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General Philatelic/Supplies, Literature & Software : U.S. Wash/Frank ID Handbook?

 

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Postings
Larryc3a
Members Picture


27 Oct 2009
08:26:51pm
Does anyone publish a guide to the U.S. Washington & Franklin stamps? I know about those in the front of the catalogs but I'm interested in something like a botanist's guide; you know, if it has THIS characteristic go to x. The stuff I've seen presume I already know the series or year-group and, to me, is arranged haphazardly for us newbies.
Larry
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Harley

28 Oct 2009
12:24:23am
re: U.S. Wash/Frank ID Handbook?

Larry,
There are countless books,catalogues,opinionated pamphlets and books,and numerous articles on the Washington/Franklin stamp series.
Depending on just how involved you wish to become will determine which and what you want to acquire as reading material and research tools.

My experience ,as a newbe, you start with the basic Scotts U.S. Specialized catalogue.

Pick the type of stamp,printing method,paper type,watermark,or error types you wish to investigate and follow that process to fruition,then move to the next area.
Trying to do all of it at once will leave you frustrated.

For info on whats out there, check with APS and their APRL-- Library. I'm sure they can supply you with a list of available material for just about anything you desire((stamp related)).
If it's as coil,,try the PNC3 site.

Suggest you invest in a method for enlargement viewing.That way you wont ruin your eyesight trying to figure (look for) the minute detail differences that make those W/F stamps a different catalogue number. (20 or 30 different numbers for the same looking stamp).

Try a cam corder with auto focus,zoom lense.(or feature).Hook it up to your computer monitor or a fair size TV screen.You cam veiw the stamp as a 12 X 16 inch ,or larger, image. Much better than a hand held magnifying glass.
Yes,,you can scan and transfer to your computer,but it wont refocus when you enlarge/resize(compress) for viewing,it will be distorted.
Sorry computer guys.It's OK for just looking at a stamp,but looking for fine details and counting dots of ink and all those little differences in the W/F series it isnt as accurate.

Good luck with W/F stamps Larry.

TOM

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amsd
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Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads

28 Oct 2009
09:44:39am

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re: U.S. Wash/Frank ID Handbook?

Larry,

first, you are right, Scott's approach to WFs, and much else, makes IDing more difficult. However, there is a section in the front of the catalogue that lists each definitive by design number A40, for instance, and then lists by denomination, perf, and other characteristics. so if you know your design, denomination, and characterstics, you can write down the catalogue numbers and begin the process of culling. That's how i do it, when I do it, which I mostly don't, having long ago ruined both my eyes and patience on such things.

There are many web-based sites that do far more and better IDing: try for instance, usa1847 and http://www.jamesdire.net/W-F.html. both are much better starting points.

Most importantly, they show the standard AND the deviation, whereas Scott merely points out the distinguishing features (and not very well at that) but leaves you scratching your head if you don't already know the stamp against which they are contrasting.

I believe we philatelists need to come up with a version of the serenity prayer when confronted with the WFAs.

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"Save the USPS, buy stamps; save the hobby, use commemoratives"

juicyheads.com/link.php?PLJZJP
Parkinlot
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Immediate Past President - West Essex Philatelic Society www.wepsonline.org

28 Oct 2009
09:55:00am
re: U.S. Wash/Frank ID Handbook?

Here is a pretty good website that may help you out...

http://www.1847usa.com/washfrank/washfrankmain.htm

Bob

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"APS - AFDCS - GBCC - USSS - SCC - IPDA"

www.hipstamp.com/store/parkinlot-stamps-collectibles
Larryc3a
Members Picture


28 Oct 2009
11:59:26am
re: U.S. Wash/Frank ID Handbook?

Everyone on this forum has been great. I really appreciate all the help. I'm having a great time learning and you all are a big reason why.
Larry

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Bobstamp
Members Picture


28 Oct 2009
12:28:32pm
re: U.S. Wash/Frank ID Handbook?

I can identify with Envelopeplease! Several years ago the Washington/Franklins drove me around the philatelic bend, as I tried to identify stamps to place in the correct spots in my U.S. Lighthouse album. And I didn't even like them very much, so it didn't make a lot of sense to buy them! I've scarcely touched that album since then. I've even thought about selling that collection, although there are some very nice stamps that I would miss.

A well-known dealer once told me that she doesn't even attempt to ID the W/Fs.

I think that it takes a special kind of patience to get into philately at the depth the W/Fs require, and I have never been noted for my patience!

Bob Ingraham

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www.ephemeraltreasures.net
amsd
Members Picture


Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads

28 Oct 2009
01:11:04pm

Auctions
re: U.S. Wash/Frank ID Handbook?

here here Bob:

patience, and concentration, and good eyes, perf guage, curiosity enough to kill a cat nine times over, and absolutely no time constraints nor fear of failure.

i think it a minefield for a young philatelist to cut his teeth; on the other hand, master this and there's nothing they can throw at you that will cause you to even blink

Like
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this post

"Save the USPS, buy stamps; save the hobby, use commemoratives"

juicyheads.com/link.php?PLJZJP
Sponthetrona2
Members Picture


Keep Postal systems alive, buy stamps and mail often

28 Oct 2009
08:33:30pm
re: U.S. Wash/Frank ID Handbook?

Part of the reason some of these issues have value is they are DIFFICULT to identify, however, that's the fun of stamp collecting. If you find a box full of these issues take the time required to check each and every one .... it may be worth the effort! Definitives rule! Perry

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Larryc3a
Members Picture


28 Oct 2009
11:19:34pm
re: U.S. Wash/Frank ID Handbook?

I'm looking forward to the challenge.
Larry

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Author/Postings
Members Picture
Larryc3a

27 Oct 2009
08:26:51pm

Does anyone publish a guide to the U.S. Washington & Franklin stamps? I know about those in the front of the catalogs but I'm interested in something like a botanist's guide; you know, if it has THIS characteristic go to x. The stuff I've seen presume I already know the series or year-group and, to me, is arranged haphazardly for us newbies.
Larry

Like
Login to Like
this post
Harley

28 Oct 2009
12:24:23am

re: U.S. Wash/Frank ID Handbook?

Larry,
There are countless books,catalogues,opinionated pamphlets and books,and numerous articles on the Washington/Franklin stamp series.
Depending on just how involved you wish to become will determine which and what you want to acquire as reading material and research tools.

My experience ,as a newbe, you start with the basic Scotts U.S. Specialized catalogue.

Pick the type of stamp,printing method,paper type,watermark,or error types you wish to investigate and follow that process to fruition,then move to the next area.
Trying to do all of it at once will leave you frustrated.

For info on whats out there, check with APS and their APRL-- Library. I'm sure they can supply you with a list of available material for just about anything you desire((stamp related)).
If it's as coil,,try the PNC3 site.

Suggest you invest in a method for enlargement viewing.That way you wont ruin your eyesight trying to figure (look for) the minute detail differences that make those W/F stamps a different catalogue number. (20 or 30 different numbers for the same looking stamp).

Try a cam corder with auto focus,zoom lense.(or feature).Hook it up to your computer monitor or a fair size TV screen.You cam veiw the stamp as a 12 X 16 inch ,or larger, image. Much better than a hand held magnifying glass.
Yes,,you can scan and transfer to your computer,but it wont refocus when you enlarge/resize(compress) for viewing,it will be distorted.
Sorry computer guys.It's OK for just looking at a stamp,but looking for fine details and counting dots of ink and all those little differences in the W/F series it isnt as accurate.

Good luck with W/F stamps Larry.

TOM

Like
Login to Like
this post
Members Picture
amsd

Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads
28 Oct 2009
09:44:39am

Auctions

re: U.S. Wash/Frank ID Handbook?

Larry,

first, you are right, Scott's approach to WFs, and much else, makes IDing more difficult. However, there is a section in the front of the catalogue that lists each definitive by design number A40, for instance, and then lists by denomination, perf, and other characteristics. so if you know your design, denomination, and characterstics, you can write down the catalogue numbers and begin the process of culling. That's how i do it, when I do it, which I mostly don't, having long ago ruined both my eyes and patience on such things.

There are many web-based sites that do far more and better IDing: try for instance, usa1847 and http://www.jamesdire.net/W-F.html. both are much better starting points.

Most importantly, they show the standard AND the deviation, whereas Scott merely points out the distinguishing features (and not very well at that) but leaves you scratching your head if you don't already know the stamp against which they are contrasting.

I believe we philatelists need to come up with a version of the serenity prayer when confronted with the WFAs.

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Save the USPS, buy stamps; save the hobby, use commemoratives"

juicyheads.com/link. ...

Immediate Past President - West Essex Philatelic Society www.wepsonline.org
28 Oct 2009
09:55:00am

re: U.S. Wash/Frank ID Handbook?

Here is a pretty good website that may help you out...

http://www.1847usa.com/washfrank/washfrankmain.htm

Bob

Like
Login to Like
this post

"APS - AFDCS - GBCC - USSS - SCC - IPDA"

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
Members Picture
Larryc3a

28 Oct 2009
11:59:26am

re: U.S. Wash/Frank ID Handbook?

Everyone on this forum has been great. I really appreciate all the help. I'm having a great time learning and you all are a big reason why.
Larry

Like
Login to Like
this post
Members Picture
Bobstamp

28 Oct 2009
12:28:32pm

re: U.S. Wash/Frank ID Handbook?

I can identify with Envelopeplease! Several years ago the Washington/Franklins drove me around the philatelic bend, as I tried to identify stamps to place in the correct spots in my U.S. Lighthouse album. And I didn't even like them very much, so it didn't make a lot of sense to buy them! I've scarcely touched that album since then. I've even thought about selling that collection, although there are some very nice stamps that I would miss.

A well-known dealer once told me that she doesn't even attempt to ID the W/Fs.

I think that it takes a special kind of patience to get into philately at the depth the W/Fs require, and I have never been noted for my patience!

Bob Ingraham

Like
Login to Like
this post

www.ephemeraltreasur ...
Members Picture
amsd

Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads
28 Oct 2009
01:11:04pm

Auctions

re: U.S. Wash/Frank ID Handbook?

here here Bob:

patience, and concentration, and good eyes, perf guage, curiosity enough to kill a cat nine times over, and absolutely no time constraints nor fear of failure.

i think it a minefield for a young philatelist to cut his teeth; on the other hand, master this and there's nothing they can throw at you that will cause you to even blink

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Save the USPS, buy stamps; save the hobby, use commemoratives"

juicyheads.com/link. ...
Members Picture
Sponthetrona2

Keep Postal systems alive, buy stamps and mail often
28 Oct 2009
08:33:30pm

re: U.S. Wash/Frank ID Handbook?

Part of the reason some of these issues have value is they are DIFFICULT to identify, however, that's the fun of stamp collecting. If you find a box full of these issues take the time required to check each and every one .... it may be worth the effort! Definitives rule! Perry

Like
Login to Like
this post
Members Picture
Larryc3a

28 Oct 2009
11:19:34pm

re: U.S. Wash/Frank ID Handbook?

I'm looking forward to the challenge.
Larry

Like
Login to Like
this post
        

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