Hello everybody I've been a fellow philatelist for the past 35 plus years and finally joined this site after lurking for some time. My collecting interests are 19th, century US unused and used, Washington's and Franklin's, BOB and EFO's. Lately I've been focusing my attention on Washington's and Franklin's because I like the challenge of identifying the stamps myself and have the resources to do it.
Welcome aboard. 19th Century US is a fine pursuit. I collect there along with Australia and Great Britain, and lately Colonial British Africa. This past year I purchased US #1 and #2 which has been my most flagrant purchase to date. And I have been working on the Franklin and Washington's as well, bit by bit.
Thank you. It's not really all that hard. Here is a list of the references and tools that I use and own:
a) Scott Specialized Catalog of United States Stamps and Covers in conjunction with everything else that follows.
b) Sonic Imagery Labs: Precision U.S. Specialty Multi Gauge. This gauge is worth its weight in gold and has so many uses it isn't just a fancy perforation gauge.
c) The Scott Identification Guide To U.S. Stamps by Charles N. Micarelli. This book is worth more than its weight in gold it covers U.S. stamps from 1847 to 1934 not just Washingtons and Franklins and best of all it simplifies the information that is already in the catalog.
d) The Scott Specialized Color Guides For The United States Stamps
e) A good water mark fluid. If one can't be found Zippo or Ronsonol Cigarette Lighter fluid works great. It is what I use.
f) A good magnifying lope 10X or better.
g) A really good desk light with a bright white light bulb .
h) Lets not forget the Stanley Gibbons Color Gauge.
These are the tools and references I use most often believe me there are plenty more out there. Its just what works for me.
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bobgggg President Cortlandt Stamp Club 03 Feb 2017 05:35:34am
Welcome Sarge!
As Ernie said "anybody who identifies Washington - Franklins FOR FUN gets mad respect"
I don't work with the washing/Franklins too much anymore but another book I use is "The Experts Book" by Paul Schmid.
Thank you for your support it was my pleasure to serve. It's also my pleasure to share any knowledge I have. I was taught any knowledge not shared is knowledge lost.
Thank you for the tip on another publication Vince. I'll check it out during my next visit to Denver and the Rocky Mountain Philatelic Library; (RMPL).
Welcome Sarge. I too, identify W-F heads for fun... and all the other early U.S. stamps. I've a 50+ detailed reference library of U.S. philatelic reference books.
Having fun!
David in Ottawa, Canada
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"President, The Society for Costa Rica Collectors"
Most of the time you can determine the correct Scott number within 3 steps and in under 1 minute. There is a short video on how to use this 'process of elimination' tool on same page.
Don
I went and bought one of those USB microscopes. Indispensable for looking at W/F stamps when identifying plate differences, especially when I have a stack to verify! No more loop or magnifying glass for me except for a quick look-see! I'd recommend it!
Here's the model I bought which works well and has variable LED lighting, but I replaced the stand with a wooden dowel to give me more range so I can fit a whole stamp in the field of view.
I forgot to mention I have a 60x lighted microscope in my arsenal as well. That is a good tip for others to follow I'm on board with it. I just finished identifying about 375 WF's yesterday.I found some goodies the lot of 500 that I'm going through. I'm taking a break to eat some good food and watch the Super Bowl today.