sell through Cherrystone?
No. Advice comes first. If consignment makes sense, Alex will explain how Cherrystone works. If another path suits you better, he will tell you.
I inherited a collection and know nothing about stamps. Where do I start?
Keep everything together, dry and as you found it. Do not remove stamps from pages or envelopes. Then send a few photos and a rough count of albums and boxes.
Do you provide written appraisals for insurance or estates?
Ask about your specific need. Alex will explain the options and who is best placed to prepare a formal appraisal.
Is there a fee?
It depends on the service. Alex will outline any fees before work begins.
Begin
Start with a short note and a few scans.
Most messages receive a reply within three business days.