US 70B?

I'm about ready to pay for this auction I won earlier today. I realize that the 24c 1861-66 stamp(s) are about the most confusing issue in US Philately when it comes to color ID, but again, for the price I'm paying, if it doesn't end up being a 70b, it's really not a crime.

Here is the ebay link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...TRK:MEWNX:IT

Here is a picture of the stamps, with the stamp on the right being called a 70b. Most of the 70b's I've seen are a darker color so this may be a faded copy, and again I realize the lilac/violet/etc. color of this issue is notorious for color fading.



Can anyone give me an opinion as to whether it could really be a 70b?
If so, this was a steel (blue)!

Thanks, Ray

If you can hold for a day or two I will post scans of the Roy White color guide, but even it is sketchy about the 1861 A29's. Not only are the normal color changelings a problem, but the large number of purposefully altered stamps has made it a nightmare problem. The only reason I have to asked you to wait is my scanner took a dump on me last Thursday and I will not have a new one in house until my Fed-x delivery sometime Monday afternoon.
Ron

Thanks Ron--
Either way, there are a couple of nice colors here, and the $52 I spent for the two of them, if they're sound (and the seller specified that they were sound), pretty good price no matter which of the 70/78's they would be.

I'll probably submit at least the bluer one to BW for a cert when I receive, but if you could look @ White's for me, that would be great.

Appreciate the help-- Ray

whether it is or not I can't say but for what you paid nice score!

Ray
As you can see I have my new scanner up and running. Here are the scans of the White's as you an see this issue is just a little crazy.
Ron
















Also, do not forget about the thin paper varieties
Ron

Here is my stab at it from reading the above examples. 70d greyish-lilac & 70b steel blue. close?

All Steel Blue copies should be accompanied by a certificate.

Well, I guess it is now time to stir the pot just a bit.













The last two scans are stamps were altered and the results. Also, having a #70 certified, I have seen ones that look like the chemically altered brown lilac come back with a clean cirt. And others that I thought for sure were steel blue come back as dark gray?????????

Thanks again, guys-- Ron, it really would help to have at least Volumes I and II of White's.....

I realize that 70b or 70d should have a cert, but again, I paid $52. If it doesn't turn out, and both stamps are sound, I still will have paid less than 10% of cat for whatever it turns out to be. I see this one as a "no brainer" and a low risk purchase, right or wrong.

Thanks again-- Ray

<- I think I'd spring for the cert on that one.
Question though? Is there an absolute way to nail them down or would you get varying opinions if you were to hypothetically send it to multiple graders?

Ray
You got one heck of a good deal on them so if you did send them out for cirt you would still be money ahead. And, no mater which they came back you would be increasing the resale value of doth. About getting differing calls on the color, of course sending them to BW would be where I would send them for a full certification. I would also send them to PSE and APS but only for their identification service. This way it would cost less and be quicker. How many times do you need someone pointing out the same faults when you are only after the call on the color.
About the White guides, I say if can find any for sale and the price doesn't give you heartburn, they could be the best stamp investment you might ever make. Within the first two months of me receiving mine they have paid for themselves many times over. A couple of examples, I was calling a stamp mint og #65 bright red brown, but in fact it is a dead ringer for a #66 red lake, that's a difference of $2K in Scott. Another one was a 63 off shade blue, guess what? It is a dead on light ultramarine that's another $1500.00. Lastly, I just picked up a 67 buff that was being sold in a major auction house. When I looked at it I knew it was a darker shade of yellow brown. Only a few hundred dollars in Scott but a much more desirable stamp.
Of course the other huge benefit is you are looking at high quality photographs of actual stamps, not just some color chip. For me, not only is it much easer and quicker, but I have a much higher level confidence when calling colors.
Ron

Ron,

You keep stirring the pot, what kind of cook are you and what are you cooking?

FYI, the 3 volume set of books "Encyclopedia Of The Colors Of United States Postage Stamps" by R.H. White is on ebay for $800.00

BTW, have you been following the spat between BW & KL on VSC?

art.. that is a continuous thing and not that big a deal any more.

Actually, I make a dog-on-good chili Colorado and a pablano chili soup that is to die for.

A three volume set for $800.00 is a way good deal, is that a buy-now or auction? From what I have seen that set usually sells for a grand and the four volume $1200.00 to $1300.00 and I saw a new set on Amazon for $1700.00. I wish I had the fourth volume, it is the one that has all the paper samples.

Who's name is BW and KL taking in vain? Or are they simply at each others throat again? What thread is it and I will check it out. I must admit that is one reason I do not contribute more there. Just way to many personalities and the bickering just gets in the way of the other good things that go on there.

stampvirgin,

I haven't been there for months. I guess I forgot how bad it gets over there. That was why I came over here to begin with & still glad I did.

I think they deleted the thread...

Ron,

That was a buy now price. I thought it was a good price too. Too bad I already spent my budget x 2 this month!

FYI, guys, I'll be sending them in for certs-- I've become a decent BW customer-- although if anyone remembers the 209b I posted awhile back, I'm still a little mystified on that one......Ray