Within the specific subset of collecting-in-general which is called philately, the twilight zone between exchange for one’s hobby (swapping) and professional trade is occupied by enthusiastic collectors who also act as dealers. This article seeks to describe and understand the informal economy of philatelic amateur trade via an economic anthropological perspective by studying particular cases of adult collectors in the Netherlands. It shows how the market can be critical in economically reproducing an endeavour without diluting its cultural ‘spirit’. A major question is: what distinguishes amateur trade in philately from the trading practices of professionals? The representations and praxis of philatelic amateur dealers gain relevance within the present-day context of many western societies: people now live longer, there are increasing instances of early retirement, and also a high proportion of unemployed people. Within this context - a conjunction between a cultural phenomenon which has long existed and the specific socio-economic conditions of today - amateur dealers create their own jobs and, in so doing, construct their own social identity.
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