SC 306 Color Help

In the following image, would you say the top two are the color of original lilac, before issued in darker shades? I've added three of the 41 in my hoard for reference.

Thanks so much!

Colors on 100+ year old Stamps will not all be the same. Things like UV rays, age, soaking etc. will affect the colors.

I understand Just want to be certain of what color I call it in my database, for accuracy...Right now I have it as Deep Lilac, and in parenthesis (2 Lilac)...

Thanks for the reply!

I'm not sure which shade came first. My old Scott book has violet black, black, slate black and the 306a as gray lilac, and lavender. Here are 4 black ones of mine that were loose. I have some others including shades that are in binders and books. I can't tell you much more.

Hmmm, maybe I'll just wait and fiddle with them after I get through the hoard, hopefully by then I'll be a bit better at this.

Also, can you please, please tell me how you got your scan so fresh and clear? I have been messing with my scanner properties etc. but I can't figure out how to get the file smaller, yet still clear. I've been using the image optimizer, because my scans are still a bit too large.

Thanks so much!

I've given up on finding a scanner that works good enough. I use a 4 megapixel camera with a good lens. The data transfer to the computer is as fast as scanning and much better pics.

Of the four stamps, your best stamp of the four is the Upper right - centering and color wise; while the upper left and lower right are considered damaged.

The upper right has a bent bottom corner perf. To fix: dampen a Q-tip with clear water; apply the dampened Q-tip to bent perf for appx. 5 sec.; then take a stamp tongs and gently - very carefully open and flatten the bent perf to a flat position. Allow to dry. (a few minutes).

If this helps, 2010 Scott Specialized list these color shades: Violet Black, Black, Slate Black, Gray Lilac and Lavender for #306. If it lacks and violet/lavender tint, I suppose its a varying degree of black.

Awesome! Oh, quick question....where on the forum would I query the actual/online versions of Scott Catalogues?

I'm going to purchase soon, and have an iPad, but haven't decided on format.

Thanks again!

Johl has the following colors listed:
Pale Lavender, Lavender, Pale Greyish Purple, Greyish Purple, Black Purple, Violet Purple, Dark Violet Purple, Deep Slate and Slate Black.

Best,
Hal

These are the stamps that didn't make the cut. I like seeing the difference in shades. This camera I use makes a big difference in viewing the jpegs online and comparing differences.