Washington Franklin Roulettes

I've heard of different types of roulette perforations on Washington Franklins. I've been able to find some info on the Kansas City roulette, but not much else. Some of the other varieties I have seen named include "Cleveland roulette" and "Wilson roulette". Does anyone have more information on these?

How many varieties are there? Are they all considered "legit"? And how do you identify each?

Thanks for any help!

To me they are just another private perf and mostly amounts to people perfing their own imperfs

What philatelic societies do you belong to? I've seen a number of articles on this subject, including a multi-part series published by U.S.S.S. in the Specialist not too long ago (probably within the last 5 years.) Author was Kevin Lowther (sp?) All of the better-known roulettes like Kansas City & Wilson were covered, along with what's known (& what's not known) about the lesser-known roulettes like Cleveland, St. Louis, Chicago, Rodermond, Phillips, etc. It would probably answer most of your questions.

The Specialist is digitized, so if you're not already a member, the modest annual dues could easily be justified by the knowledge gained from this series :-)

Strilkb,

Thanks for the info. I'm only APS, but I've been seriously considering adding USSS and US Classical society. This is the second time USSS has been mentioned in regards to W-F specifics, so that will seal the deal for me.

lukusw, there are many excellent W-F articles in the Specialist archives & I suspect you will get tremendous value from your membership. Welcome in advance, new member! If you collect classic US, I'd also strongly recommend joining USPCS. Both USSS and USPCS are excellent organizations with top-rate publications.

LUKUSW - I strongly suggest Joining the USSS and the Wash-Franklin study group, it will be worth you time and money -- and a better investment than the APS, unless you use the APS circuits. At $52/yr for the APS versus $30 for the USSS+ what ever the add'l cost of joining the Wash-Franklin group is (I think $10 or $15) dollar-for-dollar, you will get more in return for your dues-investment-per-year in value in information from the USSS than from the APS -- GUARANTEED! Plus, you get no politics!! The USSS is a philatelic society that resides in the 21st Century and their publications are available digitally (and paper)! Technology wise, the APS is year's behind the USSS in philatelic thinking and actions.

http://www.usstamps.org/membership/

Hal

Pretty sure I'm dropping the APS this year. The USSS is a much better fit for my collecting interests. Always excellent articles, without all the fluff.

In regards to Roulettes, a few weeks back I went into the USSS digital archives and read that series by Kevin Lowther, very informative. I even contacted him by e-mail and we exchanged several e-mails on the subject.

The archives have over 60 years worth of articles and a search engine to narrow down your interests.

To add to what's been said, you really can't go wrong joining the USSS and US Classic Society. I've had e-mail exchanges with Kevin Lowther in the past and several with Gerald Nylander (W/F study group) since I'm mainly focused on the W/F series. There is a wealth of good articles on a good variety of issues available through the USSS data base. I'd also recommend considering subscribing to The American Stamp Dealer and Collector publication. There's many good articles in it. Better than the APS publication--in my opinion.

Golden recommendations. I just completed getting registered for USSS and can't wait to dive in :-) (also registered for US Classic Society, but there was a problem with the email verification link...so that one isn't ready to go yet)

I subscribe to the American stamp dealer and collector magazine and I feel it is a great publication. I read about 90% of the magazines monthly. And if you subscribe to the e-magazine you get 4-5 years of back issues electronically.

I don't know about the other roulettes, but the Kansas City roulette is in the Scott Catalogue and with a valuation. The KC roulettes were rouletted by the postmaster with the approval of the Post Office Department.

kcaramat, Al E. Gator, et ux,

I just signed up for a USSS membership. It sounds like it will reflect exactly what I am looking for. Thank you.

Jack Kelley

Welcome aboard Jack and others. You're going to wonder why it took you so long to find it ?