Washingtons And Franklins

Beginner trying to learn about the many Washingtons and Franklins,which are rare and which common. Anything interesting here or just run of the mill? Thanks

Bigger scan will help....looks like no value, common. sorry.

To me, Wash-Franks are tricky to ID. I find this site helpful: http://www.1847usa.com/washfrankmain.htm

You should never say "of no value" because that simply just isn't true. The "value" of stamps is mostly in the enjoyment and the history as well as some actual rarities so, you see they are valuable indeed especially if you know where to look.

Would you please post a much larger image of them preferably on a black background and maybe we can tell you what the Scott number is? Thank you and welcome to the forum if I haven't yet said so!

I understand what you are saying....but when a newbie posts a scan, asks a question , they are asking about monetary value 99.99% of the time. Usually handed down to them looking to sell....not continue the collection.

MikeQ is right. Washington/Franklins are extremely difficult to identify. Books have been written on the subject. (Washington Franklin 1908-1921 by Martin A. Armstrong) Mike has the right website, but it is not easy to navigate. Try the home page...

http://www.1847usa.com/index.htm

...Then look in the lower right corner where it says "Washington Franklin Worksheets". Poke around down there and you will get familiar with it.

Watch out for fakes. And keep in mind that when trying to tell one type from another, a stamp may have characteristics of more than one type on it. I think insufficient cleaning of the plates during printing may have been the cause of this. That is why it is good to have as many different details to check on the stamp as possible.

This and the Identifier in front of the Scott Specialized Catalog (of which the 2013 can now be found on the internet cheap) should help you immensely.



Good Luck.


-IBFS

I understand but that was why I wrote what I did so he would understand what the value of collecting really is. I meant no disrespect whatsoever.

Thanks for the info everyone. Luckily I am a newbie with thick skin so all comments, assumptions are appreciated.
I have hundreds of the Washingtons and almost as many Franklins. I would like to use extras to finance filling holes in the album that was started in the late '20s. I certainly don't want to make a mistake in the process.So thanks again for all the info.

IMHO, I don't think that ILS meant any harm.

All stamps have a value, but, some are so cheap and so common that most collections have them and will never be worth a lot.

In so many words, maybe ILS meant - 'don't quit your day job and order a yacht'

Chimo

Bujutsu

I agree with ILS. He said nothing out of line.

StampRat,






When you get a little more experience under your belt, you might want to check the stamps that are already in the album too. I found a lot of incorrectly placed stamps in older albums that I have acquired, especially with early issues and more complex series like the W/F.

We all make identification mistakes.

Dan

Thanks D. Good idea.

Absolutely true, and I just went through an extensive WF collection. Unfortunately, what I have found is that the errors are usually stamps put in the higher "valued" sections. Occassionally I find one the other direction, but usually in the wrong direction. However, it sure keeps me busy! Keep looking ... there may be a beauty in there somewhere.

StampRat,the Washington/Franklin series is a facinating series to collect. I've been collecting/studying them for several years and they're as fun to collect and identify as they were in the beginning. At first, its seems like an insurmountable task; its a bit confusing learning the minor variations etc., but it does get better as you work them. Enjoy them and have fun, but do be mindful that there are many fakes for the more valuable varieties--especially the early coil issues. Lots of folks on this site that can help you when you have questions.