Intro And 1847 Colors

Hello I would like to introduce myself; I am the son of a "freaks and errors" dealer and started stamp collecting around 8-9 years old. At 11-12 years I quickly developed a fascination with the USA 1847 issue and bought my first #1 MS cancel with thins in relatively poor condition for about $45.00, I still have it today, sentimental I guess. My interest in collecting has come and gone over the years depending on my financial status at the time. Still I managed to accumulate a modest collection of #1's (mostly) and #2's. Over the last year or so my interest in collecting more copies if the 1847 issue has peaked again.

Now my dilemma, I am confident in determining if an 1847 stamp is genuine or not but I'm not as confident with some of the color shades. I have many reference copies of the various (1) red-brown shades some with PFC's, own only one (1b) orange-brown with PFC, have a couple of confirmed (1a) dark-brown's, but I not sure how to determine (1d) brown-orange without a PFC or red-orange, seal-brown, blackish-brown, and so on.

What I am looking for is a color guide for the 1847 issue.

Is there one?

What is the best one for this issue?

Where do I purchase it?

I know most collectors will recommend buying only stamps with certificates but there are many #1's out there without certificates that are genuine, but I would like to learn how to determine and identify the proper shade for myself before bringing the stamp to the Philatelic Society for final certification.

HELP!

Hi Andy... and welcome to the forum:




Any chance that your dad lives in beautiful Buchanan New York ?

Maybe this will help:

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

Yes! that's him! do I know you bobgggg?

Thanks for the link, I've checked it out before, I'm looking for a color reference gage to compare side by side with the stamp. Scott's make one for 1851 - 19## issues, but not 1847 color shades.

Your dad is the President of our stampclub, I drove him home once or twice. Small world

If you scroll down the link, Andy, you will find some reference
books on the subject, which may help

Welcome Andy. Can't wait to see some of your collection. I would love to own a #1 or #2, I guess I should actively search them out. I guess I assueme they would all be out of my price range.

Thanks stamperdude! when I learn my way around the forum I'll posts some pics.

Welcome to the forum, Andy!

David

Thanks David, please spread the word concerning this post. Hope to find a color chart,

Welcome to the forum Andy1847!

Have you seen these articles by Calvet M. Hahn?

1847 Issue - Reexamining the Colors

Part 1,2,3,4,5,6

Yes, read these articles, I will read again. Pictures are tough to use as true references and most of the pictures in these articles are of poor quality. There must be a technique that experts use to detect the subtle red, orange, brown, and olive hues used in the ink while filtering out oxidation and the chemical changes associated with those inks due to age. I guess I am hoping for a "color wheel" to help identify a true color shades to cut down the percentage of error when buying examples at auction or at stamp shows without PF certificates and eventually obtaining a certificate for those stamps at my convenience. I am not trying to shortcut experience and expertise but every expert was once a rookie. I see the obvious hues but need training or a crutch to recognize the other more obscure ones. I wish I could find an expert who could spend some time with me and pass on some knowledge.

Has anyone used this color guide, (see link) does it have the different shades for #1: http://www.subwaystamp.com/prodinfo...er=ZGKCOLTCG

1 Red-brown, pale-brown, brown
1a dark-brown, grayish-brown, blackish-brown
1b orange-brown
1c red-orange
1d brown-orange

also posted this as new topic (link) https://goscf.com/t/6295

Welcome Andy1847

Good luck in your search and let me know if you find anything that works. When I get more organized in my collection I will no doubt need a color guide also.

Dianne