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In preparation for the big mail-out for our wedding invites, I’ve been hunting around for vintage stamps. I originally did not want to fork over the extra money for vintage stamps, but after spending so much time collaborating with Hammerpress on our invites, I did not want to slap on a cheesy stamp! The invites that Hammerpress worked so hard designing deserve so much more!

So I set out on the world wide web trying to find the perfect stamps for our invites. Luckily, I found some great resources. I first read about Champion Stamp Co. and trotted on over to their website. Start there. Their prices are high, but they have an invaluable PDF you can download that chronicles almost every single stamp that has ever existed in the USA. Download that, and start perusing. I also read that if you find a stamp you like, google the ID # and see what you can come up with. For example, “love stamp #1475″ in reference to the PDF from Champion Stamp Co. By googling this number, you’ll be directed to great ebay auctions and other stamp collectors who have those stamps available.

This is also how I found Dave Kaplan, whom I highly recommend. He had all the stamps that I wanted and worked with me to get them to a very reasonable price. They arrived today (lighting fast after I ordered them last Thursday) and they’re in great condition. His website is a little difficult to navigate, but just email him asking about ID #’s and he will respond shortly.

Above is a picture of the stamps I ordered. I just love them. The .29 LOVE with envelope stamp (#2618) will go on the return RSVP postcard and the others (Mississippi #1337 and Love #1951) will be combined on the main envelope together to make correct postage. Cannot wait to share the final look on the invite!