Levels Of Collecting

I was recently reading an old issue of El Quetzal and realized (once again) that there is a whole level of specialized collectors that dig through library and postal archives searching for arcane informaton about small varieties in certain issues. The article was by a guy who was cataloging all the varieties caused by the two different frame plates and various perferating machines used to produce some of Philb's favorite Guatemalan Waterlow issues. He was cataloging the difference between stamps perfed at 12.9 and 12.7 (caused when the new machine got older and worn out), etc.

I'm certainly not interested in getting to that level of collecting. How about you guys and gals?

Greg you probably mean the Englishman Kerry Kearton-Gee..i have personally sold him hundreds of the Waterlows at 25 cents each and I know members that have sold him thousands...can you imagine the easels that guy has of different platings. I met him at Washington 2006 ..some of the members are quite fanatical..and well heeled..if they want a rare piece they will buy it..take heart..there are also laid back members like ourselves .....mabe 3 or 4 !

To me that would be insane, not fun.
I am happy to deal with used and not used for now.

Sounds like someone has way too much time on their hands......

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who thinks those guys are a "little too involved."

I'm so laid back with my collecting, I don't even check perfs or watermarks. I'm not interested in the different varieties of the same stamp. As long as I have one copy, I'm happy.

Steve

I agree

I do check perfs when necessary to distiguish between different issues. I haven't yet learned how to detect watermarks.

Like you Trigg I'm always happy to have just one copy and it doesn't even have to be perfect.

Dianne

LaSwabbie:

I am about one-step below that level with my King George VI research... and I am getting there with the Costa Rica collection. I find it fun and exciting. I also have laid back collections like my U.S. Air Mail, Indonesia and cardiology... so I guess I am at different levels, depending upon the collection I am working on.

David

Sigh ! I guess my niche will always be intermediate collector..even though I love it..but then most golfers do not break a 100 for 18 holes and they still go out !!

I personally can't devote that much time and energy into my collection(s). I do however admire someone who takes the time, energy, and expense to go that indepth with their collection. Without the fanatics we wouldn't have as many books, catalogs, pamphlets, articles, seminars, slide shows, exhibits, museums, and just wealth of collecting knowledge available to us beginners, intermediates, advanced, and obsessed.

You're right Dude - they are important to the community even when fanatical, but sill . . .

David, I guess I just don't have the time, money or mental energy at this point in my life. Maybe when I retire?

Like Phil, I'll probably just be an intermediate collector at best.

I am another one of those laid back opportunistic type collectors. I don't ever see myself going that far above and beyond the call of duty for a stamp. But hey as it has been said in another thread every collection is as diverse as the collectors that make them. If some one is happy going a dropping a couple grand for a stamp...I'm happy for them, but as for myself that little 25 cent treasure I pick up at the flea market is just awesome with me.

Cim, correcto ! My wife has been working on computerized lists of stamps to take to Hartford..me the old bin picker does not have that problem...i just go snooping everywhere..i do like to get one decent stamp or cover when I go to a show..like a souvineer that seems to make the whole trip worthwhile !!

I also have a tendancy to pick the bargain bin and discount postage when at a show. I get the most bank for by buck. One person's trash is another collectors treasure.

I am also a laid back collector but LOVE to know what's out there and the different varieties--it's amazing how a slight difference in stamps can mean a difference in value--from cents to thousands! I appreciate the serious collectors because without them we wouldn't have that knowledge.
Thanks!
Gussyboy1

I'm compulsive about filling in the blanks in my album - those I can afford, anyway. I will normally pay up to 50% of Scott for a stamp depending on it's condition, but will pay much more if it allows me to fill in a page or complete a set.

For instance, I'm still looking for a decent used copy of Germany 584, a 60 cent stamp. Since I've been looking for several years, I'd pay two or three bucks for one now if that's what it took!