There are some stamps that are issued with a label that is not valid for postage, but is usually collected with the postage stamp. A label can appear in the middle of a strip of three (two postage stamps with the label in the middle), or in many other combinations.
It appears to be common where collectors mount stamps with labels by using a hing on the label and attaching everything to the album page. The label is hinged, but the stamp(s) are not. The catalogs value the stamp(s) with the label.
When inventorying and/or selling such an item, I state that the label is hinged, but the stamps are not. I place a value/price on the item as if the entire item is hinged.
If a stamp(s) with simple, plain selvedge was mounted with a hinge on the selvedge and the stamp was not touched by the hinge, I would call the stamp never hinged.
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin 01 Apr 2015 10:26:49am
re: What Do You Think (Hinged / Never Hinged)?
I agree with your analysis. As long as the selvage is not, by definition of whatever catalog you are using, part of the stamp being valued, its condition is irrelevant to the value. However, like Michael, I do feel it incumbent upon myself to properly describe the condition of the selvage - after all, selvage is important to some collectors.
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"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. -Edmund Burke"
well done. Labels and tabs that influence the value of the stamp need to be defined as well. Selvage does not, unless it is part of the stamp as in minisheets, PNs, etc.
David
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"Save the USPS, buy stamps; save the hobby, use commemoratives"
Personally, if it was a gutter pair and the hinge was in the middle label, I would consider the entire offering as unused/hinged. You can qualify that the hinge in on the center label. But to me, that is different than a hinge on a side selvage that is unconnected to another stamp.